Sex, Love, and Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder affects approximately 93,000 adults in the United States alone. Naturally, many of those adults are married or in a committed relationship. Bipolar disorder (what used to be called "manic depression") is a severe mood disorder in which the individual experiences mood swings from energized to depressed. When a person with bipolar disorder (BPD) is energized, they feel great but can have behaviors that are destructive to themselves and their relationship, such as:

繚 Spending large amounts of money without concern for the consequences

繚 Having bigger-than-life ideas that they try to carry out despite a large risk for failure

繚 Pressured, rapid speech and quickly changing ideas that can leave the listener exhausted

繚 Elevated mood, feeling too good for the situation they are in

繚 Being hypersexual or sexually promiscuous and engaging in risky sexual behaviors

繚 Having a severely depressed mood after a hypomanic or manic episode

It's enough to make anyone with bipolar disorder and his or her partner distressed. Even after the diagnosis is made and the partner with bipolar disorder is medicated, there can be lingering emotional pain. For example:

繚 The person with bipolar disorder may be ashamed of their behavior, particular sexual acting out

繚 The partner may doubt the relationship because of sexual acting out and have difficulty with trust

繚 The couple may be unable to sort out what can be attributed to the disorder and what to the sufferer's character

繚 The couple may feel unable to share their sexual struggles with a therapist or psychiatrist

繚 Medications can have sexual side effects, which many people are unaware of, making sex confusing instead of comforting

These are complicated issues that don't have easy answers, but opening up and communicating about them is the first step. Sometimes, though, there is so much anger and misunderstanding that couples cannot sort things out alone. Finding a sex therapist that is also a licensed psychotherapist can be a tremendous help for couples in which one partner has bipolar disorder. Even if the disorder hasn't been diagnosed but is suspected, a psychotherapist can help the couple sort out symptoms and an appropriate treatment plan.

To find a sex therapist in your area, visit the website for the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists. Be sure to ask the therapist whether or not he or she is licensed and if they have experience diagnosing mental illnesses. When a couple is in crisis due to a psychological problem like bipolar disorder, the treatment plan can be quite complex, so be prepared to spend more than a session or two discussing symptoms and history, and multiple sessions not only learning how to cope as a couple, but how to address concerns around intimacy and sexuality.

A Simple Cure For Anxiety And Depression

Our innate desire is to be happy, and when we move away from it, we experience fear.

This fear is actually millions of years old, for it arises from the biological programming of our species.

While we may not have to contend with a sabre-toothed tiger on any given day, we still use those very reactions to deal with events looming ahead.

We think, "Will I be fired for making that mistake at work?" or "Will I be able to meet the mortgage after I fix the car?" or "Will my health continue to decline?" or "Will my relationship fall apart after that argument we just fell into?"

Running questions with this type of urgency and helplessness trains our brains to prepare now for future danger by loading our bodies up with the stress hormone cortisol.

Anxiety is our anticipation of a dangerous future. We imagine having even less of the little that we have today.

This anxiety does not help us in any way to meet the future any better. In fact, it weakens and exhausts us. We usually worry most about things that we can't even control. Worrying about your dental visit, for example, will not make the visit better.

Anxiety, in fact, is a silent killer. It is enervating, and it drains you of purpose and hope, faith and initiative. It fogs up your thinking. And it makes the body susceptible to illness.

When anxiety--a fear of an event in the future--is high enough then you feel a deep sense of helplessness. This, in turn, translates into depression. You even begin to view the past as disappointing.

Caught between a miserable past and a frightening future you create a pattern of emotions that can lead to a variety of mood disorders, including manic-depression.

How do we escape from this vicious cycle?

Here is what I did 20 years ago and I have never since suffered from any serious mood disorder.

I started to cultivate my awareness of my mood swings--from elation to black despair.

I did this by basically watching myself when I was manic, and watching myself when I was depressed, and watching what I did to turn on these states. For example to get depressed, I used my love of literature to focus on dark, morbid, and unhappy stories about life. And to get elated, I would talk a lot, move very quickly, and do things in a dramatic way.

An interesting thing happened when I made my unconscious behavior conscious. I could not take my mood shifts seriously.

This is what I learned from that experience: when you are able to observe yourself over the course of a few weeks, you develop a curious detachment.

A paradoxical situation developed for me: I found it difficult to stay anxious and depressed when I was observing myself feeling anxious and depressed.

Ultimately, anxiety and depression are culturally-induced patterns of thinking that can be overcome through a deliberate cultivation of awareness. When you become your own observer, you weed out the unconscious habits that afflict you.

Despite the billions of dollars spent to heal anxiety and depression, and all the mood disorders and behavioral anomalies that arise from them, the cure is simple, quick, and free.

Depression Symptoms and Medication

Difficult to diagnose with exactitude and difficult to cure, depression is a serious condition that can have profound negative results on the patient and those around him. The complexity of the problem depends on the fact that you cannot base the symptom of depression solely on pathology (whose field would be of total competence of the medicine), but of an existential situation in which more elements interlace one pathological psychical state (psychical member) * wrong choices in life (existential member) * the experience of negative situations (reactive member). Each patient displays a different symptom of depression.

Reactive and non-reactive conditions

From the medical point of view, a symptom of depression is one factor highlighted by a reduction of the psychical activities, inability to plan the future, anxiety. It can be reactive or non-reactive and different depression treatments have to be chosen according to this. Reactive depression is a result of a negative experience and the chosen depression medication must take this factor into account. Depressions must be separated on an organic base (caused from other diseases, such as thyroid problems, neurological degeneration etc.) and those caused by drugs.

Depression medication

During any form of depression treatment, continuity in taking the medication is essential. A pause of days or weeks in taking depression medication can have serious effects on the success of the clinical depression treatment. Support from family and friends also comes in as one of your best allies when you are fighting against depression. Anxiety depression medication, however, has to be administered in relation to the particular disturbances, enumerated below:

Disturbances of anxiety depression

· Disturbance of generalized anxiety: Cognitive-behavioral therapy, Antidepressants, Benzodiazepine.

· Disturbance from Attacks of Panic: Behavioral cognitive therapy, Antidepressant.

· Agoraphobia: Exposure graduates them.

· Social Phobia: behavioral cognitive therapy, social skills training, Antidepressants, topical anxiety depression treatments.

· Compulsive obsessive disturbance: Behavioral therapy (exposure and prevention of the answer), Therapy Rations them Emotional, Inhibitors of the reception of the serotonine.

· Traumatic Post disturbance from Stress: Behavioral cognitive therapy (exposure, training of management of the anxiety, cognitive therapy), antidepressants.

Natural Remedies for Mild Depression

Many people suffer from mild or moderate depression in silence. These people often hide their symptoms from friends and family, hoping that it will just go away on its own. It rarely does however and they would benefit from any one, or a combination, of natural remedies for depression.

One of the most popular natural depression remedies is St. John's Wort. This herbal supplement has been shown in many clinical studies to have positive effects similar to prescription antidepressant medication, with fewer side effects. Many of the popular prescriptions have sexual, appetite, or sleep problems as side effects. While St. John's Wort does not, its main side effect is an increased sensitivity to light, which usually affects fair-skinned people the worst. Other side effects common to both St. John's Wort and prescription medications are dry mouth, headache, fatigue and dizziness.

Other herbal remedies that are gaining popularity as cures for mild depression are ginkgo biloba, kava kava and black cohosh. Each of these is used for a specific type of depression. Ginkgo biloba is primarily used by people suffering from mild depression and memory loss or other dulled mental functions because it helps improve overall mental health. Kava kava is used mainly for anxiousness associated with depression because it calms a person and helps them fall asleep and have more restful sleep. Black cohosh is relatively new as an antidepressant, but it shows promise because it calms the nerves, encouraging sleep and it increases daytime energy.

Another natural remedy for mild depression is targeted amino acid therapy, or TAAT. This works because certain depressions include imbalances in brain chemicals, which are made from amino acids. This imbalance is found by a simple non-invasive (meaning there is no cutting involved) test. Once the test is performed and the type of imbalance determined, treatment can begin. This involves taking supplements of the amino acid needed to make the brain chemical, which is deficient. There are four types of amino acids used to make brain chemicals. They are 5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan), L-Carnitine, L-Tryptophan and SAM-e. L-Tryptophan and 5-HTP are used to make serotonin. L-Carnitine has been shown to relieve depression, although there is no clear reason why as this amino acid is primarily used to turn stored fat into energy. SAM-e is involved in methylation, the process by which the body makes brain chemicals, so this amino acid is also involved in the production of serotonin.

Many people suffering from mild depression also have a vitamin or mineral deficiency. In these cases, the deficiency may be causing the depression. A very simple way to see if that is the case is to change the diet. Folic acid, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids and niacin are the most common deficiencies. Folic acid, vitamin B6, vitamin B12 and magnesium are used to make brain chemicals. Omega-3 fatty acids compose part of the cell membrane and are used in sending signals to other cells. Niacin is used for general function of the nerve cell.

One more natural cure is lifestyle modification. This would include changing the diet, if there is a vitamin or mineral deficiency, but is not limited to just that. One way to change lifestyle is to use more natural lighting. Some people suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which is a form of depression linked to a vitamin D deficiency, which can be obtained from sunlight. People in areas with extended winters or dark periods are especially vulnerable to this depression. Many doctors suggest getting at least 15 minutes of sunlight every day, whether that is gotten outside or by sitting near a sunny window indoors. Physical exercise and sufficient sleep can also be remedies for depression because exercise gets the blood flowing, which helps theoverall mood and sufficient sleep is needed to deal with the everyday stresses of life. While sufficient sleep may help with stress, it's not the only way to deal with stress and reduce depression. All stress reduction techniques, but especially meditation, yoga, biofeedback and massage, have been shown to help reduce depression and raise brain chemicals.

