A study of cases of depression in Malta

Abstract

The aim of this study is to examine the mode of presentation of depression in patients admitted to the Hospital for mental diseases in Malta during the year 1962. The mode of presentation examined are attempted suicides, physical symptoms, emotional and psychic disturbancies. Two related facts emerge from this study: the mode of presentation of the depressive illness itself and secondly, the reasons necessitating admission to a mental hospital. It also transpired that hospitalization is a function not only of the kind of mental illness, but of social factors or contingencies. One of the commonest occurrences necessitating admission to a mental hospital is a suicidal threat or attempt. All depressed patients irrespective of diagnostic grouping are potentially suicidal and care should be taken to warn relatives and institute early treatment. Unfortunately, depressed patients are diagnosed late. A third of the patients examined had been ill for three months or more before the diagnosis of effective illness was made.