Depresija v času pandemije Covid-19 s poudarkom na otrocih in mladostnikih

Abstract

Depression is a common, serious, chronic and recurring mental health condition associated with
reduced quality of life and impaired functioning, as well as increased morbidity and mortality. The
prevalence of depressive disorder in adults is estimated at 4.7%, with an annual incidence of 3.0%.
Its prevalence is twice as high in women as in men. In children, depression occurs with a prevalence
of 1 to 2% before puberty and is equally common in girls and boys. During adolescence, depression
affects 5% of the population, twice as many girls as boys.
For a diagnosis of major depressive disorder, at least five characteristic symptoms must be present
for at least two weeks in a row, are present for most of the day, and significantly affect functioning.
At least one of the following two symptoms must also be present: depressed mood (feelings of sadness
or emptiness, or irritability in children and adolescents), and a significant reduction in interest or
pleasure in almost all activities (anhedonia).
In 2019, the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes the disease known as 'COVID-19', first appeared in
Wuhan, China. When the number of reported cases of this disease worldwide exceeded 7 million,
the World Health Organization declared a global pandemic. In an attempt to curb the spread of the
virus, government organisations around the world have ordered citizens to stay home and banned
travel. In patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection, depression can arise due to direct viral infection of
the brain or as a result of the indirect immune response that triggers inflammation, which is the
result of the cytokine storm. The pandemic and the strict social isolation that it has caused have
led to significant changes in social, work and leisure activities that have had a profound impact on mental health. Studies have shown increased incidence of mental health disorders during the SARS-CoV-2
infection, particularly depression and anxiety.
Fear of the disease, the measures introduced: social distancing, school closures, intensive hygiene
measures, have caused concern, feelings of helplessness and fear, which can generally lead to the
development of mental health problems, including depressive disorders. Numerous studies have shown
an increase in mental health issues, as well as increased demand for services for children and young
people's mental health during the time of the pandemic