Depression
INTRODUCTIONIn any given year about 18.8 million American adults, suffer from a depressive illness. The economic cost for this disorder is US $40 billion per year, but the cost in human suffering cannot be estimated. Depressive illnesses often interfere with normal functioning and cause pain and suffering not only to those who have a disorder, but also to those who care about them. Serious depression can destroy family life as well as the life of the ill person. But much of this suffering is unnecessary.
Most people with a depressive illness do not seek treatment because they do not recognize that depression is a treatable illness. WHAT IS DEPRESSION?Depressive is a mental illness that involves the body, mood and thoughts. It affects the way a person eats and sleeps, the way one feels about oneself, and the way one thinks about things. Depression is not the same as a passing blue mood nor is a sign of personal weakness.TYPES OF DEPRESSIONDepressive manifest itself in different forms, but there are three common types of depression. However, within these types there are variations in the number of symptoms, their severity and persistence.
- Major depression is manifested by a combination of symptoms that interfere with the ability to work, study, sleep, eat and enjoy once pleasurable activities. Such a disabling episode of depression may occur only once but more commonly occurs several times in a lifetime.
- Dysthymia is a less severe type of depression. It involves long-term, chronic symptoms that do not disable, but keep one from functioning well or from feeling good. Many people with dysthymia may also experience major depressive episodes at some time in their lives.
- Bipolar disorder, also called manic-depressive illness. Not nearly as prevalent as other forms of depressive disorders, bipolar disorder is characterized by cycling mood changes: severe highs (mania) and lows (depression).
DEPRESSION
- Persistent sadness, anxious, or "empty" mood
- Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness
- Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyed, including sex
- Decreased energy, fatigue, being "slowed down"
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions
- Insomnia, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
- Appetite and/or weight loss or overeating and weight gain
- Thoughts of death or suicide; suicide attempts
- Restlessness, irritability
- Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain
- Hereditary
- Environmental e.g. possibly stresses at home, work, or school
- Drug use and abuse
- Poor nutrition
- Psychological predisposition associated with one or more of the above combinations.
- Women experience depression about twice as often as men.
- Many hormonal factors may contribute to the increased rate of depression in women, particularly such factors as menstrual cycle changes, pregnancy, miscarriage, postpartum period, pre-menopause and menopause.
- Many women also face additional stresses such as responsibilities both at work and home, single parenthood and caring for children and for aging parents.
- Men are less likely to suffer from depression than women.
- 3 to 4 million men in the United States are affected by the illness.
- Men are less likely to admit to depression, and doctors are less likely to suspect it.
- The rate of suicide in men is four times that of women, though more women attempt it. In fact, after age 70, the rate of men's suicide rises, reaching a peak after age 85.
- Depression can also affect the physical health in men differently from women.
- Although depression is associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease in both men and women, only men suffer a high death rate.
- Men's depression is often masked by alcohol or drugs, or by the socially acceptable habit of working excessively long hours.
- Depression typically shows up in men not as feeling hopeless and helpless, but as being irritable, angry, and discouraged; hence, depression may be difficult to recognize as such in men.
- Even if a man realizes that he is depressed, he may be less willing than a woman to seek help.
- Some people have the misconception that it is normal for the elderly to feel depressed. On the contrary, most older people feel satisfied with their lives.
- Sometimes, though, when depression develops, it may be dismissed as a normal part of aging.
- Depression in the elderly, undiagnosed and untreated causes needless suffering for the family and for the individual who could otherwise live a fruitful life.
- Loss of interest in normally pleasurable activities, or extremely prolonged grief after a loss.
- The depressed child may pretend to be sick, refuse to go to school, cling to a parent, or worry that the parent may die.
- Older children may sulk, get into trouble at school, be negative, grouchy, and feel misunderstood.
- Because normal behaviours vary from one childhood stage to another, it can be difficult to tell whether a child is just going through a temporary "phase" or is suffering from depression.
- In such a case, if a visit to the child's pediatrician rules out physical symptoms, the doctor will probably suggest that the child be evaluated, preferably by a psychiatrist who specializes in the treatment of children. If treatment is needed, the doctor may suggest that another therapist, usually a social worker or a psychologist, provide therapy while the psychiatrist will oversee medication if it is needed. Parents should not be afraid to ask questions: What are the therapist's qualifications? What kind of therapy will the child have? Will the family as a whole participate in therapy? Will my child's therapy include an antidepressant? If so, what might the side effects be?
- The first step to getting appropriate treatment for depression is a physical examination by a physician.
