Herbs for Depression: a Suitable Alternative to Depression Pharmaceuticals?

Posted on 22. Mar, 2010 by admin in Depression

Herbs for depression are often seen as a viable alternative to pharmaceutical treatment of depression. However, actual data showing an effectiveness of herbs for depression is rare and thus it is currently hardly possible to make a final verdict on the usefulness of herbal treatment for depression in general. Also, there seems to be only limited interest from western medicine to study the effects of herbs for depression in a clinically relevant setting. So from a patient’s perspective the question remains: What is the evidence that herbal treatment for depression works? By far the best studied herbal treatment for depression is without doubt St. John´s wort.

St. John´s Wort

St. John´s wort (Hypericum Perforatum) is the most well-known and best studied of the herbs for depression in use. It has been known as herbal treatment for depression and cure for other diseases for many centuries. In Europe, where this herbal treatment for depression is commonly prescribed by medical professionals, various clinical studies have demonstrated a positive effect of this best known member of the herbs for depression in use in cases of mild to moderate depression. However, two clinical studies in the US, one of them funded by a pharmaceutical company, have recently indicated that St. John´s wort extracts were no more effective than a placebo in major depression. Further studies with this herbal treatment for depression are currently conducted, but it may take years before a final verdict can be made on St. John´s wort. The exact mode of action of this herbal treatment for depression is not fully understood, although there is some evidence that it acts on serotonin production or -activity. Despite open questions and demonstrated limitations, St. John´s wort currently stands as the only one of the herbs for depression with a clinically demonstrated positive effect at least in mild cases of depression.

Further herbs for depression

Other herbs for depression often mentioned are Siberian Ginseng and Gingko Biloba. Extracts of each of these alleged herbs for depression have been in use for medicinal purposes for many years in certain parts of the world. While some circumstantial evidence exists that seems to show their potential as herbal treatment for depression no clinical studies have been conducted so far that prove or disprove any claims made with regards to their effectiveness as depression treatment. Further herbs for depression are marketed every now and then – all of them lacking any clinical evidence in or against their favour

In addition to the general lack of clinical data available another major problem with all herbs for depression is that the quality of different marketed herbal extracts may vary substantially depending on where they come from and how they were produced. Impurities and wrong preparation may reduce their effectiveness as herbal treatment for depression and may also lead to an increase in side effects. In this context it has to be said that the common misconception that herbs for depression are natural and thus do not have any side effects is outright wrong and the depressive patient should be aware of the potential risks of taking herbs for depression without consulting a medical professional.

Conclusion

Although the use of herbs for depression is widely spread, on the whole there is (maybe with the exception of St. John´s wort) no definitive evidence for the usefulness of herbal treatments for depression. Especially when compared to standard prescription drugs for depression herbs for depression usually cannot prevail as a first choice treatment option. However, when other more established treatments fail, or in particular in the case of St. John´s wort, in cases of mild depression, using herbs for depression may be worth a try. In any case the user should realise the limitations and not underestimate the risks of using herbs for depression.

Not Just in the Mind: Depression Treatment

Posted on 21. Mar, 2010 by admin in Depression

“Regarding focusing on the good things, when you are depressed it is impossible to do. Yes, you can make an effort and think about them but it doesn’t affect the mood/feelings. That is the nature of depression, it is beyond feeling ‘fed up’ and really all you can do is go with it.” – Victoria, a bi-polar disorder sufferer.

Those who suffer from long-term depression instinctively know when their “black mood” is about to descend upon them, and know that bouts of depression can appear for almost no reason. But does this mean that all they can do is “go with it”? Depression is certainly more than just “feeling down” every now and again. It is a disease; and like any disease, treatment is available.

Know the Enemy

Depression is a medical condition brought about by a chemical imbalance in the body and, once diagnosed by a certified physician, depression treatment is needed to help a person overcome the condition.

Depression symptoms include changes in activity or energy level, unexplained aches and pains, prolonged sadness, difficult moods and, in extreme cases, a preoccupation with death. If any one or a combination of two or more of these symptoms is present, your physician will probably recommend a course of depression treatment.