Clinical Depression - A Real Physical Ailment

Depression is a very real physical disease. It's caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain and can result in a life-alternating situation like the birth of a child or a traumatic event in your life. It's the kind of depression where you literally cannot function in the real world. You can't eat, sleep, laugh, or enjoy life as you did before. You have feelings of guilt, inadequacies and complete sadness. You may sleep a lot or perhaps you're not able to sleep at all because you are awakened with anxiety and panic. Your mind works overtime and your thought processes are completely twisted and incomprehensible to you or anyone else.

There are thousands upon thousands of people that suffer from clinical depression and for some, it becomes so unbearable that they take their own lives because they are ashamed to ask for help or feel they have no one to turn to. Society doesn't help when a person can be scrutinized for becoming lazy, unsocial and housebound. Depression is seen as a weakness, especially for men. Men are far more less likely to seek help for a depressive condition then women because they feel as though they will be judged and looked upon as less than a man.

I had a conversation with someone today, a female, who felt it necessary to say that had I sought out the Lord to heal my wounded psyche and "re-train" my brain to gain a positive and happy outlook on life through the law of attraction, that perhaps I could have prevented the severe depression that I experienced after the birth of my son 24 years. She explained that she had suffered from clinical depression all of her life and with the good Lord above and the Law of Attraction, she was able to turn her life around and avoid the whole treatment route. This woman actually believed that what I experienced was in my control and that I basically could have willed it away had I gotten the skills to re-train my thought processes. This woman has never gone through a true clinical, chemical depression because if she had, she would have understood that everything she said to me was pure crap.

A true chemical imbalance in the brain is a disease that is no different than diabetes or asthma. Sometimes, it cannot be treated by therapy or positive thinking alone. For some, medication is a necessity and for many, it's a life-long treatment that should never be seen as a weakness or a crutch. Sometimes severe depression is only a physical flaw in the brain and doesn't require years of intense therapy to get to the root of a troubled soul. I know, because I deal with it on a day to day bases by way of medication to keep my physical brain working at its optimum levels. I'm just as normal as anyone else. I just need to take a pill every day to keep me that way. Would you deny a diabetic his insulin or an epileptic his anti-seizure medication? Clinical depression is no different than any other disease out there where there is no cure. It saddens me to know that there a lot of people like this woman I spoke to today that believe this disease can be "cured" by a little religion, positive thinking, and the law of attraction. Stop the madness!

Is My Spouse Having a Midlife Crisis?

There are many who insist that a Midlife Crisis (MLC) is a journey to be celebrated. It is true that Midlife is a journey to be embraced and celebrated. Everyone who survives long enough will experience a Midlife Transition (MLT). Not all transitions are crises, but all MLCs are MLTs. It is not my intention to deny someone else's experience, but I refer to a specific type of MLC. Midlife Crisis is not a clinically treatable psychiatric disorder or mental illness. It is a normal life event--midlife transition--that has escalated to crisis levels of emotional and mental difficulties. Midlife Transition is a time for Self-questioning, thus it is a quest. It is about change; denial and attempts to avoid the transition yield crisis. The crisis is not a disease but Dis-Ease. Midlife is a necessary journey toward greater Self, spiritual growth and awareness; it is a reason to rejoice as a person becomes a butterfly.

What is different about a person who embraces the journey from one who denies it?

Key Components of a Midlife Crisis


• Depression - Covert and Overt


• The Urge to Abandon


• Infidelity


• Blaming or Projecting (Denial of Responsibility)


• Personality Changes or Mood Swings

Depression

Self-reflection is a component of midlife, and this may include depression even for those whose transitions do not reach crisis levels. The easier the person falls into a depression, the more likely it is not a crisis. Depression permeates Midlife Crisis, it forces reflection which is a confrontation with one's fears, and thus it is this feeling of depression which the MLCer is trying to escape.

The Urge to Abandon

Most MLCers will move out, not all, but most. Some will take legal action, but many more will threaten without acting or make no mention of legal changes. Words or promises spoken as a conscious lie may be inadvertent truths. MLCers leave, often saying that it is only temporary, they will be back. Some mean these words and are not aware that temporary is longer than their imagination, some want to mean them, but lack trust within themselves, and others are using them as words of appeasement with no honest intentions. Almost all are unaware of their rapidly cycling emotions and that they will change their minds in an hour, day, week or month--possibly multiple times.

Infidelity

Though this is merely a symptom of the Dis-Ease, it is often the most painful and public. An affair is about a relationship--the MLCer forms a bond with the other person. Most midlife affairs become sexual, but there are some who have Internet affairs, emotional affairs or use pornography instead. It is a rare few who do not cheat on their spouse in some form.

Blaming or Projecting

In order to avoid Self-reflection and responsibility, the MLCer blames the spouse. Often he will rewrite history, stating the marriage has been falling apart for years. Midlifers hurl accusations: you are the bad guy, you are in denial, you are the one who is confused, you are vindictive; often these are all things the MLCer subconsciously feels about himself.

Personality Changes or Mood Swings

Guilt, confusion and fear yield changing moods. You may feel like you are living with a Manic Depressive--perhaps you are, but Midlife Crisis is like Manic Depression; it doesn't mean your spouse is clinically diagnosable as Bipolar. Some change moods every few minutes, whereas others may change over weeks. They may manifest through anger, reckless behaviour or passivity. What is noticeable is that they seem like a different person some or all of the time.

Eat Healthy Foods To Combat Depression

One of the most important things to do while suffering from depression is to make sure that you are maintaining a healthy diet. When you eat junk food, you suffer from sluggishness and other ill effects. These are not problems that are only existent for depression sufferers. However, depression sufferers will find that these are symptoms that will exacerbate your depression, instead of making it better.

A key element to fighting depression is maintaining a constant energy level. If you start to drift lower in energy, you will find it even harder to get out of bed, even harder to make a conscious effort to fight off the symptoms and effects of depression. Diets come and go but balanced nutrition changes rarely. The best way to make sure that you are eating properly is to consult with a nutritionist.

If, however, you are not ready to take that step, then there are a few things to keep in mind. Going back to what you were most likely told as a child, start by eating your vegetables. At dinner, try to eat about half a plate of vegetables, along with your meal. A starch at dinner, such as potatoes, bread or rice is less important than once emphasized. You should plan your meal to include more vegetables and meat.

Breakfast and lunch should include vegetables and carbohydrates, as these will give you energy for the rest of your day. The low-carb/no-carb diets that are all the rage currently are not helpful because they unbalance the diet. Fruits should also be a major part of any nutritional plan. The suggestion has been floated that meals should include a rainbow of colors. Bananas, chicken, blueberries, lettuce and carrots. All of these foods, in concert, will get you the energy that you need to fight your symptoms.

Symptoms Of Depression - Warning Signs

How can you tell if you're depressed? It sounds like a stupid question, but a surprising number of us may not recognize the signs of depression, although one in ten people will experience a severe depressive episode in their life. Many of us are afraid to speak of depression. This stigma exacerbates depression and is actually dangerous because it hinders many people to seek help.

Unlike a simple physical problem like a viral infection or a fractured bone, there is no simple test for depression and the diagnosis is based on a series of symptoms. Here are eight signs that may indicate you are depressed.

1. Weight gain or loss

Depression can cause a total lack of interest in food, so someone can start to lose weight without even realizing it. However, the reverse can also happen: to fill the emotional void, some depressed people turn to food for comfort and thus they gain weight.

2. Sleep Problems

The same as with appetite, physical changes can swing between two extremes. You may find yourself suddenly tired and sleepy all day, or you can find it impossible to fall asleep. A particularly common form of sleep deprivation is when you wake up in the middle of the night, every night.

3. Aches and pains

Many people do not realize that depression comes with physical symptoms. Discomfort in the stomach, a weakened immune system (manifested through constant colds and flu), aches and pains throughout the body and exacerbated chronic health problems can occur in a depressive episode.

4. Anger and irritability

If you're constantly depressed, you can become extremely frustrated, which can sometimes manifest as anger. If you feel like you are angry on a daily basis, you may be depressed.

5. Alcoholism

About 40% of people with depression struggle with an alcohol problem. The use of illegal drugs and prescribed ones is also a way for some people to escape their feelings. The consumption of alcohol and drugs can also cause liver damage and lead to poor health, which can worsen the depressive episodes.

6. Concentration problems

Being unable to concentrate, taking three hours to do something that usually takes one and finding it difficult to formulate your thoughts in a coherent manner are also factors that accompany depression. If you constantly feel like you do not have the mental energy to perform simple tasks, it may be time to ask for help.

7. Work-related problems

Depression can seriously impair your ability to work. A high absenteeism rate due to an inability to wake up or get out of bed in the morning is a good example. Even missing a day or two a week, or arriving late and leaving early are common signs. Being present, but doing nothing is also a sign.

8. Lack of libido

A complete lack of interest in sex can be a characteristic of depression. If you are in a relationship, a total lack of commitment from your lover can make you feel even guiltier, added to a self-loathing and insecurity that can get you can even deeper into depression

What is crucial for fighting depression successfully is to be aware of the signs and seek help and treatment as soon as possible. Otherwise, you may find yourself in a spiral, where you do not want to talk to anyone, which will only make things worse.

What Happens During A Stress Test

When a person is faced with a lot of duties, heavy responsibilities, influential life events and crisis, he is confronted with stress.

