Symptoms And Treatments Of Depression

Based on a systematic review of 44 clinical trials dating from January 1, 1990 to January 13, 2015, an effective evidence-based first-step intervention for managing mild to severe MDD is second generation antidepressants. Approximately 60 % of patients respond; however 70% do not remit. Of the several different families of antidepressants like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (NRIs), and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), SSRIs are the most commonly prescribed. SSRIs, initially discovered as more tolerable forms of TCAs and MAOIs, based on the monoaminergic hypothesis, the theory that depression results from low levels of serotonin in the brain, work by inhibiting serotonin reuptake receptors present on presynaptic neurons producing an increase of serotonin in the brain.

Chronic intake, the delayed onset of action, drug resistance and numerous side effects force the researchers to look for the new, safe antidepressant strategies (1, 2) with rapid onset and longer time of action.

One of the most common psychiatric disorders is known as clinical depression and affects anywhere between 3% and 13% of the population with some form of depressive symptoms affecting as much as 20% of the adult population at some point in their lives (Amenson & Lewinson, 1981; Kessler et al., 1994; Oliver & Simmons, 1985, as cited in Antonuccio, Danton, & DeNelsky, p. 574). The concept of ‘harmful dysfunction’ advanced by Horwitz and Wakefield (2007) describes two key components of clinical depression: a dysfunctional mechanism and the dysfunction being harmful to the individual (as cited in, Parker & Paterson, p.405). This paper explores the following questions: what does research indicate about clinical depression and what are the implications for treatment? Reviews are presented in regards to the emergence of depression and psychotherapy versus medication to treat clinical depression. Considerations are briefly discussed and the research paper will conclude with an interpretation of the critical points.

Depression is mental illnesses characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, despair and worthlessness that interfere with daily functioning and personal relationships. It is an illness caused by an imbalance of the chemicals in the brain. It affects about 19 million people and cost billions in any given year (Ford-Martin). Some of the symptoms of depression are having a hard time focusing, constant crying, and loss of interest or pleasure in ordinary everyday activities, sleep problems, problems with eating and weight (gain or loss). Depression strikes all age groups, and often goes unrecognized or inadequately treated.

Some of the most common antidepressants include Prozac, Celexa, Zoloft, Paxil, Remeron and Effexor, these come capsules or tablets, studies show that the effects of these drugs can include: Nervousness and anxiety, Insomnia, Irritability, Violent thoughts and actions, Agitation, Hostility, Suicidal thoughts or suicide, Tremors, Irregular heartbeat, Aggression, Confusion and incoherent thoughts, Paranoia, Hallucinations, Psychosis,

According to the DBSA in the US alone depression affects 6.7% of adults. This is approximately 14.8 million people who are diagnosed yearly. Depression puts you at a risk four times higher than that of a non depressed person for a heart attack. The majority of depressed peoples are women. In the medical world there are many techniques to combat depression. There are many forms of prescription antidepressants including; selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), atypical antidepressants, tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Thanks to Ed Likovich, Kasey Russell, Richard Schwartz, Jacqueline Olds and Tom Hayes there is another form of prescribed antidepressant that we now know as Sunsprite.

Many people with mild to moderate depression can be successfully treated with psychotherapy and other non medical interventions such as bright light; exercise; relaxation techniques; eliminating the use of substances like recreational drugs, alcohol and caffeine; getting regular sleep; eating a balanced diet; and stress reduction. But when these interventions have been tried and failed, or when a patient's depression is severe enough to interfere with their ability to function in their work, relationships, and self-care, doctors will recommend antidepressant medications as well. There are several different classes of antidepressants to choose from, including older medications called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and tricyclics; selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs); norepinephrine and serotonin reuptake inhibitors; and others. Despite the differences in these medications' effects on neurotransmitters, chemical properties, side effects, and pharmaceutical company advertising, they all are EQUALLY EFFECTIVE in treating depression. The choice between them, therefore, is made on the basis of other factors. When deciding which antidepressants may be best for a given patient, a doctor should take into consideration several factors. The first is the patient's history. If a patient has

The side effects of antidepressants include nausea, insomnia, anxiety, decreased sex drive, sweating, tremors, diarrhea, fatigue,