Medical Treatment of Depression?

The treatment of depression could involve medication to restore the chemical balance in the body. The problem with this kind of depression treatment, however, is that recent studies have confirmed that some common anti-depressant drugs run the risk of fragile bones in older patients. What these drugs have been found to do is to affect the cells from the bone – the osteoblasts – resulting in brittle bones. A research study on a group of Canadian over-50s found that those on depression drugs had a 4% lower bone density at the hip than the rest. The threat of fractures was also doubled. Most drugs have their side-effects, but when the side-effects are so severe, it is no wonder many people are seeking natural alternatives to conventional depression treatment.

Or the Natural Way?

Depression is known to be caused by deficiencies in magnesium as well as folate, and so most depression treatment is aimed at increasing these mineral levels in the body. In addition, excessive consumption of narcotic substances and alcohol are believed to contribute to the onset of depression. Therefore a natural depression treatment regimen should remove these harmful substances from the diet while including more magnesium and B vitamins. A daily dose of additional vitamin supplements can help bridge the gap where our modern diet fails us. Studies show that Omega-3 contributes greatly towards the feel-good factor and, along with amino acids and complex carbohydrates, should also be included in the diet as part of depression treatment.

In elderly people, improper absorption of necessary minerals and vitamins is a possible cause of depression and mood swings. Depression treatment in these cases is aimed at ensuring the required intake of mineral and vitamin supplements is obtained.

In addition to diet, regular exercise and relaxation techniques are invaluable in depression treatment. Endorphins, released in the brain during any physical activity, help to have a better, happier frame of mind. Relaxation and meditation also form an integral part of depression treatment as it relieves stress and calms the mind, making you feel more positive. Deep breathing is an anytime, anywhere, easy-to-do activity that enhances depression treatment.

Complete Healing

So far, it is clear that depression treatment should be holistic, and not just rely on wonder drugs or miracle cures.

Holistic, natural, depression treatment advocates a complete change of lifestyle to a wholesome, nutritious diet and a stress free, drug-free life style. To re-cap:

1. Cut out alcohol and narcotics, which can contribute towards depression.

2. Restore the natural, chemical balance, through a diet rich in minerals and vitamins and by avoiding over-processed foods.

3. Top-up any vitamins and minerals not found in the diet through supplementation.

4. Use exercise and relaxation techniques to aid the treatment of depression.

It is very easy for sufferers to fall into the trap of believing that depression is a natural part of who they are. It isn’t! Depression is more often than not caused by a chemical imbalance causing the body to be in a less than perfect, un-natural, state. That is why the natural treatment of depression is the best way to keep the black dog off your shoulder

B Vitamins: Something for Everyone in the Treatment of Depression

Posted on 21. Mar, 2010 by admin in Depression

There is no way that we could appreciate the good times in life if we hadn’t experienced the lows. Likewise, it is the memory of happier times that get us through the low points on life’s journey. The peaks and troughs are normal. They are life.

But when the feelings of sadness persist, or when we are thrown violently between highs and lows seemingly without reason, then is the point to seek out depression treatment. Normally, our experience in life affects our mood, and this controls the hormones released in our body. Depression results when our hormones control us.

Depression Treatment

So when the signs of depression are found, how can they be treated? Depression treatment usually consists of anti depression medicines such as tricyclic, amitriptyline, imipramine, lithium, and selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors that can stabilize the mood of the patients. However, any good physician will also recommend a balanced diet to restore any nutrients that may be deficient in the body and thus be causing the depression. It is because of this that supplementing medication with vitamins is also highly recommended in the treatment of depression.

B vitamins, a collection of similar, but not identical, vitamins are shown to have a wide range of properties that can effectivelt treat each of the major signs of depression. So let’s look at these in more detail…

Knowing the Signs of Depression

Depression can be classed into two main types:

Anxiety depression occurs when the levels of hormones that make us feel happy are too low in the body. Sufferers feel sad, low, and dejected and crucially, the anxiety depression persists for at least two weeks without interruption. Anxiety depression is also called unipolar depression and can be triggered by any stressful situation such as a death, loss of a job, or the break up of a relationship.