Stress is quite normal. In fact, it is beneficial. It keeps us focused and alert. However, too much stress is harmful. A stressed out person is vulnerable to illnesses. One of the most common and the most dangerous effects of too much stress is heart disease.

Unfortunately, many people ignore the symptoms until it is too late and they get sick. They might not even know that they are stressed and think that what they are feeling will just pass away. That is why doctors recommend people to take a stress test.

A stress test is also called a treadmill test or exercise test. Through a stress test, a doctor can find out how your heart is working amidst an increased workload or physical effort.

The test makes the body work harder than it should. This means the body will require more oxygen. Therefore, the heart will beat faster to pump more blood and deliver more oxygen to the cells. The stress test will then determine if there is an increased blood supply in the arteries that supply blood to the heart. It also helps the doctors determine what sort of exercise is needed for a patient.

A stress test starts with the doctor asking a person about his health background. The doctor also asks him about his work and how he is feeling. Next, medical sensor pads are placed on the patient's body and hooked up to a heart monitoring equipment. The patient then steps up on a treadmill and walks slowly.

The speed of the treadmill is increased, making the patient walk at a much faster place. Furthermore, the treadmill also inclines gradually. In effect, it is as if the patient is walking up a small hill. The person is also asked to breathe into a tube.

During the test, heart rate, breathing, blood pressure and electrocardiogram is measured and monitored.

When the person is exhausted, he can tell the doctor to stop the machine. The patient's heart and blood pressure is also checked after the machine is stopped.

Medical professionals are usually present when during the stress test. While the stress test might involve very little risk for healthy people, doctors don't take chances when the test is administered to stressed-out people. Medical assistants are usually present to handle emergencies that may happen.

Stress tests are used to diagnose possible or existing heart diseases, determine a safe level of exercise and to find out if the patient is in danger of heart disease in the midst of stress.

Debt And Depression - You Are Not Alone, Find Understanding And Support

Debt has become one of the major problems of many families worldwide. Failure to repay debt on time negatively contributes to the credit rating of a person aside from the fact it ruins family ties and relationships.

There have been lots of warnings about getting debt as it may cause greater economic and financial difficulties later on. But as the promise of instant luxurious life lingers on, many people are still encouraged and lured to take out loans which they regret later on. From a small amount of loan, it can grow into a 5 to 6-digit debt which you may find difficult to repay later on.

People who are surrounded by mountains of debt are usually plagued with lots of notices and letters from lending companies regularly. This makes their life even miserable. In the long run, it may cause the onset of depression which when left unaddressed can lead to suicide. In fact, more and more people are committing suicide due to their inability and difficulty in repaying their debts on time.

What Are The Most Common Symptoms of Depression Caused by Debt?

Aside from their debts, people who tend to borrow a lot still have a lot in common. They share a number of symptoms such as the following:

Feeling of guilt, hopelessness and helplessness when thinking about debt
Being intolerant and irritable with other people especially when talking about debt
Lack of motivation or interest in doing some particular things
Trouble in formulating decisions especially when it comes to repaying debts
Constant pessimism
Poor self esteem and low self-confidence
Suicidal tendencies
Change in appetite
Lack of interest to engage in sexual activities
Unexplained pains and aches
Loss of interest to engage in hobbies
Difficulties in dealing with people at home and in the workplace
Reluctance to participate in social activities and endeavours

What To Do To Fight Off Depression Caused by Debt?

According to research, around 9 out of every 10 people who are facing serious debt issues actually suffer from mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression. According to experts, depression is pretty normal to people who are confronted with high amount of debt. While some people are lucky enough to pull themselves out of this burdensome condition, there are others who are having a hard time dealing with it, which pushed them to commit suicide.

Running to Family Members and Friends

If you are in a troublesome financial difficulty right now, you are not alone! Many people had been on your shoes before they have managed to overcome their condition, moved on and succeed. Thanks to their friends and families!

Confiding your financial issues with your friends and families can help you feel better. You will need all the love and support they can give in overcoming your situation. In some instances, they can even help you formulate ways on how you can generate money to repay your debt. In situation like this, shame and embarrassment should be less considered. It cannot help you in finding solutions to your problems.

Call a Crisis Hotline

There are definitely lots of hotlines to call if you found yourself amidst depression due to the failure and inability of repaying your debts. If you are unsure about confiding your problems with a psychologist, therapist or a counsellor, calling these hotlines is definitely beneficial. They are expert at dealing with your problems and it is such a relief to divulge your problems with them. They can also help you in finding effective ways on how you can resolve your problem successfully. You don't have to reveal your real identity if you don't want to but you can get a lot of support and helpful advices from them.

Join Support Groups

There are lots of online and social support groups which can help you in finding solutions to your problem. Many members of these support groups have also been on your shoes before so there's really nothing to be embarrassed about. You all share the same experiences and from them, you will definitely learn your lessons.

More often than not, people who are suffering from depression due to massive amounts of debt feel that they are alone in their struggle. Lack of support from their environment usually triggers them to resolve their problems all by themselves, by committing suicide.

Be There!

If you love a friend, be there for him or her. More often than not, people who regularly receive with utility bills, notices and letters from lending companies have poor judgment. They cannot think logically which may trigger them to contemplate suicide. Listen to his problems, talk to him and support him. This is one of the best ways to keep his spirit up and prevent him from considering suicide as a solution to his problem.

Depression and Severe Anxiety - What's The Correlation?

Comparison of Depression and Severe Anxiety

Many people are no strangers to depression and anxiety. At some point in their lives, they would have experienced a feeling of emptiness or loneliness, which clinically can be diagnosed as depression and severe anxiety. People are more prone to experience depression and severe anxiety as compared to other psychological disorders. It is a good thing that depression has already been clinically diagnosed and categorized with a list of symptoms and causes, which means that treatment programs have already been developed for it.

Depression Symptoms

• The feeling of sadness or emptiness that seems to overwhelm the person.


• Loss of focus.


• Mental and physical fatigue.


• Insomnia and other disturbed-sleep patterns.


• A noticeable change in appetite or loss of weight.


• Feelings of guilt, nervousness and other similar emotions at an intense level.

Mild depression is categorically called a mood disorder, but separately, clinical depression is a more severe form of depression because the depression is not only included as a symptom but also is the illness itself.

Each person has a different reaction to a major depressive disorder, either a loss of pleasure, mood reactivity or with psychotic tendencies. Depression and severe anxiety have long been said to be co-occurring. That is, they seem to occur at the same time, so that differentiating them may be difficult at times during diagnosis. To point it out, below are some of the common anxiety symptoms.

Anxiety Symptoms

• Heart palpitations.


• A feeling of choking leading to a sense of shortness of breath.


• Nausea and dizziness.


• Losing a sense of reality.


• Trembling and sweating.


• Chest pain.


• Numbness and tingling sensations.


• Hot flushes or chills.

Generalized anxiety or severe anxiety, on the other hand, is characterized by loss of focus, fatigue, tension in the muscles, restlessness and insomnia in addition to above symptoms. Panic attacks or disorders are short but intense feelings of fear or doom that have developed in a very short amount of time and characterized with any combination of above symptoms. Other anxiety disorders include phobic and stress anxiety disorders.

The Relation Between Depression and Severe Anxiety

Studies have shown that about 58% of those people who suffer from depression also show symptoms of anxiety disorder. Because of the resemblance of symptoms, experts oftentimes agree that depression and severe anxiety occur at the same time. The level of the depression and severe anxiety is what makes the difference. There are currently two clinical terms used for when depression and severe anxiety merge with each other:

1. Agitated depression is anxiety depression characterized with heightened restlessness, insomnia, panic, a general sense of doom and suicide. It is actually a form of depression that presents itself as an anxiety.

2. Akathitic depression is anxiety depression characterized with suicide tendencies without symptoms of panic.

Because of the sometimes merging of these two psychological illnesses, medical experts agree that psychologists should take into consideration the presence of the symptoms of both depression and anxiety to have a more accurate diagnosis.

Medication for Both Depression and Severe Anxiety

The overlapping symptoms of both depression and anxiety result in a similarity in prescribing medication or solutions for treatment programs. Antidepressant drugs are oftentimes considered for anxiety cases. Patients with anxiety attacks should not be worried by the prescription of these antidepressant drugs because the drugs are taken to improve the symptoms, which both illnesses have in common.

Talk therapy is also used in both depression and severe anxiety cases, though talk therapies used for the treatment of depression may be different from those used for the treatment of anxiety.

Acupuncture is also one of those alternative treatments that can be used for the treatment programs for depression and severe anxiety. The Chinese art of acupuncture can be used to calm and relax the nerves, which is very important for the treatment of both of these related disorders.

Ways to Help Depression Using Spiritual Wisdom - Keeping the Faith

Contrary to what some people may think success doesn't just fall in your hands. Without action there will be no results, but before you get started you have to at least know what direction you're heading in. There are some important questions you have to ask yourself, this will allow you to have an objective view of where you are currently in your life. When it comes to facing the battle against depression your approach shouldn't be much different than this.

You need to figure out what you really want, asking yourself this question may not prove to be easy but it is necessary. If you don't know what you want it's going to be difficult to put a plan together. Time is the most valuable thing you have, and it is important that you make sure you spend time doing what really matters to you. There is no guarantee the road will be perfectly paved, but you must remain diligent about working towards success.

The way you think affects every aspect of your life, as an individual reaches spiritual maturity they will be able to better understand this. What you believe is possible has everything to do with what you can and will achieve. There are several scriptures that support this statement as faith plays a significant role in success, for Christians the signs and symptoms of depression will surface in a way that is much similar to a spiritual battle. Like spiritual warfare your battle with depression starts in your mind, and getting help for depression requires you to want help.

