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A New Method for Inducing a Depression-Like Behavior in Rats
Published on: February 22, 2018
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[Existential youth depressions]
U O Popovich1, A G Alekseeva1, E V Gedevani1
1Mental Health Research Center, Moscow, Russia.
Zhurnal Nevrologii I Psikhiatrii Imeni S.S. Korsakova
|December 21, 2023
Summary
Existential depression in youth is heterogeneous, often linked to psychogenic factors and characterized by profound feelings of meaninglessness. This condition presents a significant risk for suicidal ideation and self-neglect.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
Context:
- Existential depression, a distinct form of mood disorder, affects adolescents and young adults.
- Characterized by themes of meaninglessness, low self-worth, and societal imperfection.
Purpose:
- To delineate the clinical and psychopathological characteristics of existential depression in young males.
- To identify subtypes and associated risk factors.
Summary:
- A study of 53 male patients (16-25 years) revealed core symptoms of existential depression including overvalued ideas of meaninglessness, self-abasement, and societal flaws.
- Suicidal thoughts and intentions were present in 79.2% of cases.
- Three subtypes were identified: meaninglessness-focused (39.6%), neurotic religiosity-focused (28.3%), and existential philosophical interpretation-focused (32.1%).
Impact:
- Findings highlight the heterogeneity of existential depression and the significant role of psychogenic factors.
- The study underscores a high suicidal risk associated with this condition.
- Recognizing these features is crucial for targeted therapeutic interventions in at-risk youth.
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