Manic depression, or bipolar disorder, is another form of depression in which a patient suffers from extreme mood swings from very high to very low. Manic depression is caused by hormonal imbalances.

For both types, the main symptoms and signs of depression are:

Loss of interest, headaches, and stomachaches

Inability to concentrate, sleep, and make decisions

Feeling of tiredness, fearfulness, and dejection

Change of appetite, and recurring thoughts of death

Any natural depression treatment must be able to target each one of these symptoms and reduce them in the patient. This is where B vitamins come in, as their wide-ranging properties can effectively deal with all the signs of depression.

A B Vitamin for Every Sign of Depression

B vitamins for feelings of sadness and dejection:

Pyridoxine, or vitamin B6, is an essential component in the production of SAM-e, a “feel-good” neurotransmitter that can significantly improve a person’s mood. Depression has been linked to deficiencies of vitamin B6 in the body.

B vitamins for an in ability to concentrate and make decisions:

Depression has also been linked with anemia, and inability to concentrate, coupled with a feeling of tiredness, is consistent with a low red-blood cell count. Vitamin B12 can be used as a depression treatment because it helps in producing and maintaining red blood cells responsible in oxygen transportation in body, controlling mood swings.

B vitamins for feelings of fearfulness and anxiety:

Studies have shown that low levels of folic acid, or vitamin B9, can cause depression. Folic acid makes an effective depression treatment because it clears stress hormones from the liver, reducing feelings of anxiety.

B vitamins for feelings of fearfulness and anxiety:

A double-blind study conducted on women showed that vitamin B6 treatment for depression can bring emotional stability and hormonal balance. Supplements of vitamin B6 can help women get rid of their post menopause anxiety and depression. Folic acid is also important for the proper functioning of the brain and the maintenance of emotional stability.

So what B vitamins do I need?

The simple answer is: all of them! It has been found that taking high dosages of a particular type of B vitamin can induce deficiencies of the others. This can lead to other symptoms that can only confuse and hinder normal depression treatment. That is why a B vitamin complex, containing all the B vitamins mentioned in this article, plus all the others useful in the maintenance of optimum health of the body is recommended for natural depression treatment.

Symptoms of Depression ? are you Depressed?

Posted on 20. Mar, 2010 by admin in Depression

Depression is a serious mental disorder not to be confused with “normal” bad or depressed mood experienced by everyone sometimes. If a depression sufferer does not realise that he is depressed his life may be virtual hell without any obvious exit scenario. Many such patients drag along for years without treatment that could easily alleviate their depression. Therefore, it is very important to know the symptoms of depression and to be able to read the signs of depression when they occur. An early realisation that one experiences the symptoms of depression can in the most extreme cases virtually save lives, and even in light cases of depression often guarantee proper treatment of the disorder and a reversion to a good and joyful life. So what are the signs of depression most commonly seen?

One of the common signs of depression is a general loss of energy leading to persistent lethargy and to a lack of interest in most daily activities or even ones that one previously liked, such as hobbies. This goes often also hand in hand with social withdrawal. Another symptom of depression, probably the one most often associated with this mental disorder, is a deep and prolonged sadness, commonly without any apparent cause, which may even lead to unexplainable crying spells. Feelings of worthlessness and guilt without a rational cause are also usual signs of depression. The depressed patient also suffers from a profound pessimism about his own future and the future of his social network and often even the world in general. This is often coupled with a total indifference towards almost anything and anyone. Indecisiveness and an inability to concentrate properly on tasks at hand are also symptoms of depression that occur regularly. The depressed patient may have problems to fall asleep and to keep sleeping without waking up in the middle of the night, leading to permanent sleepiness during the day. Interestingly there are also cases where the patient sleeps more than usual. Another, though relatively minor, symptom of depression is loss of appetite. Among the most serious signs of depression is obsessive thinking of disease and death, and even suicidal thoughts, which in the worst case may lead to suicide attempts. Anxiety is also often associated with depression as is a general irritability and agitation. Besides those more well-known signs and symptoms of depression organic diseases are often associated with depression. Patients suffering from unexplainable organ pains are sadly often treated purely for the organic disease, while the underlying cause may well be depression or another mental disorder.