In my darkest hours I have to know that God is still God, and because He is God He'll do what He said He will do. I can't worry about what it looks like, and I cannot focus on what I feel. Faith is not about what I feel, faith is about knowing and expecting the best when everything around me is at its worst. I am in love with God because of who He is, not because of what I know He can do for me. I can always expect the best from God because there is nothing better than God. John 14:27 says "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid". Often times depression is accompanied by anxiety which is defined loosely as extreme fear.

I am not ashamed to talk about where I have been because it's not going to keep me from getting where I am going. So even in my darkest hours I can find my peace in God... He is Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I don't know what tomorrow might bring but I know who will help me stand. When the spirit of God moves in me I just can't contain myself, God is bigger than the tallest mountain. He is stronger than any storm,and His love can heal any pain. I have battled with this illness for several years but getting help for depression has empowered me and it does not control my life.

Depression Cures - How to Stop Depression In Its Tracks

Have you been feeling a bit down lately? Maybe you no longer find your interests very interesting. Does the world feel a little too large of late? What's up with your sleeping patterns? Are you watching that 50s B-movie marathon because trying to fall asleep is fruitless? Maybe you've started majoring in the hibernation cause you're sleeping right through, like, everything. Are you calling in sick to work cause it's just too tough to leave the house at times?

These are some of the signs of depression and look, you have to get a handle on this thing. It's not an overnight process, so stop kicking yourself while your down cause you're not shaking it off right away.

Now, you're not really going to want to hear most of this advice about how to get over depression, since being depressed tends to close down the "open to helpful advice" portion of the brain, but here it is.

No, don't go jumping on the prescription medication train, first off. That can have a bunch of side effects that are similar to some of the effects that you're already experiencing. It's not that prescriptions are the devil, but those are better served after other steps have been taken and just aren't making all the changes you need to make for proper depression treatment.

Nutrition is a good place to begin when it comes to shedding that layer of depression. What you eat does effect how your brain behaves. It does. Eating a bunch of junk will make you feel like crap.

So you have a start on what to do about depression. Eat better foods. If you can get into finding out how your body reacts to certain foods, then you can make sure that you're not eating something that you may have an allergy to. Food allergies can effect you in the strangest ways, including mentally.

I know you don't want to hear this, but exercise can be really helpful in kicking the depression to the curb. Yes, it's hard to motivate yourself to do it. You may want to get that friend, who's still speaking to you, to make you get your butt off of the couch. When those endorphins kick in, you'll begin to feel more up. You can begin with baby steps. A stroll down the block or around the park can do wonders.

You may want to look into alternative medicine that has been shown to help improve moods. How to get over depression is a journey of many steps. You may have a slight chemical imbalance. There are supplements that have worked for many people who wanted to cure depression. Most people find that these herbal supplements tend to have little to no side effects, other than the desired one of seeing events in a more positive light and feeling fine about life again.

How's Your Sex Drive?

Yes, the pharmaceutical companies talk about giving similar results. The drug side effects tend to out weigh those benefits for some people. I mean, if you've chosen a path of celibacy, then the lack of sex drive is probably the one symptom of depression that you don't mind. Increased sex drive is a side effect that many prescription medications that are supposed to help with depression can have. Great for most but some people could view this as negative, like I previously mentioned.

Some people do experience a sex drive that goes into overdrive and if there are reasons that this is good for you, then maybe the prescriptions are part of your answer. Just remember that some of these medications can cause negative thoughts in people. Before you were just dragging around. Now you're ready to fly with no wings. That's not a success. Still even with the chemical help to nymphomania types, the mental balance that can be claimed through the use of pharmaceuticals or herbals can be just as helpful as it is for the nunnery types.

A good support system of friends, family and maybe even a counselor is wise. You need people around who will understand (or try to) and not be overly critical. Feeling understood can go a long way toward helping you feel like connecting with people again. You've probably been doing your best hermit in a cave impersonation, but you do need to come out into the light a bit at a time. Maybe start with inviting people into the cave. Hanging out by yourself is fine at times, but you aren't even enjoying your own company right now, are you?

Also, try to focus on helping others instead of dwelling inward. If you see a need that you can meet, you should do so. Being a selflessness person can be a great way to shift your focus and start to see life in a new light. You should also surround yourself with positive media. Media that makes you laugh. Laughter does a body good. Seriously, it does.

Good music can soothe that morose dude up in the front of your mind. He needs to stay in the corner and he only needs to be there when something's really going down. Get your dance on. It can help. It also doubles as an exercise, but tends to be way more fun.

What to do about depression?

That isn't a small question, but hopefully you now have some non-drug treatments that you can take to get out of that funk and back into a fulfilling and meaningful life.

Don't expect the sky to open up and send a sprinkle of happy on you to transform your mood. You are going to have to be an active participant in your mental health. You don't have to continue to spiral downward.

If it does inspire you to write some music, make some art or in another way enrich lives, that's a positive side effect. It's likely that you may not finish the piece until you feel better, though.

Look out for yourself. Remember to love you. It's going to be okay.

Anger Management Test - Can You Pass This Quiz?

"Anger dwells only in the bosom of fools."

- Albert Einstein (1879-1955), Famous scientist and universally acknowledged "Man of the 20th Century".

When the smartest man the world has seen for the last 100 years says something, it pays to listen. Although all know that anger is a negative emotion, very few know when it can become a psychological problem requiring specialized help by means of anger management therapy. With help of this anger management test, you can determine whether your anger is a normal emotion or you should turn to a professional for help. Answer the following questions with either a "yes" or "no":

1. Have you faced arrest over anger management issues?
2. Do you get annoyed waiting your turn in queues?
3. Do you verbally abuse drivers who cut you off in traffic?
4. Do you lie awake at night analyzing the day's upsets?
5. Do coworkers avoid you at work because of your anger issues?
6. Does anger make you experience short term memory loss?
7. Do you find it difficult to forgive others who had mistreated you in the past?
8. Do you ever feel the urge to kill when angry?
9. Do you abuse drugs or alcohol when angered?
10. Have people you've trusted often let you down, leaving you feeling angry or betrayed?
11. Do you often feel stressed and pressured, and do things not going your way leave you depressed?
12. Do you like to keep your emotions bottled down inside you?

If your answers to this anger management test have more than three "yes"s, professional anger management therapy is advised. Since you now know that you have an anger management problem, you can take steps to resolve it. Knowing the existence of a problem is winning half the battle; the war will be won when calm replaces anger in the hearts and minds of affected people.

Coping With Baby Blues and Post Natal Depression

In this article I'd like to offer you a few suggestions for helping with for Baby Blues and Post Natal Depression (PND).

Back in the days when homeopathy was being formalized, depression was referred to mostly as 'sadness'. These days we all know that depression can be a whole lot more than 'feeling sad'.. and we also have the biochemical evidence to back up our observation that all kinds of life events can be the cause of mental symptoms which not only feel really bad, make us feel uncomfortable and are often downright scary.

I think of Baby Blues as a natural hormonal response following the incredible event which is 'giving birth'. Think of how hard the body has worked over the previous nine months, growing a new being, copying DNA, putting together the colossal task that is reproducing the blue print of a human being. The birth itself is a trauma for Mum and Bub, and then her body must make enormous adjustments so - isn't it understandable that some weapiness and anxiety will be there? It lasts a few days. Keep an eye on blood sugar levels during this time. Small regular meals are an important key.

But if your feelings of sadness and being overwhelmed have continued.. or have appeared some months later then you must take some action and seek help.

Do you feel tired all the time?
Do you feel guilty about feeling tired?
Do you feel stressed, angry or find yourself crying easily?
Are you not interested in sex any more?
Are you having any emotions.. maybe you feel numb?

ISSUES THAT ARE COMMON TO MANY NEW MUMS

Disappointed with the birth?

Did your birth experience go as planned? We prepare for the event with exercises and negotiating the best possible situation for the safety of baby, but if things don't go according to plan - maybe you had to have an epidural or forceps delivery, or a cesarean... then its natural that feelings of disappointment, resentment or even anger can build up and these can be a factor in triggering depression.

Did they tell you the truth?

Did anyone really tell you - I mean sit you down and really tell you the TRUTH.. about how very demanding and tiring it is to have a baby and then take care of him or her, day after day, night after night? Very likely - NO.. and if this has been your second child, did they tell you that the second child is NOT like having JUST ANOTHER BABY.. no, no, no.. a second child is much more work than that!!

Babies get sick!
Then there are the possible problems, colic, skin troubles, colds and little infections, coughs that won't clear up..

Your support network
And support - how much support are you getting? Is everyone's attention on the new baby and none on you?

Sleep and time off
Lay down and sleep whenever baby does.. I know you feel as though you must 'get on with things'.. but sleep and rest are more important than the washing..

You need to have some time off, time for yourself.. relatives can be so helpful. When my babies were small I found a local school girl who came in at 3.15 every week day and looked after both children in another room, or took them for a walk in the pram.. for two hours while I cooked the dinner.

Routine Routine Routine.. a Life Saver!!

Find a routine that works for everyone. If you know that rest times are coming then you can make it through these hours. We used to have tea at five, bath at six and bed at seven and my husband and I swapped days for bathing, washing the dishes and getting the babies to sleep and then having tea in bed the next morning. It worked a treat and we did it for years and years..! So every other day I knew that I could bath with the kids, relax while they were put to bed and have my tea in bed.

