Abstract

UNDERSTANDING DEPRESSION: A REVIEW OF ITS PATHOPHYSIOLOGY, AND DIAGNOSIS-REVIEW ARTICLE

Reem Mahmoud Nashar*, Homoud Awade Al Shammari, Nahid Ahmad Lamfon,
Mshaweh Mohammed Alshammry, Wael Hassan Ali Alrammaal and Abdulaziz Ahmad Alrashidi

ABSTRACT

Background: Unipolar depressive disorder significantly impacts adolescents, with an estimated annual prevalence of 4–5% during mid to late adolescence. It is a leading risk factor for suicide and is associated with substantial social and educational disruptions. Aim: This review aims to analyze the pathophysiology and diagnosis of depression in adolescents, emphasizing its epidemiology, clinical outcomes, and underlying mechanisms. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted, focusing on studies related to adolescent depression, its clinical features, epidemiological data, and the interaction of genetic, psychosocial, and environmental risk factors. Results: Findings indicate that depression prevalence rises duringadolescence, with notable gender differences emerging post-puberty, primarily affecting girls. Approximately 60% to 90% of depressive episodes remit within a year, but a significant portion of affected individuals experience recurrent episodes. Risk factors include inherited traits, early-life adversities, stressful life events, and gene-environment interactions. Conclusion: The complexity of adolescent depression necessitates a multidimensional approach to understanding its pathophysiology and improving diagnosis and treatment. Recognizing its early onset can mitigate long-term psychosocial and health repercussions.

Keywords: Adolescent depression, pathophysiology, epidemiology, diagnosis, risk factors, suicide.