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on: Saturday, 06 September 2008 00:01
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QUOTE (stuguinea @ Nov 28 2007, 09:09 PM) * DF is a wonderful site that I stumbled upon during one of my greatest bouts of depression. Considering the large number of topics and threads available on the site I believe there is something for everyone here. In many cases I considered DF my therapist. The warm, inviting community provides a safe place to discuss your innermost thoughts (regardless how disturbing you think they may be) without fear of being judged or labeled. The community is understanding and the advice provided by the moderators and members is very good. I have told others who I know are suffering from depression about this great website. What is disappointing is that when I try to illicit feedback from them about the site, they reply they have not had time to look at it. I tell them that they do not realize what a valuable resource this is. I believe all therapists should direct their patients to this website in order to ease their suffering. Unfortunately my therapists have never heard of it when I mention the name. At first they seem curious but nothing is ever mentioned after the initial conservation. Great website. Very thankful it is available.
(QUOTE (stuguinea @ Nov 28 2007, 09:09 PM) *)
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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 11th 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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Youth Suicides Rise After Years of Declining Rates

By Lindsay
Antidepressant warnings may be the cause
After a generation of declining youth suicide rates in the United States, a sharp increase in the number of young people taking their own lives has captured the nation’s attention and concern.

Voice for Change. New research shows that suicide rates for American youth rose significantly
between 2003 and 2004, a troubling U-turn after a steady drop in suicides since the early 1990s. The release last month of two studies based on data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveal a possible link between the spike in youth suicides and the release of government warnings about a potential increased risk of suicidal thoughts among young people who take antidepressant medications.

The first study, released in the September 2007 issue of The American Journal of Psychiatry, details a 14 percent increase in suicide rates for youth below age 19—the largest increase in this age group since the agency began collecting suicide data in 1979. The second study, published in the CDC’s Sept. 7 issue of Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, reveals an 8 percent increase in suicide rates for youth between the ages of 10 and 24, following a 28 percent decrease over the last 15 years.
Suicide Increase Coincides With Government Warnings

Recruiting for Mental Health America Class of 2008!

Do you know of an individual or organization interested in becoming a Mental Health America affiliate? Is there a new MHA within your state organization? Mental Health America is now accepting nominations for its “Class of 2008” yearlong affiliate training program. The number of participants will be limited to 15, and where space is available, will be open to new executive directors and to affiliates who are in a rebuilding period. We also seek interested parties in Idaho, Wyoming, New Hampshire and South Dakota. For more information, contact kjohnson@mentalhealthamerica.net.

The rise in suicides in both populations coincides with the public controversy around the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) decision to mandate a “black box” label that warns the public about rare but possible risks for children taking antidepressants. The decision and controversy preceding it sparked widespread media coverage and helped lead to an approximate 22 percent drop in antidepressant prescriptions for youth up to age 19. In contrast, the rate of such prescriptions for older adults—who were not a target of the warning—continued to increase during the same time period while their suicide rate decreased. All these findings are further supported by additional research conducted within the past year that demonstrates an association between
higher antidepressant prescription rates and decreasing rates of suicide.

Although more research is needed to fully understand the underlying causes of the rise in youth suicides, and the
effect of the government warning on prescribing patterns, Mental Health America believes the data illustrate the importance of carefully communicating the full range of costs, risks and benefits associated with antidepressant use. It is critical that the FDA craft and test its messages to ensure they are optimally designed to support sound decision-making by both practitioners and families. The goal should be fully informed decision-making—including a risk/benefit analysis that addresses the dangers of forgoing treatment.
Untreated Depression Poses Grave Risks

Suicide claims the lives of more than 30,000 Americans each year, and depression is the leading cause, despite the fact that it’s the most treatable of all mental health disorders. A recently released 10-year retrospective study by Mental Health America shows the percentage of Americans who believe depression to be a serious health problem nearly doubled from 38 percent in 1996 to 72 percent in 2006.

And a new study shows that depression is more debilitating to everyday life than are many chronic physical conditions, including diabetes and asthma. With an estimated 21 million Americans suffering from depression in any given year, and only half of all Americans with mental health conditions seeking treatment, the danger of untreated depression may far outweigh any danger associated with antidepressants.