Just do what you can manage

Keeping up with the housework and the shopping? Its a HUGE lifestyle change to go from a regular job where you have support and boundaries - to being at home with a new bub. Just do what you can manage each day. If you can't breastfeed for some reason, never mind.. baby will be benefiting from your love and will grow strong and healthy in your care. So - these are all perfectly normal situations and needs and I often thought that it was a miracle if a new MUM didn't show any signs of mild depression!

SERIOUS DEPRESSION SYMPTOMS

Feeling overwhelmed, tired and a bit irritable during the early months of motherhood are quite common and to be expected. However, it can feel much more than this on occasion.

Do you have outbursts of irritability or even violent anger?
Do you want to shake the baby in order to get him or her to stop crying?
Do you have suicidal thoughts?
Do you feel like just walking out and disappearing?

These are a few of the symptoms that can indicate more severe post natal depression

Please seek help from your doctor, local support group and relatives. Anti depressant drugs can be helpful but do give natural medicines a good try. And, if you have a history of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder you MUST seek help as soon as you notice any depressive symptoms following childbirth.

Homeopathy can really help and you also need daily support and company, exercise, good sleep, good food, hugs and treats and lots of smiling and laughing.

ESSENTIAL DAILY LAUGHING EXERCISE

One little tip I used a lot for my depressed clients was to prescribe a good laugh at least once a day. The release of laughter, from a joke or watching a funny movie...even of you don't feel like laughing when you put the film on.. will release floods of those much needed chemicals in the brain.

It really does work.. please give it a try! Our bodies do have the power to heal themselves, but sometimes not in the way we think they will.

HOMEOPATHIC SUGGESTIONS

There are some fabulous remedies for reducing many of the symptoms of baby blues and post natal depression. Read through these little remedy snapshots and if you find one that fits some of your symptoms.

1. SEPIA

This great remedy has helped many thousands of women around the world. You feel a bit numb, no feelings, very tired and irritable and have no libido at all. You have this dragging down feeling in the abdomen, you period is heavy and achy. Have a look in the mirror. Have you got a saddle mark across your check and nose, either a yellowish tinge or a bit darker, perhaps some freckles? This is a classic Sepia symptom.

2. NAT MUR

Famous for treating depression, Nat Mur is basically common salt made into a powerful medicine. Do you feel weepy and as though you aren't coping, but you don't want to show it or tell anyone about it. In fact in anyone does offer some sympathy that will really annoy you! You notice that you feel cold a lot of the time, with a physical weakness and lack of stamina. Other symptoms might include headaches, more thirsty than usual, lips feel dry and maybe even cracked.

3. IGNATIA

This is a remedy that seems full of contradictory states. Are you feeling anxious, always checking that the baby is OK? Find your moods change frequently? Are you sighing a lot! People will notice it and maybe ask what you are sighing about. How about coffee and tobacco... Ignatia cannot bear either smells or tastes.. so this would be quite a strong symptom post baby. Are you worried about your weight? Looking at diets to loose the pounds you put on while you were pregnant? These are all good indications that Ignatia would be helpful for you.

4. STAPHISAGRIA

We give this remedy after a Cesarean section, to help the would to heal quickly and in case the woman has felt angry or upset during any aspect of the whole birth procedure. Are you finding that you need to talk to people about your birth experience and especially if there are aspects of it that have upset you emotionally. A couple of doses of Staph will release all of those feelings and let you move on in a positive frame of mind.

5. KALI PHOS

I put all my new Mums on this remedy as a Tissue Salt, twice daily for at least a couple of months after the baby is born. It helps to bring your energy levels back up gently, and can make sleep deeper and more refreshing.

6. ARS ALB

Now then, Ars Alb friends.. don't offended by these questions! Do you feel really anxious and fearful about the whole business of being a Mum? Worry all the time that baby will catch some illness? Need to have everything tidy and in its place? The house must be clean and all the washing done; shopping and meals prepared and on the table; baby should be clean and tidy in case any visitors come? Do you really need to have someone else close by who you can rely on if the worst happens?

Thats OK!! This is your nature and there's nothing wrong with all that, AT ALL..

Well, your natural anxieties may be causing you a higher level of stress than you need right now.. and a dose of Ars Alb every now and again will really help you to cope better with your own inner drives. A couple of other physical symptoms that Ars Alb people usually experience are.. feeling cold a lot of the time, can't sleep easily, feel generally better in warm dry weather, love acidic foods and drinks and especially coffee.

7. LACHESIS

This remedy has quite distinct symptoms during this time. You feel worse when you first wake up in the morning - kind of sluggish and not able to think clearly. You desperately need a sleep in the afternoon but know that you'll feel bad again when you wake up from your nap. You do feel better if you can have a good chat with a friend or relative, get all of your anxieties out in the open. Talking does make you feel better!

You don't like hot places, can't bear to wear anything tight around your waist, and tend to have physical problems like sore throats more on the left side of your body.

8. PULSATILLA

Imagine the little pulsatilla flower, alone in the middle of the vast steppes Russia. It blows this way and that way in the wind! It sits in sandy soil, and closes its petals when it gets hot and at night. SO - the pulsatilla woman loves the fresh open air and finds her moods very changeable. She can be chilly and cries very easily.. sometimes just weeping for no particular reason. You like sympathy and support and rely on your partner for comfort. Not thirsty? that's very pulsatilla.. you have to be reminded to drink. ( If you are breastfeeding your body will be giving you stronger signals of thirst than you usually have.)

Also are you a bit clumsy and uncoordinated? Swollen ankles and wrists? Don't like fatty foods? These are just a selection of the remedies I have prescribed very successfully over the last 20 years for baby blues and post natal depression.

Ten Ways To Boost Testosterone Levels Safely

Testosterone affects everything in the male body, so lowered male-hormone levels can be the source of all sorts of problems. The most obvious symptoms are lowered sex drive and erectile strength - impotence being the extreme of this. However, lowered testosterone also causes depression, concentration difficulties, anxiety, muscle loss, less facial hair and a general malaise - a sense of not really being bothered about anything any more. You can also experience less pleasure, desire, and fun in everything in your life. Your relationships will suffer too. This problem can even adversely affect your career.

Low testosterone is also associated with, poor quality sleep, heart disease, memory function, depression, diabetes, cognitive disorders and osteoporosis.

A blood test will let you know the score. But if you have any symptoms you'll want to know that there are easy, non-drug solutions that you can use.

Here are ten simple things you can do to boost your testosterone levels.

1. Lose weight. If you can get hold of any of you around your belly - then get rid of it. Being overweight is one of the main causes of lowered testosterone. So cut out on those snacks and burgers. Don't go overboard though, because that will be difficult to sustain, just plan to eat a little more healthily. Small regular changes are sustainable. Make a small dietary change, get used to it. Make another one.


2. Exercise more. If you are very unfit then stick with simple exercises like walking or cycling. Just push yourself enough to raise your heart rate slightly for around 20 minutes a day. When you are fitter then consider a gym or a class so that you get a proper muscle-building workout. If you watch tv for more than 5 hours a day then you need to take action now.


3. Eat less red meat. Too much protein interferes with testosterone production, so cut down on the meat and eat more veg.


4. Go nuts. Mono-unsaturated fats boost testosterone levels. Nuts are an easy way to get these. You could even use peanut butter - though it would have to be an unsweetened version.


5. Snooze. Get enough quality sleep. If you aren't getting seven or eight hours of quality sleep each night then you need to do something about it. You can exercise more. Have a relaxing bath before bedtime. Stop doing brain work (and that includes worrying) at least an hour before bedtime. Instead wind down with some relaxing music, read a boring book, or play a fun game (not competitive) on your computer.


6. Drink less. Cut down on alcohol. It'll probably help with the belly fat too.


7. Relax. Reduce stress in your life. Stress increases cortisol. Cortisol eats testosterone. Make stress reduction a priority in your life.


8. Eat happy animals. Eat organic foods as much as you can - especially meat & dairy produce. Dioxin adversely affects testosterone levels and dioxin is mostly ingested from animals and animal products produced with intensive farming methods. The animals are not only given feedstuffs that have been treated with herbicides & pesticides, but also injected with antibiotics and other fat-building drugs. These chemicals are the source of the majority of dioxins in your diet.


9. You're sweet enough. Eat less sweet stuff. Just 75gm of sugar drops a healthy man's testosterone levels by 25%. That's 13 level teaspoons, or roughly the same amount of sugar that you get in two cans of non-diet soft drink.


10. Sunbathe. Vitamin D, which you get from being in the sun, boosts testosterone levels. So get more sun, but be sensible, don't get burned and don't get skin cancer.

?There you have ten easy things you can start doing straight away to boost your male-hormone levels. This will not only give you a boost in bed but will also positively impact many other areas of your life too. You will feel fitter, healthier and happier, but if you have any health concerns make sure you check with your doctor before taking any action.

Michael

Depression in Teenagers - Now What Can We Do?

