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on: Friday, 04 July 2008 01:41
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Depression & Mental Health FAQs
US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated 40 million Americans living today will suffer from major depressive illness during their lives. Seasonal affective disorder is major depression that appears in the fall or winter and goes away in spring, thought to be caused by lack of sunlight.
Postpartum depression occurs within four weeks of a women giving childbirth. Most new mothers suffer from some form of the �baby blues.� Postpartum depression, by contrast, is major depression, thought to be triggered by changes in hormonal flows associated with childbirth. Catatonic depression is a rare form of major depression characterized by (at least two): Stupor, excessive motor activity, extreme negativism, peculiarities in voluntary movement, and repetition of other people's words or actions. - mcmanweb.com
Psychotic depression is a rare form of depression characterized by delusions or hallucinations, such as believing you are someone you are not and hearing voices.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 18.8 million American adults, or about 9.5 percent of the US population age 18 and older in a given year, have a depressive disorder. Depression is a chronic illness that exacts a significant toll on
America's health and productivity. It affects more than 21 million
American children and adults annually and is the leading cause of
disability in the United States for individuals ages 15 to 44.
Lost productive time among U.S. workers due to depression is estimated
to be in excess of $31 billion per year. Depression frequently
co-occurs with a variety of medical illnesses such as heart disease,
cancer, and chronic pain and is associated with poorer health status
and prognosis. It is also the principal cause of the 30,000 suicides
in the U.S. each year. In 2004, suicide was the 11 th leading cause of death in the United States, third among individuals 15-24.
According to the World Health Organization, depression is presently on track to becoming the world's second-most disabling disease (after heart disease) by the year 2020. Depression is responsible for some $87 billion a year in lost productivity in the US (a conservative estimate), and according to Bank One, is responsible for most lost work days in its employees after pregnancy and childbirth. Additionally, one million people worldwide die by their own hand, most as a result of a mood disorder. Finally, the linkage between depression and a host of physical illnesses makes it arguably the world's greatest killer.
Research presented at the 56th Annual Conference of the Canadian
Psychiatric Association shows a marked link between bipolar disorder
and migraines. The odds of migraine in persons with bipolar disorder were 40% higher than the general population. Data
obtained from 36,984 people aged 15 and over, who screened positive for
manic or depressive episodes with migraine, were compared against those
who screened positive for mania but who didn�t suffer from migraines. Amongst
males, 14.9% of those with manic episodes were also diagnosed with
migraines compared with 5.8% of the general population. Amongst
females, 34.7% had both migraines and bipolar disorder compared with
14.7% who only had migraines.unquote.gif While the research was
skewed towards persons who were already diagnosed with bipolar
disorders, what does it mean for people who suffer from migraines but
who may have an undiagnosed bipolar disorder?
Migraines and headaches aren�t fully understood but the manifestations are very real and debilitating for their sufferers: Throbbing pain Nausea Heightened sensitivity to light or sound Seeing dots, wavy lines, flashing lights, or blind spots Difficulty with speech, sensation, or movement
An estimated 2.1 million
American adolescents have experienced major depression within the last
year, according to a new comprehensive government study. Researchers
surveyed more than 67,000 young people ages 12 to 17 and found that one
in 12 had suffered from serious depression in the previous year.Nearly
13 percent of girls had struggled with depression, compared to less
than 5 percent of boys. Odds of depression increased with age -- just 4
percent of 12-year-olds experienced depression but that climbed to 11
percent for older teens.
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Depression FAQ - Part III - Alternative treatments, lifestyle choices
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Part III concludes with alternative treatments, lifestyle choices including diet, exercise, sleep, and religious/spiritual practice, coping skills, and suicide prevention. All links but one are to articles on this website.
Are there alternative or complementary treatments for depression?
Yes. These include St John's wort, Sam-e, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin and mineral supplements, and acupuncture.
Tell me about St John's wort.
