Gran Canaria Hosts a National Event to Discuss New Therapeutic Approaches in Mental Health
More than 150 healthcare professionals from various regions of Spain have gathered at the University Hospital of Gran Canaria Doctor Negrín for the event "Updates on Depression Treatment", organized by the General Directorate of Mental Health and Addictions of the Canary Islands Health Service (SCS).
The event, which began last Monday, aims to examine the latest therapeutic approaches to tackling this increasingly common condition and to enhance the training of healthcare professionals who work in the field.
A Diverse Agenda with Strong Institutional Support
The event was inaugurated by the Canary Islands Minister of Health, Esther Monzón, alongside Fernando Gómez-Pamo, Director General of Mental Health and Addictions, José Pereira, Head of the Mental Health Service, and Miguel Ángel Ponce, Director of Doctor Negrín Hospital.
During her speech, Monzón emphasized the importance of creating dedicated spaces for knowledge-sharing and professional development in the field of mental health and primary care. According to the minister, such gatherings are essential for strengthening skills in managing depression, which remains one of the leading causes of disability worldwide.
Additionally, Monzón revealed that, in 2024, the Mental Health Units of the Canary Islands treated 6,568 patients diagnosed with depression, reflecting an 8.1% decrease compared to the previous year. In total, 28,033 medical consultations related to this condition were conducted across the archipelago.
A Program Packed with Conferences and Discussions
The event featured a total of eleven keynote presentations and three panel discussions, led by experts from various healthcare institutions.
The first session, titled "Context, Culture, and Depression", was followed by presentations on:
- Depression and the Developmental Cycle
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
- A debate moderated by Dr. José Pereira, Head of the Mental Health Service
Subsequent sessions covered key topics, including:
- Prevention of Stress and Anxiety in Healthcare
- Borderline Personality Disorder and Depression
- Treatment-Resistant Depression
- Depression and Suicide
The second panel discussion was led by Dr. José Luis Hernández, Head of Psychiatry at Doctor Negrín Hospital, who provided a comprehensive analysis of the challenges in managing depression across different settings.
Final Sessions Focused on Specific Aspects
On the final day, discussions focused on specific areas of depression, including:
- Depression in Children and Adolescents
- Depression in the Elderly
- Psychological Care for Depression in Primary Healthcare
The event concluded with a final debate, moderated by Dr. Esperanza Bosch, Head of Psychiatry at the Insular Maternal and Child University Hospital Complex. This session explored future challenges in managing depression and the importance of developing early intervention strategies.
A Significant Step Forward in Depression Treatment
The "Updates on Depression Treatment" event has been a crucial opportunity to enhance the training of healthcare professionals and improve patient care for those affected by depression.
According to the organizers, initiatives like this not only contribute to the development of new intervention strategies but also strengthen collaboration between specialists and healthcare institutions.