The neuroscience of depression: Mechanisms and treatments

Abstract The present chapter summarizes aspects of depression among college students, who experience higher rates of depression than those found in general population. Depression in students is often associated with some risk behaviors, such as suicidal thoughts and attempts, non-suicidal self-injury, and substance abuse. Although universal screening of depression is recommended among students, resources of mental health should be available before implementing a screening program. Early identification and management may improve symptoms of depression, increase academic performance, and prevent college dropout. Counseling, psychotherapy, and psychopharmacotherapy are treatment options for depression in college campus. Many students with depression prefer managing their problems by themselves, delaying the help-seeking and aggravating the severity of depression. The effectiveness of interventions is associated with student’s suboptimal adherence and response rate to treatment. Therefore, access to health care should be improved, in terms of the adequacy and quality of the service offered to students with depression.