Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Depression
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1) What are some causes of depression? The causes of depression are diverse and complex and depend in part on the type of depression in question. For example, Major Depression, a disorder characterized by a somewhat abrupt – and very serious – deterioration in mood and functioning, may be due in many instances to “biological” or inherited tendencies, most notably a lack of availability of certain neurotransmitters.
Some forms of depression are caused by adverse events such as divorce, trauma, loss, or illness. Others are caused by the side effects of medication, hypothyroidism, insomnia, or substance abuse. A competent clinician will assess each of these potential causes very carefully: Treatment recommendations will then follow from what is discovered during this initial investigation.
2) What are some signs of depression? Feeling inordinately sad, blue, helpless, worthless, joyless, or guilty; lack of sexual drive or interest; feeling worse at a predictable time of day (usually mornings), suicidal contemplation, gesture, or attempt; loss of appetite, concentration, and energy; weight loss while not dieting; social isolation or withdrawal; sleep disturbance; deterioration in social or occupational functioning.
3) What are some symptoms of depression? Same as above, number 2.
4) What is manic depression? Also known as bipolar disorder, manic depression is a biologically-based mental illness characterized by at least one manic episode and at least one episode of major depression, each of which may be recurrent and cyclical. Drug therapies with such medications as Lithium – or anticonvulsants such as Depakote – are considered vital to the treatment and care of this condition. Adjunctive psychotherapy or family therapy can often help the management of this condition, and certain promising, “specialty” therapies such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy are undergoing clinical trials.
Bipolar Disorder is an especially serious condition because both “swings” of symptomatology have potentially dangerous consequences. In manic phases, for example, patients tend to exhibit very poor judgment with things such as finances and sexual behavior, and their symptoms may escalate in some cases to a loss of touch with reality and active hallucinations. Serious major depressive symptoms usually include a risk of suicide.
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5) Are the symptoms of childhood depression the same as adult depression? They tend to be similar but may vary in age-appropriate ways. For example, children and adolescents may show a depressed mood in terms of increased irritability instead of obvious sadness…or they may fail to make expected weight gains instead of showing marked weight loss.
6) Are there natural remedies for depression?
A number of natural remedies are available, although outcome research on their effectiveness is still limited.
Since research on this topic is in a developmental phase, we recommend that people interested in natural remedies for anxiety and depression consult one or more physicians and other, qualified health professionals on this topic before beginning treatment. It is important when embarking on care of this kind, whether by a traditional or an alternative route, to do so while under the appropriately frequent and consistent care of an expert.
Self-Help Resources maintains an Affiliate relationship with a product called Anxius (http://anxius.com/) because this product includes therapeutic dosages of the commonly used neurotransmitter precursors, L-Tyrosine and DL Phenylalanine, along with other supplementation that may be helpful in the treatment of anxiety and depression. You may evaluate this product at the following link:
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7) Where can one find good information on depression? http://www.isitreallydepression.com/mini_c/isitreallydepression/
How effective are antidepressants? Much scientific research has validated the effectiveness of antidepressants. For some people, antidepressants truly are bastions of life. That being said, antidepressants do not work for everyone, and their side effects are sometimes difficult to tolerate. Several antidepressants taken at once are sometimes necessary to control the condition, or the doctor may wish to try various dosages over time to get optimal results.
9) How common are suicidal tendencies for depression? Suicidal tendencies in depressed people are quite common and must be carefully assessed by treating clinicians.
10) Is depression considered a mental disorder? Yes, in fact, several forms of depression are listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the American Psychiatric Association; for example: Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood; Dysthymia; Major Depression; Atypical Depression; and Bipolar Disorder.
11) What are the most common Treatments for Depression? Cognitive Therapy and Cognitive-Behavior Therapy are the most common psychotherapies for depression and are the most soundly supported by scientific research.
Without focusing predominantly on the past, cognitive therapies attempt to change attitude and behavior – negative thought patterns, negative habits, or negative relationships – by helping the depressed client practice new ways of thinking and behaving. Couples therapy may be added as indicated, along with assertiveness skills, exercise, dietary intervention, or even a change in depression-causing medications such as those prescribed to control blood pressure.
The most common medical treatment for depression involves the prescription of antidepressant medication. Prozac, Zoloft, Luvox and related drugs increase the amount of the neurotransmitter serotonin available to the brain. Older antidepressants such as Imipramine increase norepinephrine, and still others such as Wellbutrin increase both of these neurotransmitters.
Antidepressants tend to work quickly, 2 – 4 weeks on average, which is a big advantage; however, several different drugs may have to be prescribed before the right one is found. Antidepressants may have side effects which make them difficult to tolerate for some people. It is also important that patients on antidepressant medication stay on it for a long period of time; typically, a minimum of a year to prevent relapse.
The cognitive therapies tend to take longer than antidepressants to work; however, they have no side effects and their positive effects tend to remain stable over long periods of time. It is for this reason that some practitioners recommend cognitive therapy and medication together.
12) What are the symptoms of depression or signs of depression? Feelings of hopelessness, helplessness; sadness, or prolonged grief; loss of the ability to feel pleasure or joy; suicidal thoughts, gestures, or attempts; sleeping too little or too much; agitation; loss of sexual interest; worsening of the symptoms at certain times of the day, especially mornings; social isolation; low self-esteem.
13) What is seasonal affective disorder? The signs of depression noted above become evident or pronounced only during prolonged periods of minimal exposure to the sun, most typically during winter months.
14) What is post partum depression? The signs of depression noted above become evident or pronounced in a mother soon after she gives birth.15)Are there natural cures for depression anxiety? Yes,
16) What is the treatment for seasonal affective disorder? Vitamin D3 supplements may be helpful when taken under the care of a qualified medical professional. Perhaps the most widely recognized treatment is that of Full Spectrum Light, although products made for this purpose vary greatly in quality. We will review Full Spectrum lights and provide a recommendation in an update to this question, coming soon.
17) Where can one find depression information? http://www.isitreallydepression.com/mini_c/isitreallydepression/
18) What is reactive depression? Reactive depression occurs in reaction to an event or situation that would cause most people to be depressed. The reaction may or may not be exaggerated relative to a “normal” response and may or may not be an indication that therapy is needed.
19) What is neurotic depression? This term is archaic and no longer in mainstream use.
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