Mental Health | Depression 101

Archive for the ‘Mental Health’ Category

What is Zoloft Depression

By primal on Wednesday, June 11th, 2008 | No Comments

John Samson questioned:

Always feeling under the weather? Always not in the mood to be around others and have a excellent 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 really 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 really quite common in the United States, around 9.5 percent of the American population really suffer from this illness, but, 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 small cheering up to really cure depression. Constant visits to a cognitive behavior therapist is a must as well as taking all the prescribed medicines that the doctor will question 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 really steps in, proven to be a safe and very effective treatment for various types of depression as well as anxiety, Zoloft depression has really 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 really a type of antidepressant which is known to people as “selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor” or SSRI. It’s well-known to be a excellent 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 questioned questions about Zoloft depression are the following:

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

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

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

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

Since Zoloft depression really comes in various dosages (25mg, 50mg and 100mg tablets), it is certainly best to consult your doctor first before taking any Zoloft depression tablet. This is one of the main reasons why Zoloft depression was really made in various dosages, since each person is unique, one’s need for Zoloft depression may really differ from the other and that is why we need professional doctors to assess how much or how small of Zoloft depression does one really 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 really 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.

Make a video blog…instantly.

Share and Delight in:

Which Depression Medication is Right for You

By primal on Wednesday, June 11th, 2008 | No Comments

John Samson questioned:

Always feeling under the weather? Always not in the mood to be around others and have a excellent 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 really help you out with your problem. Not to mention the various depression treatments, as well as all sorts of depression medication that doctors prescribe to their depression patients.

Fortunately depression can now be cured, especially when diagnosed early, depressed individuals can really be treated through therapy and depression medication, although it may be a bit costly, a person’s excellent mental health is something that shouldn’t be scrimped on. Cognitive behavioral talk or interpersonal talk are incredibly healthy depression treatments that are just some of the available psychosocial depression treatments that cognitive behavior therapists can offer to their patients, both really prove to be able to produce fruitful and positive results even for just small-term sessions, around ten to twenty weeks are nearly always, already enough to get a depression patient slowly start their recovery towards a sound mental health.

Before getting started with depression medication, the depression patient must first get him or herself to a reputable doctor, get a diagnosis of which type of depression the patient is really suffering from, may it be clinical depression, manic depression or what-have-you. It’s best that you’re sure what you’re really dealing with since there are various depression medications that are available in the market, you should make sure that you get the most appropriate one, the one that’ll really cure your depression illness.

There’s really a wide variety of anti-depressant depression medications available to help treat those who are suffering from depressive disorders. The more well loved ones are those that are of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs variant then there are the tricyclics while the other well loved variant is the monoamine oxidase inhibitors or MAOIs. These depression medications (the SSRIs variant as well as the other newer depression medication available in the market) really to be a much safer alternative than the tricyclics, since they have fewer side-effects as opposed to the tricyclics depression medication variant.

Sometimes, doctors really find it more effective to mix up these depression medications, depending on the needs of the individual, the doctor might really prescribed a variety of depression medication to help cure one’s depression illness. Also the dosages of depression medication can really be increased or lowered depending on what the doctor finds to be the most effective. But, when it comes to taking these depression medications, patients are highly advised to never mix up depression medications as well as pick out which dosages to take without consulting their doctors first.

Anti-anxiety or sedatives but, should never be mistaken as depression medication. Even though these anti-anxiety drugs are often prescribed along with depression medication, they don’t really help cure one’s depression illness. Their mere purpose is to help cool one’s nerves which is why depression medications are still needed to be taken by the depression patient.

There are really some common side-effects from depression medication, usually coming from the tricyclic variety. Some people tend to not mind these side-effects from depression medication, but if it does become to much of a bother and may end up ruining one’s ability to function properly, it’s best to go immediately to your doctor and report the side-effects. Quite common side-effects from depression medication are the following:

Dry mouth: always having the irritating feeling of being hydrated, it’s best to always have some (clean, drinking) water nearby so as to have something to drink whenever dry mouth occurs, chewing sugar free gum as well as brushing your teeth after every meal is also a excellent thought.

Constipation: cure such discomfort by eating and taking in a lot of fiber to help aid your digestion.

Blurry vision: another temporary side-effect, this one’s quite simple to pass but if it proves to be too much of a bother, consult your doctor immediately.

Headaches: quite common with the newer kinds of depression medication, it’s really not a huge deal and will really go away easily.

Insomnia: first-time users may really experience this depression medication side-effect but it usually just happens during the first few weeks of taking the depression medication, asking your doctor to lower the dosage of the depression medication may really help you with this side-effect, as well as the time of day wherein you take your depression medication can really have something to do with your sleeping problem.

