Depression Included in Medical Agenda

Depression Included in Medical Agenda

Author: Jose A. de la Osa
June 28, 2009

A CubaNews translation.
Edited by Walter Lippmann.

Depression, an emotional disorder which is significantly growing in the world, was included in the scientific agenda of the 8th International Symposium on Biological Aspects of Mental Disorder celebrated in this capital with the participation of delegates from ten different countries.

Professor Ana Sarracent, chairperson of this event, told Granma that depression is caused by biological, psychological and social factors. Nowadays it represents 50% of all psychiatric consultations in a great number of countries.

Its medical and social importance is due to the fact that this disorder is the cause of suicides and suicide attempts at all ages.

During the Symposium Dr. Sarracent presided the session dedicated to “Suicide:  beyond violence” because this behavior is the most frequent complication of this disorder.

This specialist, presently at the Calixto Garcia University Hospital of Havana, cautions that a depressed mood persisting during weeks, loss of interest in all activities, personality changes, crying, insomnia, withdrawal, excessive helplessness or guilt, lack of attention or appetite, and recurring death thoughts  are all symptoms that require medical attention.

The symposium agenda also included sleep and eating disorders; sexual dysfunction; violence, pregnancy and breastfeeding; genetic and mental disorders and other non-pharmacological biological therapies like floral and bio-energetic therapies.