In recent years, the incidence of student depression has gradually increased, and this phenomenon has attracted widespread attention. As a common mental health problem, student depression not only has a negative impact on individuals, but can also threaten their academic and future development.
In late September 2022, a first-year college student came to the Psychological Diagnosis and Treatment Department of Xiangtan Central Hospital accompanied by his mother because he was depressed for three years, unable to go to school for one year, and sensitive and suspicious for nearly three months.
During communication, the patient appears to be conscious but reticent, nodding, shaking his head, or replying to the doctor's questioning. The patient admits to having symptoms such as hearing out of thin air, sensitivity and suspicion, as well as poor mood, chest tightness and poor sleep at night. The mother reported that the patient began to feel depressed since the first year of high school in 2019, was unwilling to communicate with others, and even had conflicts with roommates, although she was able to insist on going to school. During the internship in the third year of high school, the patient was unable to persevere, lying in bed and playing with his mobile phone every day, and was reluctant to go out. By June 2022, the symptoms of sensitivity and suspicion and hearing other people's discussions became more and more obvious, causing the patient to quickly return home after attending university in other places, refusing to communicate with his mother verbally, and only handling affairs through WeChat.
After a thorough examination, the doctor made a preliminary diagnosis of "major depressive episode with psychotic symptoms" and decided to use systemic antidepressant**.
After two weeks**, the patient's condition improved significantly, he was able to speak with the doctor briefly, and his sleep quality at night improved. In the home setting, the patient is able to reconnect with the mother. Patient is willing to continue to undergo ** and have regular follow-up visits.
In the blink of an eye, by February 2023, the patient has been able to communicate with the doctor normally, the phenomenon of sensitivity and suspicion and hearing out of thin air has completely disappeared, the mood has improved, and the chest tightness has been reduced. At the insistence of **, the depressed mood gradually disappeared, and the liver and kidney function tests were normal during the period.
As of September 2023, the patient has successfully returned to school, has a normal study life, and has a good relationship with his classmates. In the follow-up visit during the winter vacation in January 2024, the patient confidently said that he had successfully passed the final exam and achieved remarkable academic results.
Common manifestations of depressive symptoms include depressed mood, lack of interest, decreased energy, attention disorder, and decreased self-evaluation. Therefore, timely and systematic antidepressants** are of great significance for patients' social functioning and academic completion.
This case of student depression** demonstrates the positive role of the psychotherapy department in depression**. Through timely diagnosis and systematic antidepressant**, the patient was able to get rid of psychological distress and successfully return to normal studies and life. We encourage more students and parents to pay attention to mental health issues, advocate early prevention and intervention, and jointly create a caring and understanding learning environment. The Department of Psychology and Diagnosis and Treatment of Xiangtan Central Hospital will continue to be committed to providing professional mental health services for more patients and helping them meet a better future.