Make a video blog

Share and Delight in:

Depression Symptoms and Its Treatment

By primal on Wednesday, June 11th, 2008 | No Comments

james sameul questioned:

Depression is perhaps the most common of all mental health problems, currently felt to affect one in every four adults to some degree. Depression is a problem with mood/feeling in which the mood is described as sad, feeling down in the dumps, being blue, or feeling low. While the depressed mood is present, evidence is also present which reflects the neurochemical or “brain chemistry” aspects of depression with the depressed individual experiencing poor concentration/attention, loss of energy, accelerated thought/worry, sleep/appetite disturbance, and other physical manifestations.

Depression is a serious medical condition, which can lead to suicidal thoughts and behavior. Children, adolescents, and young adults taking antidepressants may be at increased risk for suicidal thoughts and behavior within the first few months of treatment. This risk must be balanced with the medical need. Those starting medication or changing doses should be watched closely for suicidal thoughts, worsening of depression, or unusual changes in mood or behavior. In children and teens, Zoloft is only approved for use in those with obsessive-compulsive disorder. A patient Medication Guide about “Antidepressant Medicines, Depression and Other Serious Mental Illnesses, and Suicidal Thoughts or Actions” is available.

Treatment and symptoms of Depression:

Symptoms of Depression:

Dysthymia is less severe than major depression but usually goes on for a longer period, often several years. There are usually periods of feeling honestly normal between episodes of low mood. The symptoms usually do not completely disrupt one’s normal activities.

Bipolar disorder involves episodes of depression, usually severe, alternating with episodes of extreme elation called mania. This condition is sometimes called by its older name, manic depression. The depression that is associated with bipolar disorder is often referred to as bipolar depression.

Major depression is manifested by a combination of symptoms (see Symptoms below) that interfere with the ability to work, sleep, eat and delight in once pleasurable activities. These symptoms occur without any apparent cause and deepen and persist day-in and day-out for two weeks or longer.

Disturbed thinking, a symptom developed by some severely depressed persons. For example, severely depressed people sometimes have beliefs not based in reality about physical disease, sinfulness, or poverty.

Physical symptoms, such as headaches or stomachaches.

The symptoms of Dysthymia are:

poor school/work performance

social withdrawal

shyness

irritable hostility

conflicts with family and friends

Treatment for Depression:

The incorrect diagnosis. It’s not always simple to diagnose depression and other mental disorders. In particular, some forms of bipolar disorder are commonly misdiagnosed as depression because manic phases may be less pronounced while depression phases are more pronounced — it may look more like depression.

Your social or life situation. If you’re under constant stress or anxiety because of situations in your life that aren’t getting better, medication alone might not help. These situations may include relationship distress, financial instability or inadequate housing, for example. In addition, a childhood marked by severe adversity — such as abuse or neglect — can continue to affect you throughout adulthood.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors(SSRIs): This class of antidepressants works by selectively keeping increased levels of serotonin available in the brain. Although there is no evidence that any of the SSRIs are more effective than the older antidepressants, individuals who take SSRIs appear to experience fewer side effects. As a result, the SSRIs are often tried first and have become the most commonly prescribed class of antidepressant.

Content – Members-Only Content for WordPress

Share and Delight in:

Depression – Symptoms and Causes of Depression

By primal on Wednesday, June 11th, 2008 | No Comments

peterhutch questioned:

Research shows that depression runs in families and that some people inherit genes that make it more likely for them to get depressed. Not everyone who has the genetic makeup for depression gets depressed, though. And many people who have no family history of depression have the condition. So although genes are one factor, they aren’t the single cause of depression.

The effect of maternal-fetal stress on depression is currently an exciting area of research. It seems that maternal stress during pregnancy can increase the chance that the child will be prone to depression as an adult, particularly if there is a genetic vulnerability. It is thought that the mother’s circulating stress hormones can influence the development of the fetus’ brain during pregnancy. This altered fetal brain development occurs in ways that predispose the child to the risk of depression as an adult. Further research is still necessary to clarify how this happens.

Symptoms of Depression

A bleak outlook—nothing will ever get better and there’s nothing you can do to improve your situation.

You may have physical aches and pains which appear to have no physical cause, such as back pain.

Strong feelings of worthlessness or guilt. Harsh criticism of perceived faults and mistakes.

Problems sleeping, especially in the early morning, or wanting to sleep all of the time

You spend a lot of time thinking about what has gone incorrect, what will go incorrect or what is incorrect about yourself as a person. You may also feel guilty sometimes about being critical of others (or even thinking critically about them).

