Mental health professionals tend to approach their subject from one of two quite different perspectives. Some regard mental health problems as a biological disorder or malfunction. This is the approach that is emphasized within medical models of illness, and by psychiatrists. Psychologists are more likely to look at the psychosocial and cognitive factors. So where does that leave the ‘chemical imbalance’ theory of depression?
Mind: Body Relationships and Chemical Imbalance
We are beginning to understand the ways in which the mind and body are interdependent. The consensus today is that stress and emotions can induce the biochemical changes that can be measured in depressive illness. More rarely it can work the other way round, with physical illness resulting in depressed mood.
Often it is hard to separate the two. Stress or poor diet causes us to become run down and renders us more vulnerable to physical illness. Physical illness is itself frequently a cause of stress, and so a feedback situation arises. Most experts agree that depressive illness is a two-way street.
Various diseases and conditions are thought to trigger depression in certain individuals. Depression is associated with various diseases of the nervous system and the endocrine system, for example. It can also be triggered by infections, such as glandular fever.
What Chemicals Are Implicated in Depressive Illness?
Whichever approach is adopted, there is no doubt that biochemistry is a very real factor in depressive illness and that drug treatments that alter body chemistry can be effective. Attention has focussed on hormones and neurotransmitters called monoamines.
The best-known neurotransmitter linked to depression is serotonin. Low serotonin levels are linked to depressed mood, poor appetite and sleep and other bodily functions. The stress hormone norepinephrine is another. Drugs that prevent re-uptake of these neurotransmitters increase their levels in the body and are fundamental to medical management of depression, usually together with psychological therapies.
An alteration in brain chemistry is involved in depression. Returning that imbalance to normal plays an important role in treatment.
Along with more traditional forms of treatment, behavioral modification has shown to help many who suffer from depression. It is a complementary therapy that many turn to as a form of self help.
The broad term for the category of therapies encompassing behavioral modification is psychotherapy. This is not something you’d see going on in the back room in one of those low-budget horror flicks. It is a form of talk therapy designed to help you to recognize your depression for what it is.
You’d be surprised how many people are in denial. They classify their depression as a bad case of sadness that will eventually pass. They don’t want to be labeled by depression.
They don’t realize that the way not to be labeled is to find help.
Here are the basics of behavioral modification.
- You and your therapist will discuss your condition. They will find out your symptoms, what you feel from day to day and how you view your depression. All of the answers you give are clues to helping them to find a complementary treatment for you.
- One form of psychotherapy is cognitive behavior therapy. This therapy teaches you to recognize when you are slipping back into depression and how to use your behavior, thinking and words to influence the outcome.
Cognitive behavior therapy involves:
- Working with your therapist to decide on what the outcome of treatment will be.
- Learning to recognize what events trigger you to relapse into depression.
- Modifying your thoughts, words and actions from negative to positive in order to cope successfully and not relapse.
What you get out of therapy largely depends on you. Psychotherapy treatments are usually highly structured to give you the safety and confidence to keep pursuing it. Along with medical treatment, hopefully you will find a prescription for successful management.
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Depression is an illness. As such, you may be at risk for it in your life. This doesn’t mean that you will develop depressive symptoms, but that you might want to increase your awareness of the condition.
Depression has been characterized as feeling the “blues” but that is not an accurate description. The “blues” can be chalked up to having a bad day or the aftermath of an argument. Neither of these situations has anything to do with depression. Once you have a pep talk or shake off the feeling, your mood and attitude returns to normal. With depression, it does not.
If you are a woman, guess what? You are more at risk for depression. No one knows why in particular. Women are prone to postpartum depression after giving birth. Since many women also chalk their feelings up to “the blues,” the number of depressed people of the female sex is probably higher that reported.
Another risk factor is socioeconomic status. It is believed that if you are poor, you are more likely to develop depression. That is not to say that everyone who is of below average means will also have this issue. There are other factors surrounding your financial status that play a part.
Substance abuse plays a part in developing many conditions not the least of which is depression. It could be the side effect of the drugs or the aftermath of getting clean when you realize how you have lived while abusing drugs. The term “drugs” here is not just illegal substances but also abuse of prescription medications such as narcotics and sleeping pills.
Now, we come to family history. You have a greater risk if someone in your family has suffered or is suffering from a depressive condition. But, that is not set in stone. Simply being aware of your risk can help you fight it.
Are you at risk? Talk to your family doctor to find out more and what you can do to help yourself.
One of the symptoms of depression is an altered mood. People, who are normally bubbly and outgoing, change and become more sullen and withdrawn. Anyone who knows you can tell that something is wrong.