St John's wort is a common weed which numerous studies have found effective for treating mild to moderate depression. Major studies have found, however, that it is not effective for major depression. Those who try St John's wort should be advised that natural does not mean harmless. Because of the way it is metabolized in the liver, St John's wort has dangerous interactions with other drugs. Consult your doctor before using, and buy only from a reputable supplier.
Tell me about Sam-e.
Sam-e is a molecule responsible for more than a hundred processes in the body. A number of small European studies have found the substance effective and fast acting (working in a matter of days as opposed to weeks), with virtually no side effects. Sam-e is chemically unstable, so buy only enteric-coated tablets and don't take them out of their containers until you are ready to use them. Buy only from a reputable supplier and use under a doctor's supervision.
Tell me about omega-3 fatty acids.
Omega-3 is found in deepwater fish such as salmon and in flax. One study found that countries with low fish consumption coincided with high depression rates. A pilot study using an omega-3 extract found the substance to be effective in treating depression. Until we know more, it is advised that omega-3 be considered as a complement to, rather than as a replacement for, one's normal meds. Buy only preparations that have more EPA than DHA.
Tell me about vitamins and mineral supplements.
Unfortunately, much of the food we eat comes from soil depleted of nutrients. The raw materials for producing neurotransmitters are nutrients. A deficiency of vitamin B6, for instance, may affect how serotonin is synthesized. The trick is finding a doctor willing to order the tests to tease out these deficiencies. In lieu of precise knowledge of one's individual deficiencies, all-purpose supplement combinations may be an option. Use under a doctor's supervision. It is advisable to use supplements as a complement to meds rather than as a replacement.
What about acupuncture?
A pilot study comparing depression treatment (where the needles were placed at specific "depression" points) to sham treatment (the needles were randomly applied) found those in the depression treatment group experienced a 42 percent reduction in symptoms compared to 22 percent for the controls, with virtually no side effects. A larger study is underway.
What about lifestyle choices?
These include diet, exercise, sleep, avoiding stress, and religious or spiritual practice.
What about diet?
Diet is crucial to good mood. When choosing a healthy diet, there are no right or wrong choices, though in general high fat, high sugar, and high carb diets should be avoided, and junk foods, caffeine and alcohol restricted. Folate (from leafy green vegetables) deficiency and high sugar intake have been linked to depression. Carbohydrates get processed into sugar, which can boost serotonin but also induce mood-busting sugar crashes. Chocolate can act as a tasty antidepressant, with an endorphin-like effect, but can also set one up for a sugar crash. Paradoxically, eating too much sugar can lower blood sugar levels in some people, which results in further unhealthy cravings. Be mindful about switching to NutraSweet, however. One small study of patients with depression found they had severe reactions to its working chemical, aspartame.
What about exercise?
Numerous studies have found aerobic exercise works as effectively as antidepressants. Generally, the last thing you want to do when you're depressed is exercise, but even a five minute walk can help. Exercise restores regular sleep and eating, raises energy levels, generates endorphins, boost serotonin levels, and may stimulate new brain cell growth.
What about sleep?
Too little or too much sleep affects just about everyone with depression. A major key to establishing good sleep hygiene is going to bed and waking up at a regular hour. For those who continue to experience difficulties, talking therapy can help, as well as sleeping pills and wakefulness agents.
What about avoiding stress?
Stress is toxic to anyone disposed to depression, so every effort needs to be made to reduce stressful situations from one's life and develop appropriate skills for coping. This may involve major life decisions regarding work and personal relationships. Numerous talking therapies can help people work through difficult job and relationship situations so that stress is less of a factor in one's life. Therapy can also teach a range of coping skills. Other coping strategies include exercise, meditation, yoga, and relaxation exercises.
What about religious or spiritual practice?
A multitude of studies have found those who are religious or spiritual live longer, are healthier, recover from illnesses quicker, and are less depressed. Much of this undoubtedly has to do with the support one gets from one's religious community, as well as the more healthy lifestyles these people tend to lead, not to mention the comfort that belief in a higher power can bring. In addition, the exercises and practices associated with religion and spirituality such as meditation, prayer, and yoga have positive benefits on mental and physical health. Scientists also speculate the immune system and other biological processes may be enhanced by religious or spiritual practice. Finally, don't rule out pure God-power.
