MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY PROFILE OF INDIVIDUALS WITH MOOD DISORDERS IN ARACAJU

Abstract

Mood disorders represent a serious public health concern in Brazil and worldwide, constituting a significant group of psychiatric conditions characterized by intense and persistent alterations in emotional state, which can severely impair the quality of life of affected individuals. In the current context, marked by the alarming increase in the prevalence of mood disorders, it becomes increasingly imperative to deepen the understanding of the nuances of depression and bipolar disorder. Such comprehension is essential for improving patients’ quality of life and ensuring the provision of adequate and necessary support. Objective: This study aims to identify and describe the epidemiological profile of hospitalizations and mortality among individuals diagnosed with mood disorders in Aracaju between 2019 and 2023. Methodology: This is a retrospective, epidemiological, ecological, and quantitative study, employing a cross-sectional descriptive profile through document-based analysis. Secondary data were collected from the Informatics Department of the Unified Health System (SIH/DATASUS). Results and Discussion: The analysis focused on hospital admissions due to mood disorders in Aracaju during the period 2019–2023. With regard to race/ethnicity, 51.96% (approximately 52%) of hospitalized patients were identified as mixed-race (pardo). Mortality data indicated that nearly 48.6% of deaths occurred among individuals classified within this same racial/ethnic group. Regarding educational attainment, the majority of deceased patients had between four and seven years of formal education, with no completion of higher education, and only partial completion of primary or secondary schooling. Within this scenario, the importance of primary health care becomes evident, as it functions as the main entry point for continuous patient monitoring, playing a pivotal role in preventing potential complications. Furthermore, primary care contributes to the strengthening of public policies aimed at mental health. The findings underscore the necessity of an integrated approach to the management of mood disorders, encompassing appropriate pharmacological treatment, when indicated, combined with psychotherapeutic support, psychosocial assistance, and active measures against social stigma. Such strategies would foster the development of a more humane and effective model of care for these patients. Conclusion: The data highlight the importance of understanding sociodemographic determinants that shape the health–disease process in the context of mental health. The assessment of the morbidity and mortality profile of patients with mood disorders provides significant insights for the design and implementation of mental health policies. By prioritizing service integration and reinforcing collaboration among healthcare systems, families, and communities, it is possible not only to reduce hospitalization and mortality rates but also to promote greater social inclusion and overall well-being for affected individuals.