Concluding it must be pointed out that one does not necessarily need to experience all symptoms of depression to be regarded depressed. Also, the intensity of the symptoms of depression may vary over time and from patient to patient, also depending on the kind of depression she has. In any case, if you or anyone you know shows all or more of the signs of depression listed above it is definitely advised to take action sooner rather than later. To get a proper diagnosis of the condition the first way should lead to a medical practitioner who will also be able to verify the symptoms of depression and to advise on the best treatment for the specific depression case. Always keep in mind: Depression is a disease that affects millions of people worldwide, but there are many highly effective ways available to treat it once it is properly diagnosed.

Types of Depression Medication: Classic Anti Depressants

Posted on 20. Mar, 2010 by admin in Depression

Depression is the number one mental disorder in the western world with an ever increasing number of patients. Luckily there are many different types of depression medication and other treatments for depression available nowadays that are effective and allow for an alleviation or even cure of depression. Among the treatments for depression prescription anti depressants are by far the ones most commonly used. Given a broad lack of knowledge among many depressed patients about what these drugs actually do and what to expect when one takes them a review of those types of depression medication is well warranted. In principle one can distinguish four types of depression medication, though a few medicinal prescription treatments for depression do not directly fall into one of the four categories: Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), Tricyclics Antidepressants (TCAs), Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs), and Serotonin/Norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).

All of those types of depression medication have many commonalities with regards to their mode of action. They all work by increasing the level of neurotransmitters in the brain. MAOIs do this by inhibiting the enzymatic breakdown of neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine trough monoamine oxidase; TCAs prevent the uptake of various neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine; and SSRIs and SNRIs, as their name implies, selectively prevent the reuptake of specific neurotransmitters. Also, all mentioned treatments for depression may have serious side effects, although these side effects vary depending on the kind of anti depressant used. Furthermore, all types of depression medication start to have a positive effect on the depressed patient only after a treatment period of several days to weeks. They also need to be taken consistently over months and sometimes years before drug levels may be reduced or the drugs may not be needed any more by the patient. While the effect of anti depressants on neurotransmitter levels is well documented, how they actually work to lower depression is not definitely known. Some theories claim that the excessive levels of neurotransmitters induced by anti depressants over time lead to a down-regulation of neurotransmitter-receptors, which has a positive effect. Others believe that anti depressants also have positive longer term effects such as neurogenesis or altered gene expression patterns. Whatever the exact causes of the anti depressive effect of these types of depression treatment, they obviously work in many, though certainly not all, cases of depression as has been demonstrated in various clinical studies. Consequently, together with psychotherapy, anti depressants are the treatments for depression of choice for most medical professionals. Unfortunately all named types of depression medication are also known to produce tolerance, leading to the need to increase dosage or to switch to another depression treatment. In addition withdrawal effects are often seen when the patient is taken off medication, leading to a long-term dependence on the drugs used.

All in all the classic types of depression medication certainly have their merits. On the other hand due to the possibility of side effects, the induction of tolerance and the potential danger of establishing dependency on the drugs these treatments of depression should not be taken lightly and in no case without guidance and supervision from a medical professional. Also, the depressed patient should generally work on bettering her condition besides through taking drugs. A healthy nutrition, potentially including nutritional supplements, sports and outdoor activities as well as mental training, such as meditation are all supportive treatments for depression that should be applied to help the depressed patient fight against depression.

