Depression and Anti Depressants - Do The Drugs Really Work?

If you're suffering from depression you may think about taking some medication to help you cope. Before you decide if this is the right option for you there are a few things you need to know first about Depression and antidepressants. Read on to find out more...

• Depression and Anti Depressants fact 1 The facts: Before you think about taking any form of antidepressant, there are a few thing you need to know. Antidepressants are not a cure, and recent tests now suggest that drugs may not even work. Many of the drugs available have side effects that can have a major affect on your life. A common side effects is increased appetite and weight gain. Antidepressants may also effect your libido, resulting in a loss of sex drive. This commonly affects relationships and can add to the strain already caused by depression.
  
  
  
  


• Depression and Anti Depressants fact 2 - Popular drugs and how they work: Type 1: Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI's) more commonly known as Prozac or Seroxat. These are the most widely distributed drugs and work by increasing the amount of serotonin in the brain by not allowing it to be reused, which diminishes depressed feelings. Type 2: Tricyclics more commonly know as Tryptizol. These are the second most common type of antidepressants and work in a very similar way. They are not recommended for those with heart or liver problems. Type 3: Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MOAIs) more commonly know as Nardil and Marplan. These were some of the first antidepressants develop and have been available since the 1950's. They are now less widely used because of the side effects they cause such as high blood pressure.
  
  
  
  


• Depression and Anti Depressants fact 3 Questions to ask your doctor: If your doctor prescribes antidepressants, be sure you ask the following questions - Are there any side effects associated with this drug? Will I become addicted to this drug? How long will I have to take them? Will they work straight away?
  
  
  
  


• Depression and Anti Depressants fact 4 coming off medication: It can be difficult to stop taking antidepressants, the first thing you need to do is consult your doctor. You may think it's the right time, but your doctor may not. If you and your doctor decide it is the right time then be sure to do it slowly and gradually reduce your dosage. Never ever go cold turkey - you could wind up back at square one.
  
  
  
  


• Depression and Anti Depressants fact 5 the natural approach: Two of the best natural ways to improve your mood are exercise and sunshine. Take some gentle exercise in the sun each day. Go for a walk, ride your bike or do some gardening, it will all help.

For more information on depression and anti depressants click on the links below.

Men Suffer From Depression Too

Most research shows that women are much more likely than men to suffer from depression, but that doesn't mean that men never have the problem. Depression in men is often overlooked due to the fact that men are very reluctant to let their true emotions show, they think it will make seem like a wimp, rather than the tough guy they think they should be. For the same reason, fewer men suffering from depression will seek treatment. If all of the men who suffer from depression were to step forward, chances are there wouldn't be a lot of difference in the statistics when compared with the number of women who also have depression.

It can be extremely difficult to get most men to talk about their lives and their feelings, and most physicians are aware of that fact, and shy away from any touchy subjects as much as possible. Men often think they should tough their problems out on their own, rather than seek professional treatment. They hold their emotions and feelings inside until they can no longer cope with them, causing even more and more problems for themselves.

Oftentimes, the symptoms of depression that men experience are quite different than those reported by most women sufferers. Depression symptoms experienced by men may seem like any other health complaint, including general muscle and joint pain, extreme fatigue and less energy, insomnia, and appetite changes. Men will often express their feeling through violent emotions, such as anger and physical outbursts. They will often begin to drown their sorrows and problems with alcohol or drugs, rather than admit they have a problem and seek treatment. Due to the symptoms they usually suffer from, men often don't even think about the fact that they may be depressed. They know there is a problem, but they can't say just what it is. If they do talk to a physician, who treats them for depression, they are often shocked to find out that all of their symptoms disappear.

In some scientific research, the link between depression and the hormone testosterone has been questioned. We do know that as men get older, they have less and less testosterone in their system, a common finding in men who are older than fifty years of age. It also seems that the problem may be worsened with excessive alcohol consumption, extreme stress, and being moderately overweight, or obese.

Many doctors who have a male patient that comes in with symptoms which may indicate depression will immediately order a test to determine the level of testosterone in his body. The doctor may also test other hormone levels in the body, and if they come back irregular, he may first try treating the problem with some hormone supplements. If the patient seems to be suffering from deep depression, chances are the problem is not related to hormonal changes, and the physician will probably go ahead and prescribe an antidepressant medication, along with a referral to a mental health professional for therapy.

Treating men with testosterone supplements sounds like an easy fix for depression sufferers around the world, but unfortunately, the supplements can only be taken safely for a short period of time. Testosterone supplements taken on a regular basis have been known to cause prostate problems, including cancer, cardiac disease, liver malfunction, hair loss, or severe headaches. Supplements may also decrease the body's ability to create testosterone on its own, leading to even more problems once the supplement has to be discontinued.
Before taking testosterone supplements, you should be thoroughly evaluated by your physician, and do some research to make sure that you feel the benefits outweigh the risks. Talk to your doctor, and together you can come to the best decision for you.

For men, depression is usually triggered by problems or demotions on the job, loss of physical ability due to health issues, etc. When seeking treatment for depression, men should remember that they are showing incredible strength just by coming forward and admitting that they need help. Men are much more likely to commit suicide if they ignore their depression and fail to seek treatment. So, take steps now to get the help you need, before you make a mistake with your life that cannot be changed.

What Is Clinical Psychology?