Mental Health America continues to work with the FDA and other federal agencies to better educate communities about the inherent risks of untreated mental health conditions, and the importance
of care and support for children and adults, as well as their families.


The e-Bell Newsletter is published by the Mental Health America, which works with its 320 affiliates nationwide to promote health, prevent mental disorders and achieve victory over illnesses through advocacy, education, research and service. To receive the e-Bell, visit Mental Health America’s Web site www.mentalhealthamerica.net or call 800-969-6642. Cited reproductions, comments and suggestions are encouraged.
Mental Health America
2000 N. Beauregard Street
6th Floor
Alexandria, VA 22311
Phone: 703-684-7722
Fax: 703-684-5968
Information: 800-969-6642
TTY: 800-433-5959
Web site: www.mentalhealthamerica.net

Sergio Aguilar-Gaxiola, M.D., Ph.D., Chair of the Board
David Shern, Ph.D., President and CEO
Holly Seltzer, Senior Director of Publications
Ken Chamberlain, Director of Electronic Publishing
Bridget Toland, Media & Publications Assistant

Comments

Depression Forums would like to hear from you!
Mental illness affects one in seventeen Americans. However, in this country alone, funding for mental health
facilities is dropping drastically and the care for the mentally disabled.
When the people who need those facilities have no where to go, they end up overcrowding emergency rooms.
Depression Forums would like to hear from you!
We would like to invite you to PM Forum Admin to share your story about your Depression or Mental Health issues as breaking the silence will help us to break open the stigma surrounding mental health that keeps people from getting the care that continues misunderstandings about those affected by mental health disorders.
There is nothing better than to speak out, tell your story get the word out!
Together, we can help ourselves and others. Your stories would appear right here on DF's Portal.
Please PM Forum Admin for more information or to submit your story.
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Medical News
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Latest Depression News From Medical News Today.

Adolescents From Certain Races Participating In Religion May Become More Depressed
One of the few studies to look at the effects of religious participation on the mental health of minorities suggests that for some of them, religion may actually be contributing to adolescent depression. Previous research has shown that teens who are active in religious services are depressed less often because it provides these adolescents with social support and a sense of belonging.

Family Therapy With Medication Improves Depression In Bipolar Teens
In combination with medication, family-focused therapy appears to help curb depression symptoms in teens with bipolar disorder, according to a report released on September 1, 2008 in the Archives of General Psychiatry, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.  Bipolar disorders are characterized by occasional periods of elevated mood, known as mania.




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Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD) Community Comes Together For First Ever Virtual Conference
Twenty-two of the most celebrated doctors, therapists, and coaches in the field of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD) are coming together for the first time in a virtual setting. From September 22-24, 2008, people affected by AD/HD, including parents, service professionals, and AD/HD adults, will hear live presentations from experts including: - Dr. Edward Hallowell, author of "Driven to Distraction" - Dr.

VYVANSE(R) Now Available In U.S. Pharmacies Nationwide In Six Dosage Strengths - ADHD
Shire Limited (LSE: SHP, NASDAQ: SHPGY), the global specialty biopharmaceutical company, has announced that VYVANSE is now available in U.S. pharmacies nationwide in three additional dosage strengths, bringing the total number to six: 20 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg, 50 mg, 60 mg, and 70 mg. The expanded VYVANSE dosing options will allow physicians to individualize treatment for each patient.




Anxiety / Stress News From Medical News Today
Latest Anxiety / Stress News From Medical News Today.

SEROQUEL XRâ„¢ Improved Anxiety Symptoms By Day 4 In Generalised Anxiety Disorder - New Study Results Presented Today
AstraZeneca announced new SEROQUEL XRâ„¢ (extended release quetiapine fumarate) clinical study data in patients with Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD), presented at the 21st European College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ECNP) Congress in Barcelona. In this study, extended release quetiapine fumarate significantly improved symptoms of anxiety at Week 8 compared with placebo and this was observed as early as day 4.