Depression – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Posted on 19. Mar, 2010 by admin in Depression

Depression is a serious medical illness that involves the brain. It’s more than just a feeling of being “down in the dumps” or “blue” for a few days. If you are one of the more than 20 million people in the United States who have depression, the feelings do not go away. Depression can occur for what seems like no reason at all or can be triggered by a traumatizing life event within a person’s life. The cause of depression still remains a mystery among the medicinal world, however many experts say genes may have an effect on the likelihood of depression within a family and a lack of the chemical serotonin in the brain may be linked to depression. Just like all other medical conditions depression has a series of symptoms that can be diagnosed and treated by a medical professional and can be defined as a never ending sad mood or affect as well as a loss of interest in life and life’s activities. Although a low mood or state of dejection that does not affect functioning is often colloquially referred to as depression , clinical depression is a clinical diagnosis and may be different from the everyday meaning of “being depressed.” Many people identify the feeling of being clinically depressed as “feeling sad for no reason”, or “having no motivation to do anything.” One suffering from depression may feel tired, sad, irritable, lazy, unmotivated, and apathetic. Clinical depression is generally acknowledged to be more serious than normal depressed feelings. It often leads to constant negative thinking and sometimes substance abuse . Extreme depression can culminate in its sufferers attempting or committing suicide . Without careful assessment, delirium can easily be confused with depression and a number of other psychiatric disorders because many of the signs and symptoms are conditions present in depression , as well as other mental illnesses including dementia and psychosis .

Depression may be described as feeling sad, blue, unhappy, miserable, or down in the dumps. Sometimes this is because of a loss, or a change. The feeling of sadness, though, is appropriate and transitory. When such feelings persist and impair daily life, they may signal an underlying depressive illness. So it is the severity and duration of symptoms, plus the presence of other features, that help distinguish this normal sadness from a depressive disorder. Depression is more than just a mood disorder, it is a real illness that not only affects one’s mood and thoughts but also appetite, sleep patterns and one’s self esteem. It may also involve physical symptoms, such as stomach pains, headaches and rapid heartbeat. There are several different types of depression, so you will hear terms like major depression, endogenous depression, chronic depression, and so on. These terms tend to describe the predominant symptoms, their severity or their duration.

Causes of Depression

Depression may be triggered by stressful life events, other illnesses, certain drugs or medications, or inherited traits. Although causes of depression are not entirely understood, we know it is linked to an imbalance in brain chemistry. Once the imbalance is corrected, symptoms of depression generally improve. Some researchers feel that severe depressions are caused by a physical defect in the body, such as a biochemical imbalance in the brain or other factors. Other things that have been linked to depression have to do with a person’s lifestyle. Things such as; food allergies, prescription drugs, caffeine, alcohol, illicit drugs and even tobacco. If a person has some sort of health problem such as; cancer, aids, hepatitis, diabetes, hypoglycemia, chronic pain, hormonal (glandular) disorders such as those of the thyroid, parathyroid and adrenal glands; malignancies, anemias or other blood problems, or even somethings like nutritional deficiencies, heredity and bad childhood experiences can cause depression.

Symptoms of Depression

1. Difficulty sleeping or oversleeping.

2. Change in weight.

3. Feelings of worthlessness.

4. Loss of identity.

5. Lack of concentration.

6. Feelings of anxiety.

Treatment of Depression

There are many treatments available for depression, including counselling and medicines, but the first step is always to get a physical and psychological assessment to find out whether you have a depressive illness. Anti-depressant medications are often used. There are different types and the doctor will recommend which is the right one under the particular circumstances.

Depression and Alcohol Abuse – Is There an Alcohol and Depression Connection?

Posted on 19. Mar, 2010 by admin in Depression

Depression and alcohol abuse can definitely be related. Alcohol abuse can make a person feel more depressed since alcohol is a depressant substance. And conversely, a person can turn to alcohol to help them cope with the symptoms of depression. A kind of viscious cycle can occur because of depression and the way it makes a person feel.

The mental illness called depression causes the sufferer to feel intensely sad or perhaps worthless and alone. To cope with these feelings, many depressives resort to using alcohol, illegal drugs, tranquilizers and/or sleeping pills. The problem with these kinds of substances is that they often do more damage than good.

