Anxiety and Depression in the Adult Population: Public Health Impacts and Prevention Strategies
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21776161Palavras-chave:
Anxiety, Depression, Mental Health, Prevention, Public HealthResumo
Anxiety and depression represent major public health challenges due to their high prevalence, significant impact on quality of life, and association with social, economic, and healthcare consequences. These mental health conditions affect individuals across different contexts and are influenced by biological, psychological, social, and environmental factors. This academic essay discusses anxiety and depression among adults from a public health perspective, emphasizing their consequences for individuals, communities, and healthcare systems. The discussion analyzes theoretical foundations of common mental disorders, examines their effects on functional capacity, social participation, and health service utilization, and explores prevention strategies based on health promotion, early identification, psychosocial interventions, and integrated healthcare approaches. The essay argues that reducing the burden of anxiety and depression requires comprehensive public health responses involving primary healthcare strengthening, reduction of stigma, improvement of accessibility, and development of preventive policies addressing social determinants of mental health.
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