[Early intervention and treatment of depressive and manic states among university students]

Early intervention and treatment of manic and depressive states at university mental health service are described. Frequency of depression among the population of university students is about 0.1-0.2% and has increased during the last 10 years. The diagnoses of depressive states according to DSM-III-R are as follows; adjustment disorder with depressed mood (50%), major depression (20-30%), dysthymia (20%), and bipolar disorder (5-8%). Some plans for early intervention are discussed, including screening and consultation from the teaching staff and parents. Concerning treatment, it is important to support their academic problems caused by their mental disorders in close cooperation with their parents and their teaching staff.