A question to raise is does depression and alcohol abuse happen because of depression, or does alcohol and depression happen because too much alcohol was consumed, making the depression worse? Does depression make the person abuse alcohol or does drinking excessive alcohol cause depression?

Almost forty percent of people who drink heavily will also have symptoms of depression. About five percent of men who are social drinkers suffer from depression but nearly ten percent of women who are social drinkers will be affected.

Alcohol can provide a form of benefit to those who suffer from depression, but alcohol consumption can work against them. Drinking alcohol in moderation can help a person feel better, perhaps forget their problems and make the world seem to be a better place to live. But a problem can be that instead of seeking professional help and taking prescribed antidepressant medications, a person attempts to self medicate with alcohol to alter their mood.

Depression and alcohol together can be a dangerous combination. The more alcohol a person drinks, the higher the risk of accidents, from motor vehicle accidents to slips and falls. Alcohol abusers account for about one third of domestic accidents, forty percent of fatal fires in their homes and over twenty percent of accidents at work. Persons with depression and alcohol abuse also often have a higher risk of suicide.

Persons who drink a lot of alcohol will usually discover that continued drinking actually begins to depress their mood. Often, the person begins looking elsewhere for help such as using sleeping pills to help them get to sleep at night. And in the mornings, they take something else to help get them going. These kinds of substances can become addictive very quickly. The result is that instead of taking the appropriate medications to help with their depression, they are taking medicines that are not designed to help with their depression issues.

Alcohol combined with the wrong medications will not help the person suffering from depression and may make the condition worse. The person suffering from depression and alcohol abuse should realize that they really have no choice but to seek help from their health care provider.

Begin the process of finding answers to what is going on in the persons life. Depressive disorders tend to be rated as mild, moderate and severe. Most mental health professionals will evaluate the depressive illness based on what kind of symptoms the person has and how well the person can function in their every day life. If the person is having suicidal thoughts, they will be considered as having a severe depressive illness and urgently needs professional help and intervention.

The correct approach is to seek the help of a qualified health care provider to properly diagnose and treat the symptoms of depression with appropriate antidepressant medications. Psychotherapy may also be prescribed to deal with underlying mental health issues. Instead of allowing depression and alcohol to rule ones life, find professional help to learn how to manage and live with depression.

Copyright 2007 InfoSearch Publishing

How to Cure Depression

Posted on 18. Mar, 2010 by admin in Depression

Depression is a very real and treatable illness. Depression is just about the loneliest experience in the world. Depressed people, who are often poor communicators place more demands on a marriage with their greater need for caring and support and end up in unhappier marriages. Depression affects teenagers, pensioners and everyone in between; married people, single people, rich and poor. clinical depression affects 15% of the population, and a third of all women. Sometimes people become depressed for what seems like a good reason – maybe they lost their job or a close friend passed away – but with clinical depression there doesn’t necessarily have to be a reason for how you feel. Depressive disorders come in different forms, just as is the case with other illnesses such as heart disease. Major depression is manifested by a combination of symptoms (see symptom list) 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. A less severe type of depression, dysthymia, involves long-term, chronic symptoms that do not disable, but keep one from functioning well or from feeling good.

Depression can coexist with other illnesses. Seasonal affective disorder may point to an atavistic link with behaviour in hibernation. In some families, depressive disorders seem to occur generation after generation; however, they can also occur in people with no family history of these illnesses. Many people with dysthymia also experience major depressive episodes at some time in their lives. Depression has been found to occur at a higher rate among people who have other serious illnesses such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, HIV, diabetes, and Parkinson’s. Depression can increase the risks for developing coronary artery disease, HIV, asthma, and some other medical illnesses. Many people just don’t realize that depression can cause so many problems or so much pain. Another type of depression is 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). Furthermore, it can increase the morbidity (illness) and mortality (death) from these conditions. Teens who were confused about their orientation were also more prone to suicide. Among these teens, boys were 3.4 times more likely and girls were 2.5 times more likely than teens to attempt suicide at least once in the past year.