Many of the symptoms of depression revolve around your attitude. There is a tendency towards insomnia or trouble staying asleep. Sleep is the time when the body recharges itself.
If you are suffering from depression, you may notice that you are more irritable than usual. That could be followed by crying spells and moments of anger. The majority of suicides have been diagnosed with some form of depression at some point in their lives.
All of these symptoms and others lead to one thing: a change in your outlook on life and your own well-being. It is a common practice for depressed people who are contemplating suicide to give away their belongings. It may not be odd to be generous but these are items that they hold dear and, under any other circumstance, wouldn’t be parted with.
For that reason, making any major life decisions is not wise at this time. If you know anyone who exhibits signs of depression, get them help right away. When people who are depressed are approached by salespersons, they can be more highly suggestible than normal. You may not have wanted to change your life insurance policy a year ago, but in light of your depressive episodes, you may be talked into changing that and more. The downside here is that your life can be totally turned upside down in those days and months when your depression went undiagnosed.
If you or someone you know is being treated for depression, ask a friend or family member to hold you accountable physically, mentally, emotionally and financially. Changes in relationship status, financial status, work status (to name a few) need to be put on hold until you are thinking more clearly.
All types of antidepressant drugs can potentially cause side effects, some of which can be serious, even life-threatening in some cases. Though newer generations of antidepressant drugs are generally safer, with lower toxicity and less chance of overdosing, they still cause significant problems for some users. Some are unsuitable for pregnant women. Anyone taking them should read the package insert carefully for possible drug interactions, allergic reactions and other complications. The FDA online medication guidelines may also be useful.
Side Effects – General
Headaches, nausea and stomach upsets are common side effects of the antidepressants, and some people also experience unpleasant feelings of agitation and anxiety. Sexual dysfunction is not uncommon and feelings of apathy, numbness and emotional detachment are also reported. Other side effects include dry mouth, vision problems, dizziness, skin complaints and fluctuations in weight. Some may interfere with driving or use of machinery.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are known for the serious consequences arising from drug interactions and if users eat foods rich in tyramine (including red wine and cheese). They also reduce REM sleep and can cause fatigue. Serotonin syndrome is a rare but dangerous drug reaction that can be caused by any of the antidepressants (not just SSRIs) and some tranquillizers.
Although not addictive in the way that the benzodiazepines (such as Valium) can be, antidepressants can nevertheless induce physical and psychological dependence and if discontinued, this should be done gradually. Reputable practitioners will discourage long term use of antidepressant therapies.
Major Controversy
Antidepressants have regularly made the news, with some high profile lawsuits. Thousands have sued GlaxoSmith over paroxetine (Paxil/Seroxat), who advertised it as safer than subsequent studies suggest. As well as risks associated with withdrawal, it is claimed that it can raise a person’s suicide risk (or their risk of acting out suicidal behavior by harming others). Those under 25 are thought to react especially badly to it, and it is contraindicated for children and adolescents.
Antidepressants have transformed some people’s lives, and made others’ lives a misery. They can be dangerous and should be used with extreme caution, always strictly according to prescription specifications.
Click Here To Find Out How To Cure Yourself Naturally Of Depression.
This is one of those topics that people give close attention. It is actually empowering. When you know the causes of an illness, you are more self-aware. The power is in your hands at that point to be proactive.
Depression is an illness that mostly results from an imbalance of chemicals in the brain. These chemicals are called neurotransmitters. The ones affected are associated with neural pathways that control mood.
There isnt just one cause for depression. In fact, finding a cause can be rather complex in its nature. Many of the causes that scientists and doctors have come up with are still being tested. Start with this list and follow up with your doctor for more in-depth information.
- Heredity Like other conditions such as alcoholism, you are at a greater risk if someone in your family also has the condition. Those with family members suffering from depression or who have succumbed to a depressive symptom (suicide) are more likely to develop depression according to the experts. They have not identified which types of depression that includes as yet.
- Illness There seems to be a correlation between illness and depression. This refers to prolonged illness like cancer, HIV/AIDS, diabetes and heart disease. If you already have been exhibiting symptoms of depression before these illnesses your risk is greater.
- Personality type People who exhibit low self-esteem, poor body image, inability to handle stress, feelings of isolation and negative thinking are more likely to become depressed.
- Nutritional deficiencies What you eat is important. When your diet lacks vitamins and minerals instrumental in brain health, depression could become a reality in your future.
- Medications Some medications may have side effects that can lead you to depression. If youve ever read the list on the bottle, prolonged use of some can increase depressive symptoms.
