Depression as a biopsychosocial problem

Abstract

The article discusses the role of biological and psychological adaptive and compensatory mechanisms in the aetiology and pathogenesis of affective disorders, the relationship between the genetic characteristics of an individual, which determine vulnerability, and epigenetic mechanisms dependent on external psychosocial influences. The role of psychological factors disrupted the consistency of mental functions and the preservation of individuality that determines the psychogenesis of the disease both at the borderline and at the psychotic level is indicated. The psychoprophylactic and therapeutic role of psychotherapy is substantiated with an analysis of its influence both on the biological parameters of the brain and on the psychological characteristics of an individual, including an assessment of the quality of life. A comprehensive biopsychosocial approach to a spectrum of affective disorders makes a significant contribution to the development of personalized person-centered medicine, considering the phenomenological characteristics of the disease, as well as the psychological characteristics of patients and the nature of their social adaptation, which increases the effectiveness of treatment and rehabilitation of mentally ill patients.