Depression may occur only once in a person’s life. Social conditions like poverty, homelessness, and community violence can make it more likely for people to become depressed. Two hallmarks of depression — symptoms key to establishing are Loss of interest in normal daily activities. Depressed mood. You feel sad, helpless or hopeless, and may have crying spells. Depression symptoms are characterized not only by negative thoughts, moods, and behaviors, but also by specific changes in bodily functions (for example, irregular eating, sleeping, crying spells, and decreased libido). Sometimes the mood switches are dramatic and rapid, but most often they are gradual. Other symptoms of other psychological problems, such as anxiety, panic attacks, obsessions or phobias, which mask the depression. Women experience depression about twice as often as men.1 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. Treatment may also include psychotherapy, which may help you cope with ongoing problems that may trigger or contribute to depression. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, such as fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem), paroxetine (Paxil), sertraline (Zoloft), citalopram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro), as the first-line treatment for depression because they have fewer serious side effects.

Understanding Zoloft Depression Better

Posted on 17. Mar, 2010 by admin in Depression

Always feeling under the weather? Always not in the mood to be around others and have a good time? If you’re suffering from prolonged sadness for quite some time now, you should face these bouts of depression and get yourself diagnosed by a psychiatrist, they’re doctors who can actually help you out with your problem. Also, with the introduction of Zoloft depression, the number one, most-prescribed medicine for depression treatment, the problems concerning depression can easily be gone.

Depression or prolonged sadness is actually quite common in the United States, around 9.5 percent of the American population actually suffer from this illness, however, not all of them get to be treated, thus, depression and its ill-effects continue to be a burden to some individuals. This illness may seem quite simple to treat but in reality, it takes more than a little cheering up to actually cure depression. Constant visits to a cognitive behavior therapist is a must as well as taking all the prescribed medicines that the doctor will ask the patient to take – none of these exactly come cheap, but the amount of suffering that a person is going through because of depression is enough reason already for others to start taking notice and face depression head on. Here’s where Zoloft depression actually steps in, proven to be a safe and very effective treatment for various types of depression as well as anxiety, Zoloft depression has actually been around for around 12 years. Patients have been proven to respond well to treatments from Zoloft depression while doctors favor Zoloft depression’s availability in various strengths, this way, someone who’s suffering from depression doesn’t have to settle for something else just cause they don’t have the right dosage available, with Zoloft depression, it’s hard to not get the right dosage for you.

In a nutshell, Zoloft depression is actually a type of antidepressant which is known to people as “selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor” or SSRI. It’s well-known to be a good treatment for patients over the age of eighteen that are being treated for the following: depression, posttraumatic disorder or PTSD, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder or PMDD and obsessive-compulsive disorder or OCD.

Some commonly asked questions about Zoloft depression are the following:

How long does it take before the effect of Zoloft depression actually kicks in?

How important is it to follow the doctor’s prescription for Zoloft depression?

To be frank, Zoloft depression is actually not for everyone, those patients who are taking pimozide or MAOIs are strictly discouraged from using Zoloft depression. Various side effects can stem from actually using Zoloft depression such as: diarrhea, nausea, sleepiness/insomnia, dry mouth and sexual side effects. Although according to studies, a lot of people actually didn’t care about the side effects and still opted to continue on taking Zoloft depression.

Some good points to consider though is that Zoloft depression is actually in no way addicting unlike other medication and it is not in any way, can be associated with weight gain.

Since Zoloft depression actually comes in various dosages (25mg, 50mg and 100mg tablets), it is definitely best to consult your doctor first before taking any Zoloft depression tablet. This is one of the main reasons why Zoloft depression was actually created in various dosages, since each person is unique, one’s need for Zoloft depression may actually differ from the other and that is why we need professional doctors to assess how much or how little of Zoloft depression does one actually need. Self medication has always been a problem of doctors since their patients usually just end up in worse state than usual whenever they self-medicate and conduct their own diagnosis.

