Prognosis of children and adolescents submitted to early diagnosis of depression

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Depression is a mental illness that can be explained by both genetic and organic factors and affects not only adults but also children and adolescents. Due to the severity of this disease and its impact on the social and professional life of the individual, it is necessary to have more accurate diagnoses at the beginning. METHODOLOGY: The present study is an exploratory integrative literature review. A total of 76 articles were surveyed, of which 56 were excluded and 20 were included. The articles were identified using the Bireme, Ebsco, Google Scholar, Pubmed, and Scielo databases. RESULTS: The 20 articles included discuss the severity of depression and the association with other mental illnesses, such as ADHD, borderline, bipolar, and addictions. DISCUSSION: Through literary reviews and articles produced between 2012 and 2022, it was possible to analyze that depression is a psychiatric illness associated with other diseases and often confused with ADHD in childhood. In addition, the role of the family in the treatment of the disease was analyzed, as well as its relationship with addictions and phobias. CONCLUSION: It was demonstrated that childhood depressive disorder, anxiety, and phobias, when perceived early, are likely to predict the improvement of mental status in adulthood.