Prevention

Primary prevention: seeks to decrease the number of new cases of a disorder or illness (incidence) by intervening before its onset and so reducing its risk factors. For example:

• Prevention of substance abuse in adolescents.

• Prevention of eating disorders

Secondary prevention: seeks to lower the rate of established cases of the disorder or illness in the population (prevalence), by identifying and treating the disorder/illness, often even before the onset of its symptoms. The purpose is to stop and identifying in time the evolution of the disorder/illness, for example through tools such as screening tests and early diagnosis; it is intended for "subjects at risk" who have deficiencies or premorbid problems. In this case, it is essential to consider the influence of risk and protective factors (hereditary, genetic and environmental) that will allow early intervention to increase the opportunities of prevention, intervention or delaying the progression of the disorder/illness and minimize its consequences in daily life.

Tertiary prevention: seeks to decrease the amount of disability associated with an existing disorder or illness, by implementing rehabilitative or therapeutic interventions in order to avoid further damage and complications. For example, delaying the progression of dementia with multidimensional interventions (Cognitive Stimulation + Pharmacological Therapy + Psychosocial Intervention).