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Gaining a better understanding of depression |
| Date Added: March 04, 2010 02:24:56 AM |
| Author: inofo56 |
| Category: Computers: Internet |
| According to estimates, 10% of American grownups suffer from a depressive disorder. This type of mental health problems includes major depression. Symptoms of major depression are as follows: No interest or pleasure in things you used to enjoy, feeling sad or empty, crying easily for "no reason", feeling slowed down or feeling displeased and unable to sit still, losing or gaining weight, thoughts about death or suicide; trouble thinking, recalling things or concentrating; trouble making daily decisions; problems sleeping, particularly in the early morning or waiting to sleep all the time; feeling exhausted all the time. Depression is believed to be related to a chemical imbalance in the brain that makes it difficult for cells to communicate with one another. Depression can result from nerve-racking situations, such as the death of somebody you love, a breakup or downsizing. But it can also come unexpectedly. Certain medications, drugs and alcohol, or chronic illnesses, such as diabetes or heart disease, can lead to depression. Depression can be treated with medications, or special form of counseling known as psychotherapy, or with both. Antidepressants are medications used to help people who suffer from depression. Antidepressants work by increasing the activity of chemicals in the brain known as neurotransmitters. Antidepressants help people with depression by making the chemicals more available to the brain. Antidepressants are typically taken leastwise for 6-12 months. In some cases, patients and their physicians may decide that antidepressants are required for a longer time. Antidepressants can improve your mood, sleep, concentration and appetite. It may take a few weeks for them to help. There are several types of antidepressants. You and your general practitioner may have to try several before you find what medication is the most effective for you. Drugs sometimes cause unwanted side effects. They may range from patient to patient and from medicine to medicine. For example, when you first begin your antidepressant you may feel exhausted, have trouble sleeping or have upset stomach. The side effects ordinarily go away after a while. Even after a year of treatment, there is still about a 10% chance of depression returning as soon as treatment is finished. Some people take an antidepressant for a few years. |
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