- Certain medications as well as some medical conditions such as a viral infection can cause the same symptoms as depression, and the physician should rule out these possibilities through examination, interview and lab tests.
- If a physical cause for the depression is ruled out, a psychological evaluation should be done, by the physician or by referral to a psychiatrist or psychologist.
- A good diagnostic evaluation will include a complete history of symptoms, i.e., when they started, how long they have lasted, how severe they are, whether the patient had them before and, if so, whether the symptoms were treated and what treatment was given.
- The doctor should ask about alcohol and drug use, and if the patient has thoughts about death or suicide. Further, a history should include questions about whether other family members have had a depressive illness and, if treated, what treatments they may have received and which were effective.
- A diagnostic evaluation should include a mental status examination to determine if speech or thought patterns or memory have been affected, as sometimes happens in the case of a depressive or manic-depressive illness.
- Treatment choice will depend on the outcome of the evaluation.
- There are a variety of antidepressant medications and psychotherapies that can be used to treat depressive disorders.
- Some people with milder forms may do well with psychotherapy alone.
- People with moderate to severe depression most often benefit from antidepressants.
- Most do best with combined treatment: medication to gain relatively quick symptom relief and psychotherapy to learn more effective ways to deal with life's problems, including depression.
- Depending on the patient's diagnosis and severity of symptoms, the therapist may prescribe medication and/or one of the several forms of psychotherapy that have proven effective for depression.
- Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is useful, particularly for individuals whose depression is severe or life threatening or who cannot take antidepressant medication.
- There are several types of antidepressant medications used to treat depressive disorders. These include newer medications, namely the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), the tricyclics, and the monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
- The SSRIs and other newer medications that affect neurotransmitters such as dopamine or norepinephrine generally have fewer side effects than tricyclics.
- Sometimes the doctor will try a variety of antidepressants before finding the most effective medication or combination of medications.
- Sometimes the dosage must be increased to be effective.
- Although some improvements may be seen in the first few weeks, antidepressant medications must be taken regularly for 3 to 4 weeks (in some cases, as many as 8 weeks) before the full therapeutic effect occurs.
- "Talking" therapies help patients gain insight into and resolve their problems through verbal exchange with the therapist, sometimes combined with "homework" assignments between sessions.
- "Behavioral" therapies help patients learn how to obtain more satisfaction and rewards through their own actions and how to unlearn the behavioural patterns that contribute to or result from their depression.
- Interpersonal therapies focus on the patient's disturbed personal relationships that both cause and exacerbate the depression.
- Set realistic goals in light of the depression and assume a reasonable amount of responsibility.
- Break large tasks into small ones, set some priorities and do what you can as you can.
- Try to be with other people and to confide in someone; it is usually better than being alone and secretive.
- Participate in activities that may make you feel better.
- Mild exercise, going to a movie, a ballgame, or participating in religious, social, or other activities may help.
- Expect your mood to improve gradually, not immediately. Feeling better takes time.
- It is advisable to postpone important decisions until the depression has lifted. Before deciding to make a significant transition change jobs, get married or divorced discuss it with others who know you well and have a more objective view of your situation.
- People rarely "snap out of" a depression.
But they can feel a little better day-by-day.
- Remember, positive thinking will replace the negative thinking that is part of the depression and will disappear as your depression responds to treatment.
- Let your family and friends help you.
- The most important thing anyone can do for the depressed person is to help him /her get an appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
- Encouraging the individual to stay with treatment until symptoms begin to abate or to seek different treatment if no improvement occurs.
- Offer emotional support.
This involves understanding, patience, affection, and encouragement.
- Do not ignore remarks about suicide. Report them to the depressed person's therapist.
- Encourage participation in some activity that once gave pleasure e.g. hobbies, sports, religious or cultural activities, walks, outings, etc.
- Keep reassuring the depressed person that, with time and help, he/she will feel better.
- Family doctors
- Mental health specialists, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, or mental health counselors
- Community mental health centers
- Hospital psychiatry departments and outpatient clinics
- Family service and social agencies
- Private clinics and facilities
- Employee assistance programmes
Gender differences in depression. Medscape Women's Health, 1997;2:3. Revised from: Women's increased vulnerability to mood disorders: Integrating psychobiology and epidemiology. Depression, 1995;3:3-12. Ferketick AK, Schwartzbaum JA, Frid DJ, Moeschberger ML.
Depression as an antecedent to heart disease among women and men in the NHANES I study. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Archives of Internal Medicine, 2000; 160(9): 1261-8. Frank E, Karp JF, Rush AJ (1993). Efficacy of treatments for major depression.