No doubt you have seen the recent news headlines about a federal panel that recommended to the FDA that anti-depressant medications carry the strongest possible warning label for use in children and teenagers. This recommendation to the FDA shook the medical community, especially those who work with depressed young people. The biggest problem from the treatment community's point of view was not the recommendation for the warning label, but the way that the media portrayed the panel's recommendation. The panel reported that 2% to 4% of children and teens who were given anti-depressants for the treatment of depression became suicidal, that is they had suicidal thoughts, or made suicidal attempts of one kind or another. None of the 4,000 children and teens studied committed suicide. What the media did not report well is the fact that 15% of children and teens with depression who receive no treatment will commit suicide. These 15% will not just think about it, but will actually kill themselves. So what are we to do? If the media had their way it seems that no teens with depression would receive anti-depressants. As a result the suicide rate for those who could be using the medication would rise from nearly zero percent to about fifteen percent. But at least we wouldn't have to be concerned about evil medications. Look, I understand that there actually are young people, even adults, who have become suicidal only after beginning treatment with an anti-depressant. Some have in fact gone on to take their own lives. This is absolutely tragic. But so is the fact that untreated depression is potentially a fatal disease. Fifteen out of one hundred young people with depression take their own lives. They should be allowed to receive a treatment that will lower the suicide rate dramatically, and without any stigma attached to it by the media. Recently we had a patient brought to our counseling center named John (not his real name). John was rebellious, angry, withdrawn, and in trouble often, and yet he was diagnosed and treated for depression. When we think of someone who is depressed, we usually picture a sad, tearful, lonesome person. But teenagers with depression don't look like adults with depression. Current studies show that there are about as many teenagers who are depressed as there are adults that are depressed. However, depression is exhibited far differently by teenagers than by adults. Teenagers do not commonly display gloom, self-depreciation, or talk about feeling hopeless like adults do. Teenagers with Major Depression are described in diagnostic manuals as often becoming negative and antisocial. Feelings of wanting to leave home, or of not being understoodand approved of increase. The teen often changes, and becomes more restless, grouchy, or aggressive. A reluctance to cooperate in family ventures, and withdrawal from social activities, with retreat to one's room are frequent. School difficulties are likely as concentration is affected. Sometimes there is inattention to personal appearance and increased emotionality. Often there is an increased sensitivity to rejection in love relationships as well. Teenage boys will often become aggressive, agitated, and get into trouble at home, at school, or with the law. Teenage girls will sometimes become preoccupied with themes of death or dying, and become decreasing concerned about how they look. Suicidal thoughts are common. Some studies suggest that 500,000 teens attempt suicide each year, and 5000 are successful. Increased use of alcohol or other drugs is common, along with other forms of "self-destructive behaviors." Poor self-esteem is common with teenagers, but especially with those who are depressed. Parents are often confused and frustrated when their teens begin to act like this. Sometimes parents become stern disciplinarians, or even put the teen down, which only serves to increase feelings of guilt and depression. Other times, parents feel helpless, and stand by waiting for adulthood to arrive. Of course neither course is the right one to take. If you know of a teen whose behaviors have changed to look like what has been described above, let the parents know that there is help available, and encourage the family to seek help from a professional. With proper diagnosis and treatment a depressed teen, or adult, can be greatly helped. If someone close to you is suffering from depression, first please understand that depression is a very emotionally painful condition. For some people with depression it turns into a "terminal illness" due to suicide. Please take the situation seriously. 1) Get a medical evaluation. Symptoms of depression can be the result of a wide assortment of illnesses, including thyroid problems, viral infections, and other factors. 2) Deprex is an amino acid and homeopathic medicine for the treatment of depression that we have seen work well with our patients. It may be worth trying as long as the situation is "stable" and there is no suicidal thinking on the part of the depressed person. 3) Medications such as Prozac can be very helpful for more difficult cases. Consult your doctor. These medications are often prescribed by Family Practice Doctors, but in most cases ought to be monitored by Psychiatrists. 4) Increase intake of Protein somewhat. Use a protein powder supplement, just like a weight lifter. 5) Exercise daily. Just get out and walk for about 15 minutes. 6) Seek out counseling from someone who is good at treating depression. This can do a world of good for you. However, always use great wisdom and common sense when choosing a therapist. Some are good, and some are not, so choose wisely.

Does Depression Make Your Girlfriend Want To Breakup With You When She Is Suffering From It?

Depression affects one's life in a variety of ways. Social interactions become limited when one is suffering from depression. Work performance is also affected, sometimes to the point of costing one's job. Relationship with loved ones may also suffer. So if your depressed girlfriend wants to breakup with you, that is nothing to be surprised about. But it does not mean that it is okay, either. Certainly, it does not mean that you will just let things be and not do anything about it.

Depression is a difficult time for the depressed individual and it also poses a big challenge to the significant other. Your girlfriend is at her lowest point which gives her the tendency to think rather irrationally. It may not really that she wants to breakup with you (unless, of course, you are the one causing her problems in the first place); only that she may feel worthless or that she may need a little space.

Helping your girlfriend cope with depression

It is kind of normal for women to feel that way when they are depressed, but leaving them will only make things worse. Make your girlfriend feel needed, not abandoned. So if your girlfriend wants to break up with you, try these things:

• Make her feel you understand her situation but be firm in telling her that you are not going to leave her.


• If she wants space, give it to her. She needs it. But don't cut off your communication lines for too long.


• Take her someplace where she can unwind. Going for long drives or to the beach sounds like a good idea.


• Do fun things with her. Go bicycle-riding with her. Bring her to an amusement park where she can go on fun rides and play games without having to worry what others will think. Or why not treat her to an ice cream cone? This helps to make her realize that while life is not meant to be easy all the time, it can nonetheless be fun.


• Get your girlfriend to talk about or express her feelings in a constructive way. This may not be the easiest thing to do but it is extremely necessary.

If after having done all these things, your girlfriend still appears withdrawn and more depressed than ever, consider getting her a therapist. A therapist is someone who can help your girlfriend identify her problems, make her own goals and get her to achieve them. The therapist may require one-to-one sessions or group sessions, depending on the situation. The therapist may also put your girlfriend on medications. But regardless of the therapeutic approach, you being the significant other, has a big role to play in the healing process. Your love and support are very important in helping your girlfriend cope with her depression.

Depression can happen to any one of us. The problem is that it can be severe for some people to the point that it already affects their lives. Some even manifest signs and symptoms that compromise their general well being. Many can go on hunger strikes and sleepless nights, for instance, or do the exact opposite - overeat and oversleep. Either way, the consequences are really bad to one's health. In this case, depression needs to be controlled as easily as possible so that it does not consume one's life.

Well, you will glad to know that there are foods and vitamins that can stabilize mood, help prevent depression, or at the very least reduce the impact of depression on one's physical and mental self. Accordingly, eating foods high in B-vitamins is very helpful especially to people with increased tendencies of developing depression.

Can Anger Mean I Have Depression ?

Depression and anxiety is said to be the cause of uncontrolled anger. When a person is constantly worried about things they have no control over it often causes depression. If you feel , there is no hope you can be feeling low.

If you feel that your world is falling apart and you are probably thinking negative, maybe angry and this can lead to depression and anxiety. First, let us take a look at your symptoms. Do you feel like you are going out of your mind? Uncontrolled anger outbursts at any opportunity ?

Do you feel like someone is out to get you? Do you think people view you as a crazy person? If you are suffering any one or all of these symptoms or thoughts then you could be in the process of suffering anxiety and depression.

You will probably explode,and your anger bursts. Review all the problem areas carefully to see if there are answers to your problems. Reviewing often opens doors to resources you may have overlooked. If you feel like someone is out to get you then you might have a chemical imbalance or a mental illness.

Why not visit a mental health expert to learn more about your symptoms and find a way to gain control. Anxiety and depression will play tricks with your mind and sometimes your thinking is a result of a chemical imbalance. Remember that most people have their own problems and won't be wondering too much about you !

When you walk into a room and think that people are staring at you, you might want to remember that people observe things around them, doing exactly the same and feeling much the same. When times are difficult it does not mean it is the end of the world although sometimes it may seem this way.

If you are struggling to pay bills, fighting to hold a family together, or having difficulty with your children then remember we all have this problem at some time in our lives. Are your children driving you to angry outbursts ? Take a break, or exercise. This relieves stress that leads to anxiety, depression and anger.

Don not worry about the things you have or do not have control over. If you have problems, the answers are within you. If you are struggling to reach goals then you might want to break your goals down to smaller segments and work slowly to achieve. If you set goals within reason, you will succeed.It is important to pamper your self each day.

Learn some coping relaxation response techniques that benefit both your mind and body. If you feel overwhelmed, you might want to inhale and exhale breaths for up to 10 counts. Curl up on a couch and watching a favorite movie,let your thoughts go.

Focus on what you are doing instead of worrying about what you are not doing. This often clears the mind and helps you to relax. If you subject your self to anger, you will most likely have difficulties for the remaining of your life until you learn to take control of your emotions. Remember uncontrolled anger can be a sign of depressive illness.

Am I Stressed Or Depressed?

In years past, I used to think that was a rather stupid question. "Do I have signs of depression?" For goodness sake, you must know whether you're depressed or not. But it isn't quite as simple as that. After all, you may simply be having a 'down' day.

All right, maybe it does last for a few days, but perhaps you've just lost a loved one, so you're bound to feel miserable. But it isn't just the way you feel. Let's have a closer look at the symptoms of depression. They're common enough emotions and feelings and because of this, there can be a lot of confusion regarding diagnosis. So the question; 'Am I stressed or depressed?' becomes valid.

. Exhaustion On Waking
. Sleep Disrupted
. Unpleasant Dreams
. Waking Early, Can't Sleep Again
. Hobbies Less Interesting
. Difficulty Concentrating
. Energy Improves Throughout The Day
. Anxious, Worrying, Intrusive Thoughts
. Become Emotional For No Reason
. Short Tempered, Irritable

A good example would be someone suffering from Bipolar Disorder, or Manic Depression. They may become anxious and irritable, show a lack of interest in their hobbies and have trouble sleeping. All of these symptoms are the same as depression.

Now, if this person's mis-diagnosed as having depression, when in fact they have bipolar disorder, and they're prescribed anti-depressants in the category of SSRIs, then they could easily flip into mania.