What about attending a support group?
A major study found that online support groups have a positive impact on depression. Face to face support groups have a similar benefit. At a support group, you meet people who have walked in your shoes, who have unique insights into the illness that they are all too happy to share, and are willing to be with you in a time of crisis.
How do I cope day to day?
Over time, you will develop your own personal bag of tricks. These can range from prayer to keeping a journal to taking some time out for yourself to volunteer work. In general, any project that makes it worth your while to get out of bed or any activity that induces you to get out of the house and be with other people should be regarded as beneficial.
I am feeling suicidal. What should I do?
Get help immediately. Treat this as a crisis every bit as life-threatening as a heart attack, which it is. Every year, one million people worldwide die by their own hand, most as a result of depression or a depression-related illness. The true figure is probably many times higher, disguised as death by accident or death by risky behavior. Contact a trusted friend or family member. In the US, the national suicide hotline is 1 800 SUICIDE. Just as someone with a heart attack goes to the emergency room, that is where you should be, unless someone competent has decided you are not in danger.
How should I prepare for a suicidal crisis?
Have a good support network in place, people you can contact at a moment's notice. Have a good relationship with your doctor or psychiatrist, as you may need to call him or her in the middle of the night. Commit the national suicide hotline to memory, if you live in the US, and have local hotline numbers handy.
How can I help others in a suicidal crisis?
Be supportive. Do not be judgmental. Treat the situation as life-threatening, which it is. Ask if he or she has a plan - this can determine how serious the problem is. If you are in a position to do so, offer to take positive action, such as calling his psychiatrist or driving him to the emergency room.
Depression has ruined my life. It has destroyed my relationships and my career.
It is pointless to disregard the full destructive power of depression, and because of it some people may have to considerably scale back their expectations in life. On the positive side, you have survived one of the most malevolent forces on the planet, and you are a much stronger person as a result, in closer touch with your own humanity and divinity. Please do not underestimate these gifts and the power you now have to lead an even deeper and more meaningful life, however different it may be from the one you had been pursuing.
Do you have any final thoughts?
Yes. Depression may be one of the worst illnesses we know, but it is highly treatable. Finding what works may involve weeks or months - and sometimes even years - of frustration and heartbreak, but with the range of choices we now have, your prospects are excellent. Moreover, we are not helpless bystanders. The decisions we make regarding our lifestyles can dramatically improve the odds in our favor. To those of you who are depressed, please seek help - you shouldn't have to suffer one day longer than you have to. For those of you struggling with your treatments, don't give up hope. A brighter future lies ahead.
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Depression & Mental Health FAQs 2
What is Clinical Depression? Clinical
depression can affect your body, mood, thoughts, and behavior. It can
change your eating habits, how you feel and think about things, your
ability to work and study, and how you interact with people. Clinical
depression is not a passing mood, a sign of personal weakness or a
condition that can be willed away. Clinically depressed people cannot
"pull themselves together" and get better. Depression can be
successfully treated by a mental health professional or certain health
care providers. With the right treatment, 80 percent of those who seek
help get better. And many people begin to feel better in just a few
weeks.
Depression a Big Factor in Poor Health World Health Organization Finds Depression Often Goes Untreated By Salynn Boyles WebMD Medical News Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD Sept.
6, 2007 -- Depression has a greater impact on overall health than
arthritis, diabetes, angina, and asthma, but it all too often goes
unrecognized and untreated, a report from the World Health Organization
(WHO) suggests. more... Depression a Big Factor in Poor Health
For Additional Information About Depression Write To: The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)6001 Executive Boulevard, Room 8184, MSC 9663 Bethesda, MD 20892-9663
For free brochures on depression and its treatment call: 1-800-421-4211. or visit: http://www.nimh.nih.gov
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