Keywords
Nursing
Mental Health
Therapeutics
Nursing Care
How to Cite
Abstract
Depression is a prevalent and heterogeneous mental disorder, considered a leading cause of global disability, with a significant impact on individual suffering, clinical comorbidities, and suicide risk. It is characterized by persistent sadness, anhedonia, and cognitive, behavioral, and somatic symptoms that impair daily activities. It has a multifactorial origin involving genetic predisposition, neurochemical alterations, and psychosocial factors. This literature review, conducted in databases such as PubMed, CINAHL, and Google Scholar (2019-2024), identified evidence that reinforces the need to recognize specific subtypes, such as Major Depressive Disorder, Dysthymia, Postpartum Depression, Seasonal Depression, Depression with Psychotic Features, and Treatment-Resistant Depression, each with clinical and therapeutic particularities. Effective management requires a multimodal and individualized approach, including pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy, neuromodulation techniques, and lifestyle modifications. It is concluded that nursing practice must be supported by ongoing education and the development of specific protocols to consolidate evidence-based care, focusing on comprehensive patient care.
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