Stress is another condition that on the surface could be mistaken for depression. People suffering from stress find it difficult to concentrate, they can be irritable, have varying degrees of anxiety and become emotional for no reason. Again, all these symptoms fit depression.

One of the main things to remember is that depression isn't just another mental condition mixed in with a whole plethora of other mental illnesses which affect people to a greater of lesser extent.

Clinical depression is the world's number one mental disorder and the second most disabling condition in the world after heart disease. And the problem's growing.

This is one of the reasons why it's so vital to write about it, to bring it out into the open, so that people come to understand exactly what it is... and not to be afraid of coming forward and seeking treatment if they think it's a condition from which they're suffering.

It's necessary, too, to explode all the myths and half-truths that are perpetrated, knowingly or unknowingly, upon the public as a whole.

One quick and singularly alarming example. The FDA has recently approved yet another treatment for depression. It's called 'Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation,' and consists of powerful magnets used to stimulate the parts of the brain that affect mood.

Dear God, dear old Mesmer was playing around with magnets two and a half centuries ago!

Alcohol's Effects in the Brain

Alcohol can make you laugh or it can make you cry, it can make you lively or make you sleepy, it can boost your confidence or make you act the fool. How can alcohol have all these different effects on people? If we want to know how alcohol affects our moods and behaviors we must first understand a bit about how the brain works.

The human brain is made up of about 100 billion nerve cells (also known as neurons). Everything that we think, feel or do is the result of electrical signals passing back and forth between neurons. These electrical signals require the help of chemicals called neurotransmitters in order to pass from neuron to neuron. Scientists have identified around 60 different neurotransmitters so far and tell us that there are probably many more yet to be identified.

Different neurotransmitters have different effects in the brain. For example, serotonin is connected with mood. People suffering from clinical depression tend to have a shortage of serotonin in their brains, and medications like Prozac can help to alleviate depression by increasing the availability of serotonin in the brain. Endorphins are a class of neurotransmitters which act as the brain's natural painkillers.

Electrical signals in the brain are transmitted in the following manner: The neuron which is sending the electrical signal releases a neurotransmitter, and the neuron which is receiving the electrical signal accepts the neurotransmitter at a site which is called a receptor. When the neurotransmitter from the first neuron chemically binds to the receptor of the second neuron the electrical signal is transmitted. Neurotransmitters and receptors work like locks and keys: there is at least one different receptor for each different neurotransmitter. For example, an endorphin receptor can only be triggered by and endorphin, a serotonin receptor can only be triggered by serotonin, and so on. Different neurons have different receptors. Some neurons will only be triggered by serotonin, some only by an endorphin, and so on for all the different neurotransmitters.

Okay--now what does all of this have to do with alcohol?

Every mood altering substance from heroin to coffee has an effect on the neurotransmitter system of the brain. Some psychoactive drugs affect only one specific neurotransmitter system, whereas others affect many. Morphine, for example, mimics the neurotransmitter beta-endorphin--a natural painkiller found in the brain. Morphine is shaped like beta-endorphin and binds to the beta-endorphin receptors thus acting as a painkiller and also giving rise to feelings of pleasure. Caffeine is shaped like Adenosine and acts on the adenosine receptors. Alcohol on the other hand affects many different neurotransmitters, not just one, Why is this?

Morphine and caffeine are both large molecules. Neurotransmitters are also large molecules. Morphine and caffeine have the effects which they do because of their similarity in shape to neurotransmitters which occur naturally in the brain. Alcohol on the other hand is a quite small molecule. Alcohol does not mimic a neurotransmitter. So then how does alcohol affect neurotransmitters?

Alcohol is a fat soluble molecule. Fats (called lipids) are a major component of all cell membranes, including the cell membranes of neurons. Alcohol enters the cell membranes of neurons and changes their properties. Receptors are located on cell membranes and this means that receptor properties are altered by the presence of alcohol. Cell membranes also control the release of neurotransmitters and this means that the release of neurotransmitters is also affected by the presence of alcohol.

The effects of alcohol on receptors and neurotransmitters have been well documented for several neurotransmitters and their corresponding receptors. These effects are summarized in Table 1.

Table 1: Alcohol's Effect on Neurotransmitters and Receptors

• Glutamate
  
  
  
  • Alcohol inhibits glutamate receptor function
  
  
  • This causes muscular relaxation, discoordination, slurred speech, staggering, memory disruption, and blackouts
  
  
  • Ether and chloroform have similar effects on the glutamate system
  
  
  
  
  
• GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid)
  
  
  • Alcohol enhances GABA receptor function
  
  
  • This causes feelings of calm, anxiety-reduction and sleep
  
  
  • Valium has a similar effect on the GABA system
  
  
  
  
  
• Dopamine
  
  
  • Alcohol raises dopamine levels
  
  
  • This leads to excitement and stimulation
  
  
  • Cocaine and amphetamine have similar effects on the dopamine system
  
  
  
  
• Endorphins
  
  
  • Alcohol raises endorphin levels
  
  
  • This kills pain and leads to an endorphin "high"
  
  
  • Morphine and heroin have similar effects on the endorphin system
  
  

Drugs like morphine or cocaine have been referred to as "chemical scalpels" because of their very precise effects on just one neurotransmitter system. Alcohol on the other hand is much more like a chemical hand grenade in that it affects just about all parts of the brain and all neurotransmitter systems. Alcohol affects all these systems at the same time. When people drink alcohol they become lively and excited because alcohol raises dopamine levels just as cocaine does, although alcohol does not raise dopamine levels anywhere near as much as cocaine does. When people drink alcohol they feel calm and lose their anxieties because alcohol makes the GABA receptors function more efficiently just like valium does. The reason that people tend to fall asleep after drinking alcohol or taking valium is also due to this effect on the GABA receptor. And alcohol has a painkilling effect like morphine and produces a high similar to morphine because it causes a release of endorphins into the brain thus raising the endorphin levels. (Note that the effect of morphine is different from alcohol in its mechanism--morphine imitates endorphins and binds to endorphin receptors whereas alcohol increases the amounts of the endorphins in the brain.) Finally we come to glutamate. Alcohol greatly inhibits the functioning of the glutamate receptor. Glutamate is responsible for the formation of new memories as well as for muscular coordination. It is alcohol's effect on the glutamate receptor which leads to slurred speech, and staggering in people who have consumed alcohol, as well as the inability to remember what one did that night when the morning after comes. Perhaps the only positive effect of this effect on the glutamate receptor is a feeling of muscular relaxation. Many negative effects of alcohol such as automobile fatalities due to drunk driving are the result of the loss of coordination caused by alcohol's effect on the glutamate receptor. Even small amounts of alcohol have a major impact on coordination--so never, never drink and drive.

You have probably observed that alcohol seems to have different effects on different people. Some people quickly become sleepy after drinking just a little alcohol whereas others become animated and want to just go, go, go. Research on mice suggests that this difference is genetic. Scientists have been able to breed strains of mice which quickly go to sleep after ingesting alcohol. They have also been able to breed strains of mice which become very active after ingesting alcohol. This strongly suggests that genetics determines which neurotransmitter system is most strongly affected by alcohol in which individual. Individuals who become sleepy soon after drinking probably have their GABA system more strongly affected by alcohol. And individuals who become lively and excited after drink probably have their dopamine system most strongly affected.

The effects of alcohol on the brain do not end when alcohol is completely metabolized and out of the system--what happens next is something called neurotransmitter rebound. This rebound effect is most easily illustrated if we look at what happens to many people when they use a drink or two as a sleep aid. These people often tend to wake up in the middle of the night and find themselves unable to fall back asleep. What is happening is this--alcohol has enhanced the functioning of the GABA system and has made these people feel relaxed and sleepy. The entire time that alcohol is present the GABA system is struggling to overcome the effects of alcohol and return to normal functioning. When all the alcohol is finally out of the body, the GABA system overshoots the mark and leaves people feeling restless and wide awake. This is why alcohol is not a good sleep aid. Large quantities of alcohol can keep a person asleep longer, but drinking large quantities of alcohol has its own negative effects. Neurotransmitter rebound seems also to be implicated in symptoms of hangovers such as hyper-sensitivity to light and in alcohol withdrawal syndrome giving rise to feelings of anxiety and panic and other symptoms as well.

Some medications used to treat alcohol abuse such as campral and naltrexone work by affecting the neurotransmitter systems. Naltrexone (also called revia) is an opioid receptor antagonist. Naltrexone works by binding to the endorphin receptors (which are sometimes also called opioid receptors) and blocking them off so that opiates cannot bind to these receptors. Unlike opiates or endorphins naltrexone has no painkilling effects and no pleasurable effects. Naltrexone simply blocks off the endorphin receptors so that neither opiates nor endorphins can have their painkilling or pleasurable effects. Naltrexone is highly effective with people who use opiates such as morphine or heroin since these drugs have no effect at all when the receptors are blocked by naltrexone. Naltrexone has some effect in helping people to abstain from alcohol or to moderate their use, however it is not as effective with alcohol as with opiates because alcohol affects many different neurotransmitters. The downside of naltrexone is that the body's natural painkillers, the endorphins, are unable to do their job when it is present. People taking naltrexone are advised to wear medic-alert bracelets so that doctors will know that painkillers are ineffective on these people.

Campral (also known as acamprosate) is a glutamate receptor modulator. Campral helps eliminate cravings for alcohol in long term heavy drinkers. It is hypothesized that long term heavy drinking upsets the glutamate neurotransmitter system and that campral helps to restore this to normal.

