Depression is the leading cause of disability and the second cause of loss of years of life healthy between 107 and diseases of the most relevant health problems. The personal and social costs of the disease are very high.

One in four people around the world suffer, suffered or will suffer from depression. One in five users of Portuguese primary care is depressed at the time of consultation.

Depression is a mental illness that is characterized by marked and prolonged sadness, loss of interest in activities usually perceived as pleasant and loss of energy or tiredness.

In about 20 percent of cases it becomes a chronic unremitting disease. These cases are due mainly to the lack of adequate treatment.

• Appetite change (lack or excess of appetite);
• Sleep disorders (insomnia or drowsiness);
• Fatigue, tiredness and loss of energy;
• Feelings of worthlessness, lack of confidence and self-esteem, feelings of guilt and feelings of inadequacy;
• Lack or concentration changes;
• Concern about the meaning of life and death;
• Indifference, apathy and sadness;
• Changes in sexual desire;
• Irritability;
• Manifestation of physical symptoms such as muscle pain, abdominal pain, nausea.

• Usually through the use of medication, psychotherapeutic interventions, or both.
• Psychotherapeutic interventions are particularly useful as either individual or group therapies.