Feeling sad or “down” for a few days is not the same as exhibiting symptoms of depression. A clinical case of depression symptoms as outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental.

Having a poor appetite, no interest in food and losing weight (though some people overeat and place on weight – ‘comfort eating’).

Thinking about ******* – this is very common. If you feel this way, talk to somebody about it. If you reckon somebody else might be thinking this way, question them about it – IT WILL NOT MAKE THEM MORE LIKELY TO COMMIT *******.

Significant changes in weight when not attempting to gain or lose (a gain or loss of 5% or more in a month) may be indicative of depression. In children, this may also present as a failure to make expected weight gains.

Causes of Depression

Biochemical: Some evidence from high-tech imaging studies indicates that people with depression have physical changes in their brains. The significance of these changes is still uncertain but may eventually help pinpoint causes. The naturally occurring brain chemicals called neurotransmitters, which are linked to mood, also may play a role in depression. Hormonal imbalances also could be a culprit.

Depression can be linked to events in your life, such as the death of someone you like, a divorce or job loss. Taking certain medicines, abusing drugs or alcohol, or having other illnesses can also lead to depression. Depression isn’t caused by personal weakness, laziness or lack of willpower.

Certain environmental situations, such as stress or breakup of vital attachments, also may precipitate depression, especially in vulnerable persons.

Genes. Some studies show that depression is more common in people whose biological family members also have the condition. Researchers are trying to find genes that may be involved in causing depression.

Content

Share and Delight in:

Depression Treatment – Natural Depression Remedies

By primal on Wednesday, June 11th, 2008 | No Comments

Constantine George questioned:

Depression and anxiety become a way of living for many of us. It is not the way life is supposed to be. The huge advancement in the medical field is undeniable. Mind issues though are more hard to deal with. Your brain is more complex than the myocardial muscle.

Leave aside the risks associated with the Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) drugs like Paxil and Prozac, the problem is that these drugs address the effect and not the cause of the problem. The mechanism of action of these drugs is blocking the re-absorption (reuptake) of Serotonin by certain nerve cells in the brain.

Serotonin is the excellent mood neurotransmitter. Altering the way the brain processes Serotonin has unforeseeable effects. Sure, severe depression needs medical attention, but for mild and moderate depression a natural remedy should be considered first.

A holistic approach to mental health that has similar results if not better than SSRI drugs in treating mild and moderate depression and anxiety, combines natural supplements and meditation. This is a double whammy that will:

place you in the excellent mood zone and melt down depression and anxiety in a small period of time

increases the calming hormones melatonin and serotonin.

raise your threshold to stress triggers

reduces blood lactate, a marker of stress and anxiety

decreases the stress hormone, cortisol

keep your mind focused and clear

make you feel energized throughout the day

become optimistic and accept things you can not change

Meditation is no longer an esoteric or time consuming practice. Twenty minutes a day go a long way. Look at it as a “mind workout” for a lot less time than many of us spend in front of the TV (which by the way is mostly stressful). Beside increasing your Serotonin levels, there are other body direct responses to meditation, most noticeable being the increase in the DHEA (natural steroid pro-hormone produced from cholesterol by the adrenal glands) that naturally decreases with age. Similar benefits with the HGH (Human Growth Hormone) that is naturally released during deep sleep or deep … meditation.

Natural supplements are equal vital. St. John’s Wort is proved to have similar or better results than SSRI drugs for treating depression without the negative side effects. Hyperforin is the active antidepressant compound in St. John’s Wort. Pharmaceutical-grade products are standardized to a minimum of 5% hyperforin. The effective daily dosage of St. John’s Wort is 900 mg for a mild-moderate depression.

Another effective natural supplement for depression is 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan). This amino acid is extracted from the Griffonia Simplicifolia plant. When taken alone, doses of 150-300 mg per day are effective. In herbal treatments for depression that combine 5-HTP with St. John’s Wort, a daily dose of 25-100 mg 5-HTP is sufficient.

B vitamins are also known to help maintaining the brain neural connections and excellent mental health.

Double blind placebo trials are expensive hence not feasible for compounds that can not be patented like the ones mentioned above.

The lack of interest of the huge pharmaceutical companies, does not make these natural supplements less effective for treating depression and anxiety. These compounds passed the test of time and were filtered by the wisdom of hundreds of generations of people like you and me.

Content for WordPress

Share and Delight in:

Depression 101

Archive for the ‘Mental Health’ Category

What is Zoloft Depression

Which Depression Medication is Right for You

Depression Symptoms and Its Treatment

Depression – Symptoms and Causes of Depression

Depression Treatment – Natural Depression Remedies

Pages

Archives

Categories

Featured Products

Sponsors