Psychopharmacology Bulletin, 1993; 29:457-75. Lebowitz BD, Pearson JL, Schneider LS, Reynolds CF, Alexopoulos GS, Bruce MI, Conwell Y, Katz IR, Meyers BS, Morrison MF, Mossey J, Niederehe G, Parmelee P. Diagnosis and treatment of depression in late life: consensus statement update. Journal of the American Medical Association, 1997; 278:1186-90. Robins LN, Regier DA (Eds).
Psychiatric Disorders in America, The Epidemiologic Catchment Area Study, 1990; New York: The Free Press. Rubinow DR, Schmidt PJ, Roca CA. Estrogen-serotonin interactions: Implications for affective regulation. Biological Psychiatry, 1998; 44(9):839-50. Schmidt PJ, Neiman LK, Danaceau MA, Adams LF, Rubinow DR.
Differential behavioral effects of gonadal steroids in women with and in those without premenstrual syndrome. Journal of the American Medical Association, 1998; 338:209-16. Vitiello B, Jensen P. Medication development and testing in children and adolescents. Archives of General Psychiatry, 1997; 54:871-6..
Dr Deryck Pattron is a Public Health Scientist attached to the Ministry of Health in Trinidad.What Divorce Parenting Practices is Best Appropriate for Toddlers?
Toddlers, toddlers, toddlers! Very young, seems don't understand what is happening yet their development may be affected by parental divorce. During the first three years of life, children grow quickly and become mobile, learn language, begin to understand how the world works, and form social relationship. With parental divorce, threat to child's full development will always be present.But here is the good news. Did you know that you as parent possess all the power to help your children make a positive adjustment to family changes? All you need to know is learn how divorce affect your children and determine what divorce parenting practices is best appropriate for them. Knowing how toddlers react to divorce will bring you to a better position of knowing the best appropriate divorce parenting practices you can give for your child.So let's start the ball rolling.
How is toddlers affected by divorce? Toddlers are most concerned about how their own needs will be met. Toddlers may worry...
What Divorce Parenting Practices is Best Appropriate for Toddlers?
Depression > What Divorce Parenting Practices is Best Appropriate for Toddlers?
Helpfull postpartum depression tips
are you trying to learn more about postpartum depression well we have gather some helpful hints and tips about postpartum depression, so feel free to read this body language article as much as you want. Hopefully you find these postpartum depression tips and hints helpfull to you.
Become aware of your self-talk. Stop telling yourself how depressed you feel. This will only add to your misery and is very counter-productive. The word 'depression' is a vague term and does not in anyway help solve your problems.
Rather than use the term 'depression', get more specific about how you are feeling. Are you feeling grief because a loved one has died or is injured' Are you feeling anger because your spouse has been unfaithful' Are you feeling stressed because there you have too much work to do' Telling yourself you are feeling very sad because your Son has passed away is far less debilitating than telling yourself you are depressed. It is natural to feel sad at the passing...
Helpfull postpartum depression tips
Depression > Helpfull postpartum depression tips
South Florida Dems seek Post Election Selection therapy over Kerry loss or "Gloating Republicans Dance over the Flames of Lossing Party"
The unfortunate suicide of 25 year old Andrew Veal of Georga over Senator John Kerry's loss last week illustrates the degree some supporters might go.
What is being called "Post Election Selection Depression" is by no means relegated to just a few.
Many throughout this country have been traumatized by not just President Bush's narrow victory, but John Kerry's narrow loss. In an effort to minimize Post Election Selection Depression or PESD many feel, The American Health Association is offering free PESD support groups with licensed mental health clinicians through the end of the year,or until this divide between Republicans and Democrats subside.Post Election Selection Depression is like Post Traumatic Stress Disorder only short-term said Rob Gordon, the Boca Raton based Executive Director of the American Health Association, himself a registered mental health counselor intern.
"But PESD like any other mental health disorder essentially without treatment can...
Depression > South Florida Dems seek Post Election Selection therapy over Kerry loss or "Gloating Republicans Dance over the Flames of Lossing Party"
Medical Facts About Menopause
Approximately two million American women enter menopause every year. Menopause indicates the end of woman's reproductive life.
Menopause causes some huge hormonal changes that are blamed for everything from dry skin to mental illness.
The average age of menopause in U.S. is 51.
The huge majority of women enter it between 44 and 56. However, approximately one percent of women experience it before age 40.
Perimenopause is the transition that starts when your menstrual periods begin to become irregular. It ends 365 days after they stop totally. Perimenopause typically lasts from 2 to 8 years.
Technically speaking, menopause is just one day.