No discussion of alcohol and the brain would be complete without a mention of possible brain damage caused by alcohol abuse. It is likely that we have all heard that drinking kills brain cells. However, does scientific evidence bear out this common folk saying? A 1993 study by Jensen and Pakkenberg published in Lancet titled "Do alcoholics drink their neurons away?" compared the brains of alcoholics to the brains of non-alcoholics. This study found that the white matter of the brains of alcoholics was significantly depleted. The gray matter, however, was the same in both alcoholics and non-alcoholics. This is interesting since it is the gray matter that does the thinking. The gray matter has been compared to a network of computers, and the white matter to the cables linking them together. The brain does not produce new gray matter to replace that which is lost. The brain can, however, produce new white matter to replace white matter which has been lost. The researchers concluded that loss of white matter do to heavy drinking may possibly not constitute irreparable damage.

There is, however, a form of irreparable brain damage which can be caused by long term heavy drinking. This is Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome, also known as "wet brain". Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndromeis not caused by a loss of brain cells--it is caused by a deficiency of vitamin B1 (also known as thiamine). Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome can have several causes including extreme malnutrition, prolonged periods of vomiting due to morning sickness or an eating disorder, kidney dialysis, stomach stapling, or alcohol abuse. The vast majority of cases of Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome which occur in the United States are caused by severe, long-term, heavy drinking. Alcohol can lead to Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome because it blocks the absorption of thiamine. Symptoms of Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome include amnesia, inability to form new memories, confusion, hallucinations, and confabulation. Some of the more severe symptoms of Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome can be treated with thiamine, however in most cases many of the symptoms persist for a lifetime.

Have scientists discovered everything that there is to know about alcohol's effects on the brain? It seems that this is clearly not the case. Scientists believe that alcohol likely affects many more neurotransmitters than the four discussed in this article. There is constant and ongoing research to discover how alcohol might affect other neurotransmitters. The future is likely to bring us much new knowledge about alcohol and the brain.

How Antidepressants Work

Antidepressants are the first line treatment against depression. Annual sales of antidepressants are approximately $ 50 billion, making this class of drugs one of the most currently prescribed. Many pharmaceutical companies engaged in direct marketing of antidepressants to consumers through television and print media.

Thus, patients have a major influence on prescribing patterns of health professionals when it comes to this type of medication. Antidepressants are often prescribed, but after all, what exactly are antidepressants? How do they work? Are they effective?

Important!

This article is informational only, and is not intended as medical advice. People who are in search of assistance to obtain diagnosis and treatment of depression should consult their physician and / or pharmacist.

The depression or major depressive disorder - TDM, also called clinical depression or unipolar depression - occurs in about 15 million Americans each year. It can occur at any age (including children under 5 years), but most commonly affects people between 25-44 years. MDD affects approximately 20% of women and 10% of men. TDM leads to lost productivity at work and school. And most importantly, is the leading cause of suicide.

The TDM, unlike the short periods of "melancholy" is a persistent change in mood that can interfere with family relationships and self-esteem. Recurrent episodes can last for days, months or years. The TDM has physical and mental symptoms, which include:

• depressed mood (sadness)


• loss of interest or pleasure


• sleep disruption


• fatigue


• feelings of worthlessness, despair, hopelessness and helplessness


• changes in appetite, weight loss or weight gain


• loss of sexual interest


• inability to think, concentrate or make decisions

To have a clinical diagnosis of MDD, these symptoms should occur frequently for a minimum period of two weeks.

These symptoms can also result from other diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, heart disease and epilepsy. So it is possible that the depressive episode is a secondary symptom of another disease. Since there is no laboratory test for depression, doctors may perform several tests to rule out these other possible diseases. If all these are excluded, remains the TDM.

How Antidepressants Work

Antidepressants are designed to block various aspects of the process of synaptic transmission in neurons that contain serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain and thus increase the levels of these neurotransmitters. With the increase in neurotransmitter levels, mood and emotions should stabilize and perhaps return to normal. However, since some of these neurotransmitters (such as norepinephrine) are contained in the neural pathways in the brain and other parts of the nervous system, some antidepressants may have side effects as changes in blood pressure and saliva production. Furthermore, as the pathways involved in TDM is at the bottom of the brain and brain stem, antidepressants may interfere with other functions such as appetite, sleep and sexual function.

Antidepressants are classified according to the neurotransmitters that affect and how they affect. Let's examine the different types of antidepressants.

Selective reuptake inhibitors (SSRI)

SSRIs, antidepressants prescribed most often were introduced in the mid 80s. SSRIs block serotonin transport back to the pre-synaptic cell. This action increases the concentration of serotonin in the synaptic cleft, raising the stimulation of postsynaptic cells. SSRIs include the following drugs:

• Fluoxetine (Prozac)


• Paroxetine (Paxil)


• Sertraline (Zoloft)


• Fluvoxamine (Luvox)


• Citalopram (Celexa)


• Escitalopram (Lexapro)

The various SSRIs are equally effective and tolerated by patients. However, one reacts the same way, therefore, some patients may suffer more side effects of a type other than with SSRIs. Most antidepressant is administered more than once a day. But the active form of fluoxetine in the body have long half-life (stays longer) and, therefore, patients can take it once a day - minimizing the risk of forgetting a dose. At high doses, paroxetine and sertraline interfere with the neurotransmission of dopamine and serotonin.

To reduce the side effects that may cause the patient to discontinue the drug, doctors usually begin SSRIs at low doses and slowly increase until the desired dose. Side effects include nausea, dizziness, dizziness, vomiting, insomnia, anorexia, anxiety and sexual dysfunction.

Tricyclic antidepressants and selective reuptake inhibitors of norepinephrine

Tricyclic antidepressants have been introduced in the late 50th and early 60th. Like the SSRIs, these compounds block the reuptake of norepinephrine by the presynaptic cell, thereby increasing its concentration in the synaptic cleft. Tricyclic antidepressants include:

• Nortriptyline (Pamelor)


• Maprotiline (Ludiomil)


• Desipramine (Norpramine)


• Amitriptyline (Elavil)


• Clomipramine (Anafranil)


• Imipramine (Tofranil)

Tricyclic antidepressants affect heart rate and blood pressure, because norepinephrine is also a neurotransmitter used by the autonomic nervous system that controls blood pressure and heart rate. Its side effects include postural hypotension (blood pressure below normal), tachycardia (rapid heartbeat), dry mouth, urinary retention and blurred vision. Tricyclic antidepressants are not used frequently because they have many side effects. However, for patients who can not tolerate SSRIs or other antidepressants, tricyclics are effective. Physicians should observe the patient closely to monitor the appearance of serious side effects.

Tricyclic antidepressants are non-selective inhibitors of the reuptake of norepinephrine, because their chemical structures are similar to norepinephrine. Reboxetine (Edronax) reuptake inhibitor is a more specific, since it binds better in the carrier reuptake, but does not exist in the United States.

Is It OK For Pain Management Doctors To Fire Patients Using Medical Marijuana?

When a patient sees a pain management doctor, the patient may receive narcotic medications. Especially if the person has a chronic pain issue and there is no surgical answer, opiates may be part of the plan for a long time.

There are significant potential side effects with opiate medications. This may include constipation, depression, sedation, euphoria, dizziness, fatigue, anxiousness, clammy skin, confusion, respiratory depression, and a slew of others.

One of the biggest issues seen is tolerance and/or addiction with opiates. Tolerance is when the patient's chronic pain condition doesn't change, but the same amount of pain medication doesn't quite provide adequate pain relief any longer.

One of the newer options in 16 states plus the District of Columbia is medicinal marijuana. Treatment with marijuana may offer substantial relief that may decrease the need for high doses of opiates or in some cases provide relief where opiates do not work well.

For instance, opiate medications are not a great choice for peripheral neuropathies. They just don't modulate the pain well, whereas, medical marijuana works very well for these issues.

Medical marijuana does not preclude the need for interventional pain management. With a disc herniation or a focal problem where a pain management injection would help, medical marijuana is not the answer.

When patients are on chronic pain medications with a pain doctor, typically a pain contract is signed. The "contract" usually states that while a patient is under his or her care, the patient will not use illicit drugs.

Unfortunately, marijuana is still federally illegal despite the fact it is now legal in 16 states. And most pain doctors perform drug screening on their patients. So if a patient is under a contract, gets tested, and turns up positive for THC (the active component of marijuana), is it appropriate for the pain doctor to terminate the patient?

It's a simple answer as to whether or not the pain doctor has the right to terminate the patient, but not a simple answer as to whether it's appropriate. If the pain agreement states that the doctor has the right to terminate a patient if the drug test turns up positive for narcotics not being prescribed, then that is difficult to refute. If the patient is given the opportunity to rectify their termination by ceasing the marijuana use and re-testing in a few weeks, once again that is the doctor's prerogative.

Ethically, the situation is not so simple. Patients deserve effective pain management, and there is a big push in American not to undertreat. Medical marijuana has shown effectiveness in a number of chronic pain conditions and numerous other conditions such as severe nausea/vomiting and cancer.

Having marijuana continue to be federally illegal and placed into the illicit category puts pain doctors in a very difficult situation. If they test patients for THC and then don't terminate patients who test positive, is it showing bias with regard to other illicit substances?

Some pain doctors do not view marijuana as an illicit substance due to its medicinal value, therefore, they do not test for it with screening. If a patient discloses the use of marijuana to the doctor, the issue becomes the same.

The point here is there really is no clear cut right and wrong answer for the pain doctor to follow. Guidelines need to be individualized. Hopefully once federal views on marijuana change then these ethical issues will become moot.