Depression affects 5% of the world population, says study; see the symptoms

Depression affects millions of people worldwide and is curable (Credit: Pixabay)

Depression affects 5% of the world population, according to a scientific article published in The Lancet magazine produced by the World Psychiatric Association Commission, which has 25 specialists from 11 countries, including Brazil. The researchers advocate a change in the pattern of fighting the disease and a joint work between governments, scientists and health workers.

Socioeconomically developed countries have half the depressive population without diagnoses or treatments, a number that increases between 80% and 90% in low- and middle-income nations, such as Brazil. The result, according to the scientists, reflects failures and omissions in public health policies.

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“Depression is a global health crisis that requires responses on multiple levels. Investing in depression reduction will give millions of people the chance to become healthier, happier and more productive members of society, help strengthen economies and advance the United Nations’ sustainable development goals.” stated Commission Chair Helen Herrman of the University of Melbourne, Australia.

“Effective psychosocial and medical treatments are difficult to access, while high levels of stigma still prevent many people, including the high proportion of adolescents and young people at risk for or experiencing depression, from seeking the help they need to lead healthy and productive lives,” he wrote. Christian Kieling, co-chair of the Commission and professor at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), in a statement.

Depression is a chronic psychiatric illness characterized by a strong feeling of hopelessness. Identifying the symptoms and seeking medical help is essential to the treatment of the disease, which has a cure. It is also important to distinguish pathological sadness from that caused by everyday situations, such as grief or the loss of a job, for example.

Depression is caused by a biochemical dysfunction in the brain, by genetic influence or social contexts and can surface with triggers such as trauma, physical and psychological stress, systemic diseases, drug consumption and even medication.

People with depression can seek help at the Life Appreciation Center (CVV) 24 hours a day by calling 188.

Here are the symptoms of depression:

– Change in libido;
– Low self-esteem;
– Involuntary weight change (gain or loss);
– Sleep disorder: insomnia or excessive sleepiness;
– Fatigue, loss of energy and lack of will;
– Psychomotor problems: apathy or agitation;
– Difficulty concentrating;
– Hormonal dysfunction;
– Irritability;
– Body and headache pain;
– Excessive guilt and sadness;
– Suicidal thoughts.