Chewing Gum May Help Reduce Stress According To New Research
Study presented at the 2008 10th International Congress of Behavioral Medicine WHAT: "An investigation into the effects of gum chewing on mood and cortisol levels during psychological stress," presented at the 2008 10th International Congress of Behavioral Medicine, found that chewing gum helped relieve anxiety, improve alertness and reduce stress among individuals in a laboratory setting.




Bipolar News From Medical News Today
Latest Bipolar News From Medical News Today.

Family Therapy With Medication Improves Depression In Bipolar Teens
In combination with medication, family-focused therapy appears to help curb depression symptoms in teens with bipolar disorder, according to a report released on September 1, 2008 in the Archives of General Psychiatry, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.  Bipolar disorders are characterized by occasional periods of elevated mood, known as mania.

Healthy Minds Across America Features 48 Public Forums On Mental Health Research, Sept. 14
People concerned about the toll that mental health disorders are taking on their families and communities will have a unique opportunity to hear from world-class experts on what is known to-date about the causes, symptoms and progression of such illnesses as depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, schizophrenia and autism, and learn about current and potential treatments.




Mental Health News From Medical News Today
Latest Mental Health News From Medical News Today.

Researchers Develop Questionnaire To Test Mental Health Of Children After ICU Stay
According to a study published in the Journal of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, spending time in an intensive care unit can traumatize children, and the effects can persist even months after returning home. The findings come from an analysis of survey data using the Children's Critical Illness Impact Scale developed by Dr. Janet Rennick (Research Institute of The Montreal Children's Hospital of the McGill University Health Center) and colleagues.

Suicide Prevention May Be Broadened By Broaching Issue Of Access To Guns With Patients
In an effort to create safer environments for potentially suicidal individuals, researchers at Harvard School of Public Health demonstrate how physicians can broaden their treatment of such patients to address not only their mental illness but also the patients' access to guns and other lethal means. Such an approach could dramatically reduce suicide fatalities.




Psychology / Psychiatry News From Medical News Today
Latest Psychology / Psychiatry News From Medical News Today.

Specific Brain Regions Show Increased Activity During Hallucinations
Ever seen or heard something that wasn't there? For most of us such experiences - termed hallucinations - are a normal, fleeting, brain glitch; yet for a few they are persistent, distressing and associated with a range of psychiatric, neurological and eye conditions. In the September Issue of Cortex Dominic H.

Adolescents From Certain Races Participating In Religion May Become More Depressed
One of the few studies to look at the effects of religious participation on the mental health of minorities suggests that for some of them, religion may actually be contributing to adolescent depression. Previous research has shown that teens who are active in religious services are depressed less often because it provides these adolescents with social support and a sense of belonging.




Schizophrenia News From Medical News Today
Latest Schizophrenia News From Medical News Today.

Healthy Minds Across America Features 48 Public Forums On Mental Health Research, Sept. 14
People concerned about the toll that mental health disorders are taking on their families and communities will have a unique opportunity to hear from world-class experts on what is known to-date about the causes, symptoms and progression of such illnesses as depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, schizophrenia and autism, and learn about current and potential treatments.

Hopkins Researchers Piece Together Gene 'network' Linked To Schizophrenia
Reporting this week in the Archives of General Psychiatry, researchers at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine have uncovered for the first time molecular circuitry associated with schizophrenia that links three previously known, yet unrelated proteins. "This is very exciting because until now the many known genetic factors implicated in this condition were not connected in any way," says Akira Sawa, M.D., Ph.D.




Sleep / Sleep Disorders / Insomnia News From Medical News Today
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LUNESTA(R) Next-Day Function And Discontinuation Data From A Long-Term 12-Week Study In Elderly Patients Presented At ECNP
Sepracor Inc. (Nasdaq: SEPR) announced the presentation of LUNESTA ® brand eszopiclone Phase IV study data at the 21st European College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ECNP) Congress in Barcelona. The poster presentations reflected results from a 12-week, double-blind, randomized safety and efficacy study of 388 elderly patients (65-85 years of age) who were administered either LUNESTA 2 mg or placebo nightly.

What A Sleep Study Can Reveal About Fibromyalgia
Research engineers and sleep medicine specialists from two Michigan universities have joined technical and clinical hands to put innovative quantitative analysis, signal-processing technology and computer algorithms to work in the sleep lab.




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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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