For as long as antidepressants have been curbing symptoms of mental health disorders, they have also brought their users adverse effects. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors, the first generation of antidepressant medications, were the primary antidepressant utilized between the 1950s and 1970s (Goldberg). Significant side effects of MAOIs include dizziness, high blood pressure, loss of sexual desire and weight gain (Goldberg). Most critically, MAOIs interacted with many other medications (Goldberg). These downsides led to the development of antidepressants with fewer interactions. The result was selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors—the most commonly prescribed antidepressants today (Fink). In a sample survey, 55 percent of individuals reported at least one adverse side effect within the first three months of taking a SSRI (Hirsch). The most common side effects include sexual dysfunction, insomnia, drowsiness, weight gain, dizziness, headache and anxiety (Hirsch). While SSRIs have been shown to reduce risk of suicide

Moreover, mixing natural or herbal treatments for depression in combination with other antidepressants may have different adverse reactions. So take note again if you are currently or recently have been taking pharmacological medications or substances like MAOIs or monoamine oxidase inhibitors, SSRIs or selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors, tricyclic medications, medications for losing weight, drugs for Parkinsons disease, barbiturates and tranquilizers, antihistamines, alcohol, IV drugs, and antibiotic medications.

Depression is quite common nowadays-statistics say that nearly 10% of people in the United States suffer from it each year, and 30% of women are depressed. Many of these people suffer in silence, so to speak, never talking to their doctors about their problem, let alone their friends and family. Some are able to find the courage to talk to their regular doctors, though they may feel awkward and shy discussing the problem. And it does take courage to speak up, trust me-I know because I suffer from this condition and it took me quite awhile to get the nerve to speak to my doctor. But, talking with a regular doctor about depression really may not take care of the problem in the best way. Sure, the doctor will likely write a prescription for you, but with so many depression medications on the market it can be difficult to find the right one for each person-and, chances are your regular doctor probably isn 't familiar with all of the differences in the various depression medications. It generally takes someone who specializes in this type of study to really understand how all of these medicines work. So, what should someone with depression do? It was probably hard enough summoning the strength to go to the doctor in the first place and then here I am telling you that a regular doctor really doesn 't suffice. I suggest that you find a therapist-a counselor, a psychiatrist, or psychologist-basically someone with whom you can make an appointment to just talk. How can you find a

Antidepressants work by changing the activity of the chemicals in brain, which regulate mood. There are various forms of antidepressant, including: Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin and noradrenalin reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) (mind.org.uk). The chemicals that are affected depends on the type of antidepressant. For example, SSRIs alter the reuptake of serotonin, a neurotransmitter responsible for mood and emotion, allowing more serotonin to be available, which in turn elevates mood.

Normally side effects are mild; with more impairing side effects being less frequent. According to the same pamphlet, the most common side effects are “constipation, daytime sleepiness, diarrhea, dizziness, dry mouth, headache, nausea, sexual problems, shakiness, trouble sleeping, and weight gain.” Also mentioned elsewhere are “Serotonin syndrome” which can include “confusion, hallucinations, loss of coordination, fever, rapid heart rate, and vomiting” and that the medication can worsen your depression and can increase the risk of suicide or self-mutilation. Having any of these would be very intrusive upon a person’s normal functioning. Antidepressants also usually take “at least 6 full weeks to begin to get the full effect” (United States) of their depression lessening. This long lag time between when treatment begins and when depression alleviation starts is another concern, as alternative methods can begin working right away and if you need to switch antidepressants, it takes another 6 weeks for the next one to work. The long treatment time is another drawback of using antidepressants as “most people need to keep taking these medicines for 6 to 9 months,” (United States) yet later in the same pamphlet it is stated that not much is known about the long term use of antidepressants because the “research studies generally only

It is that cold sense of apathy that waits below the surface, playing with your emotions and your ability to react to your surroundings. As one Australian author noted, “Depression is a prison, where one is both the suffering prisoner and the cruel jailer” (Rowe). According to the Merriam Webster Dictionary, “Depression is defined as a state of feeling sad or a serious medical condition in which a person feels very sad, hopeless, and unimportant and often is unable to live in a normal way” (“Depression”). It is a start of low mood and aversion to activity that can affect a person’s thoughts, behavior, feelings, and sense of well-being, it also viewed as a sickness (Salmans). Depression does not just hurt the people who are living with it;

Before we can go any further, we must know what depression is and what causes it. Depression is an emotion that is felt along with a strong