Are you concerned that something in your life may be a cause for depression? You wont know for sure unless you see a professional.
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While many of us are aware of some of the emotional symptoms caused by depression, not everyone knows there are often physical symptoms as well. Many people diagnosed with depression have accompanying pain or other forms of physical symptoms.
Some of these are:
- Headaches. These are fairly common in people with depression, especially if you were prone to migraines before your diagnosis of depression.
- Back pain. Another ailment which can worsen with a diagnosis of depression.
- Muscle aches and joint pain. Depression can possibly make any chronic pain worse.
- Chest pain. For obvious reasons, it’s important to have any chest pain checked by a physician immediately. While it could potentially be a heart attack, chest pain is also a known ailment associated with depression.
- Digestive issues. You might feel queasy or nauseous. Diarrhea or chronic constipation are also possibilities.
- Fatigue. Even with adequate amounts of sleep, you may still feel tired. In some cases, getting out of bed is even impossible.
- Sleep problems. Many people with depression have difficulty obtaining proper sleep. Some can’t fall asleep easily or wake too early. Others sleep much longer than is necessary.
- Dizziness or lightheadedness.
Many people suffering from these issues never get the help they require, simply because they don’t realize their physical symptoms might be caused by depression. Even some doctors may miss the link. These physical symptoms aren’t “all in your head.” Depression can cause real changes in your body. For instance, it can slow down your digestion, which can result in stomach problems.
Treating Physical Symptoms
In most cases, treating your depression – with therapy, medicine or both – will resolve the physical symptoms. Make sure to discuss any physical symptoms with your health care provider. These may need additional treatment. For instance, your doctor may suggest anti-anxiety medicine to help your insomnia.
Certain depression treatments can also help with painful symptoms. Certain types of focused therapy – like cognitive behavioral – can teach you ways to cope better with the pain.
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According to studies, there are more or less 17
million Americans who are suffering from depression
annually. Majority of these cases are women.
Persistently, it was stated that women suffer more
depression than men in terms of time, duration and
severity. Depression in women or in men affects their
mental health and disregards some of the most
important factors in their lives. With increased rates
of depressive behavior in women, it may be concluded
that it is because of social and biological differences.
Depression is not your ordinary blues. Being sad because of some event that happened in your life is ordinary. You mourn in a burial and that would be acceptable. After appropriate time, you’ll get over it. But, depression is another thing. It affects a person totality in terms of life, body mind and work. It drives a person to NOT do the things he or she
normally do, thus affecting the facts of daily living.
What happens in depression?
Once a person becomes depressed, some chemicals in the brain decreases which may cause some of the nerve in the brain to work in a slower pace. Reduction of chemicals inside the brain is the cause of depression. True depression can result to a stress which may reflect on how a person manipulates his life and the people around him or her.
Aside from being depressed, women can also be the bearer of associated conditions like anxiety, stress and eating disorders. In men, they tend to have depression that can be connected with antisocial behaviors, alcoholism, OC personalities and self-centeredness.
Why women?
Because of the effects of their premenstrual syndrome. When premenstrual syndrome occurs, women become depressed within the week of the actual menstrual cycle. There are about 3-5 percentage of women who experience depression due to the menstrual due to the regulation in hormones happening inside the women’s body. Women may also feel depressed because of menopause, infertility and miscarriage. Compared to men, women, especially those who are already married, tend to suffer increased depression. Older women can be at risk for danger which can lead to fractures just because of depression.
What is PMDD?
If the depression becomes severe and anxiety gets involved, it becomes more severe which may lead to PMDD or premenstrual dysphoric cycle. PMDD is a disorder that can be debilitating and requires immediate treatment.
Depressive risk-factors
- Sexual or physical abuse during childhood
- Contraceptives especially those that has a very high
content in progesterone - Stress
- Loss of support from family, friends and loved-ones
- Mood disorders in the family
- Parent death before reaching the age of 10
In order to eliminate depression, one must know the symptoms which include: decreased in attention with the usual activities, moody, feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, and guilt, too much or not enough sleep, weight gain or loss, constant fatigue, disturbances in behavior and thoughts of killing oneself.
The good new is, depression can somehow be treated and has an 80 percent chance of stability although, when unrecognized, depression will never find its way out of someone’s system. Some of the most common treatments for depression are hormone replacement therapy and other medications that can lessen toxins which causes depressive state. Upon recognizing that you already are being depressed and can no longer handle it, to attain mental health, you must go to your psychiatrist and ask for treatment.
Click Here To Find Out How To Cure Yourself Naturally Of Depression.
Who Else Wants To Be Free From Depression Without The Use of Medication?