Depending on a person’s body makeup or ability to respond to treatments as well as one’s willingness to actually help him or herself get better, the effects of Zoloft depression can be felt in as early as 2 weeks, just continue on following the doctors prescriptions as well as showing up for every therapy session, Zoloft depression will seriously work for you.

All You Need To Know About Depression

Posted on 17. Mar, 2010 by admin in Depression

Depression is not a passing feeling of unhappiness, natural expected feelings of sadness from a difficult or painful event. It is a very real and sometimes even dangerous mental illness. Depression most often presents itself as feelings of sadness, but sadness is not necessarily depression.

Depression sufferers often have feelings of complete despair, hopelessness and a lack of purpose in life and enthusiasm for the world around them.

Depression may be one part of another condition or it may be its own concern apart from any other illnesses. It is a symptom of bipolar disorder, but not the entire disorder, depression is a very large part of manic depression and other associated illnesses but not the whole of manic depression.

Although depression may have a trigger in many cases, it is wrong to assume that some event may cause it.

Certainly stress and unfortunate life events may cause depression. It may present itself after an inability to achieve an individual’s goal or desires, but should not be confused with natural feelings of disappointment or sadness.

Depression may strike an individual who experiences hormonal imbalance, which explains why women who face menopause are often a statistic of depression studies. Scientific research has also found a link to a gene fault that controls serotonin levels to the brain.

Some depression sufferers have also been recorded to be affected by weather conditions. Further investigation has found a vitamin deficiency in these sufferers. Much the same as statistics reveal depression is common in alcoholics due to a vitamin B1 deficiency.

Certainly depression sufferers feel unhappy most of the time, but someone who may not appear unhappy, or an individual who may rarely experience unhappiness may suffer from depression. As with many illnesses not all signs and symptoms have to be evident for the condition to be present.

Below are some of the signs and symptoms of depression. Again I will stress that signs and symptoms may not be obvious or evident for each individual.

. Unhappiness

. Lethargy in life, loss of interest in sex and/or other life joys

. Difficulty with decision making

. Feelings of drowsiness

. Restlessness, anxiety, and agitation

. Eating problems, either a loss of appetite, or excessive binge eating

. Feelings of inadequacy and/or a lack of self confidence

. Suicidal or self destructive thoughts

Please remember that not all depression sufferers entertain thoughts of suicide either by expression or in their own private thoughts. In fact, depression sufferers are not helped with the natural assumption from others that they must be suicidal. This is a serious sign and unfortunately, very common among sufferers and must be addressed, but this is not the ‘be all’ of the condition of depression.

Depression may also present with physical signs and symptoms, these include: headaches, joint aches and pains, dizziness, cramps or belly aches.

The good news is that depression help is available and can start right away by taking back control. A depression sufferer must take a deep breath and be bold in taking a step forward. A few of the things you may do for depression help is to establish a healthy eating plan, implement a natural sleeping pattern and change ‘habits’, certainly a change in routine is good for us all from time to time, on the occasions our routines, and routine thought patterns become stagnant or even harmful we may make a conscious effort to turn them into positive routines and thought patterns.

A depression sufferer should consciously praise themselves and establish a positive affirmation in reflection of their good qualities.

Most important, depression help must consist of self confrontation and talking to someone. Talk is essential for recovery, you are not alone. Most depression sufferers feel quite alone in their pain, actively seeking someone to share your concerns with does help depression.

While it is an important process towards wellness to take a proactive step towards recovery and practice self help I must recommend that you should seek professional advice if you experience the signs and symptoms of depression. Do not be fooled into the belief that depression is all in your head. Often, depression may be a symptom of another illness or an undiagnosed condition.

Depression help means discussing your concerns with a qualified practitioner. If perhaps you have been unfortunate enough to come across a GP who does not understand depression and who may not evaluate your condition to your satisfaction seek a second opinion. Although the medical world has come a long way in the past decade in the understanding of depression some doctors may not be quite up to date. Professional depression help is available; depression is a real condition and must not be ignored.