It is the last day of your final period. However, menopause is confirmed after you have missed 12 consecutive periods.
Going through menopause does not mean goodbye to sex. Sex can be painful because there is a loss of vaginal elasticity and a drop in lubrication....
Depression > Medical Facts About Menopause
The Healing Properties of a Good Fibromyalgia Diet
All people who suffer from fibromyalgia are overwhelmed by its variety of symptoms. Fibromyalgia is considered to be a serious neurological condition that in time can lead to many complications. Although millions of people worldwide are confronted with fibromyalgia, the exact causes of the disorder haven't yet been clarified. Despite the fact that scientists have been able to establish a connection between abnormal brain activity and the symptoms of fibromyalgia, the factors responsible for causing the disorder are still unknown.
The factors of risk that are considered to facilitate the occurrence and the development of fibromyalgia are stress, depression, inadequate sleeping patterns, inappropriate diet and unhealthy lifestyle.
Although many people who are exposed to all of these factors of risk don't develop neurological conditions, statistics indicate that all patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia have suffered from depression at certain stages of their lives...
The Healing Properties of a Good Fibromyalgia Diet
Depression > The Healing Properties of a Good Fibromyalgia Diet
Is There Healing in Mysticism?
Shamanic healing is a spiritual and energetic method of healing that deals with the spiritual aspect of illness.
There are three common causes of illness, in the shaman's worldview.
A person may have lost his or her power, causing depression, chronic illness, or a series of misfortunes.
In this case, the shaman journeys to restore that person's lost power.
Over tens of thousands of years, mankind's ancient ancestors all over the world discovered how to maximize human abilities of mind and spirit for healing and problem-solving.
This remarkable system of methods has developed into what is know today as "shamanism," a term that comes from a Siberian tribal word for its practitioners: "shaman" (pronounced SHAH-mahn). The word shaman comes through Russian from the Evenk people of Siberia (referred to as Tungus by Russians). It is sometimes spelled saman, but shaman is more accurate. For much too long, Spirit has been left out of Western medicine....
Is There Healing in Mysticism?
Depression > Is There Healing in Mysticism?
Getting A College Degree After The Military
The men and women who serve in America's armed forces, National Guard, and reserve forces have paid a great service to our country. Some of them will never come back from foreign wars and others will return shattered and maimed both physically and emotionally. They deserve our thanks and our praise and they also deserve a second chance at getting a college degree.The benefits of a college degree for current and future employment are clearly evident. So too are the economic benefits and increased...
Depression Depression Getting A College Degree After The Military suits
Depression > Getting A College Degree After The Military
How To Choose Best Gifts For Your Special Friends
You started to get headache when you are invited to party. Not because you are not please, but there often problem when you have to choose the best gift for their occasion. Those who held a party might celebrate their birthday, wedding, new birth, passing an exam, etc. All have to be appreciated by giving them gift.Showing your appreciation to the person is the most important. If you look into online dictionary, a gift is described as something that is bestowed voluntarily and without compensation....
Depression Depression
Depression > How To Choose Best Gifts For Your Special Friends
Gas Prices Are Outrageous
(ContentDesk) August 27, 2005 -- The real cause of our current energy crisis of skyrocketing fuel prices - leading to our gas pains at the pump - is our failure to create alternative energy resources. Ouch. Pointing the finger at ourselves? Not going to happen?we always need a villain as the cause of our woe.We can look to Washington and blame our various administrations. Many of us were not even born to witness the gas rationing during World War II. However many of us recall the late 70...
Depression Depression oil prices Gas Prices Are Outrageous
Depression > Gas Prices Are Outrageous
Tax Debt Attorneys
Tax debt attorneys advise tax defaulters or tax creditors, or go to court on their on their behalf. Tax debts might be incurred by the defaulter due to financial problems like layoffs, divorce, prolonged unemployment, illness, or accidents. Tax debt attorneys work on how to get a good deal for their clients who have unpaid tax dues.
Sometimes, taxes accumulate if you don't pay regularly, don't file returns, or the tax return is filed by the IRS but tax is not paid. Adding to that,...
Depression > Tax Debt Attorneys
FOREX Trading
Copyright 2005 Dave Markel
The Foreign Exchange market, also referred to as the "FOREX" or "FX" market is the largest financial market in the world, with a daily average turnover of US$1.9 trillion - thirty times larger than the combined volume of all the United States equity markets. The FOREX website defines Foreign exchange as "the simultaneous buying of one currency and selling of another. Currencies are traded in pairs, for example Euro/US Dollar (EUR/USD) or US Dollar/Japanese...
Depression > FOREX Trading
Depression
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