Clinical psychology is a sub-field in psychology which is concerned with the evaluation and assistance of mental illness, abnormal behavior and relieving psychologically-based distress. It integrates the science of psychology, clinical knowledge, and theoretical knowledge with the treatment of complicated problems. It is one of the most popular sub-fields within psychology. Clinical psychologists are involved in program development and evaluation, teaching and supervision, research, public police, consultation and other activities such as professional practice. It will mean that they will be working with individuals, families, number of individuals collectively, institutions and organizations. Practitioners usually work within a team, for example, of medical practitioners, social workers and other health professionals.

What is clinical psychology and how does it differ from a psychiatrist?

Often clinical psychologists are compared with psychiatrists and even though they have the same fundamental goal their methods, training and outlook is quite different. The most significant difference is that psychiatrists use the medical model to assess psychological problems - meaning they see their patients as people with an illness - and prescribe medication, whereas a forensic psychologist does not. Clinical psychologists also differ from counselors and social workers, because they primarily deal with patients who have recognized problems. A clinical psychologist will treat depression, anxiety and emotional and mental disorders. The treatment of a patient usually includes the evaluation of the overall mental status of the patient and after that it will be determined which specific conditions might affect the patient. Psychoanalysis is mainly used by clinical psychologists to relieve mental distress. During these sessions the life problems of the patient will be evaluated in an environment in which he or she feels comfortable.

Clinical psychologists provide patients with methods to deal with problems such as stress, anxiety and other mental problems. Clinical psychology differs from forensic psychology in that forensic psychology provides psychological assessments in legal situations, whereas clinical psychology is the diagnosing and treatment of psychological dysfunction. A forensic psychologist has duties bound to the criminal justice system and needs to act accordingly. A clinical psychologist, on the other hand, is not helping the legal system but has the duty to help the patient. To become a practitioner of either form of psychology you need to have an accredited graduate degree from a university. A clinical psychologist will either work to obtain a Ph.D. or a PsyD. A Ph.D. is more towards the side of research, whereas a PsyD is more oriented towards the treatment of patients.

Knowing How to Get Rid of Depression Naturally

Wondering how to get rid of depression? If this is the case then you are not alone. There are many people who suffer from this condition and thousands more who're diagnosed with it each year. Of these sufferers, the demand for thorough and efficient treatment without the additional complication of significant side effects is the need of the hour.

Although depression is quite a complicated neurological problem which could carry a range of symptoms that influence every individual differently, it is feasible to handle as well as completely eliminate symptoms once the correct strategy is effectively undertaken on your part. The right medium to get rid of depression begins with the right understanding and targeting the causes directly.

Though depression is treated like a mental disorder but it actually involves physiological causes like the breaking down of neuro-transmitters. Restoring neuro-transmissions by improving nerve function is the primary treatment of depression. By working on impaired transmissions you are able to lessen the emotions of worthlessness, excessive irritability, negative feelings and the change of diet and sleep patterns.

What's the primary cause of depression?

Generally, the main reason behind weakened transmissions is the scarcity of serotonin. Serotonin is a vital transmitter in the neurological system of our body which controls emotional balance and overall wellness. It also helps you to establish proper patterns of sleep and manage sexual desires, levels of energy and appetite. Retaining the right amount of serotonin is the most regarded medium to get rid of depression. Natural supplements are created with the goal to help in the production of serotonin.

Some of the most effective herbs

Among the most effective herbs to eliminate depression is by the name St. John's Wort. This herb has been utilized for centuries to balance emotional upheavals and maintain absolute equilibrium and wellness. It's proven particularly effective in controlling moodiness caused by hormonal levels throughout the menstrual and premenstrual phase in women. Natural items that contain St. John's Wort can be consumed regularly to create a positive mental attitude.

Another significant natural material that can help in overcoming depression is Passion flower. Its ingredients contain cyanogenic glycosides, flavonoids, alkaloids and saparin. These ingredients combine to create Passion flower particularly powerful for calming nervous setbacks and mood swings. It really works so well, in fact, it is acknowledged as a normal nerve tonic. And like St. John's Wort, it's absolutely natural. It carries no extreme negative effects, making it secure for individuals of all ages.

Some helpful tips to get rid of depression

Count To Ten

When you sense a little depression then you need to find a place where you can relax and meditate. If you are in your office then the toilet is the best place to take a small break. Just cut out of work and find a peaceful place. Then count till ten and take deep breaths. Repeat this process several times till you feel better. Furthermore, counting to 10 can help clear your mind.

Talk to a Friend

They say that women can readily deal with anxiety and depression because they have friends which are happy to listen up and suggest solutions. If you sense blue or just angry at someone or perhaps a scenario, you can usually ask your friends to help you with the matter.

Don't live in a space that is messy and unorganized

You will feel more upset if you live in a space that is cluttered and always messy. Specialists say that cluttered spaces can raise an individual's stress levels. Instead of feeling unhappy, focus all your efforts in cleaning and arranging your living space, home or desk. A clean room can help to make you feel better.

Perform some Internal Cleaning

To get rid of depression, detoxify your inner body. An individual who's suffering from toxin and constipation will have a more irritable behavior. Your internal cleansing could begin with the consumption of fiber rich vegetables, fruits, food and ginger. Research has noted that eating ginger and broccoli could help lower depression levels for a brief period.

Seasonal Affective Disorder: How to Treat It Naturally

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is very similar to clinical depression. The main difference between SAD and clinical depression is the time of year and light levels, especially in the northern latitudes. While clinical depression is caused by chemical imbalances in the brain and is usually persistent throughout the year, SAD is seasonal. The symptoms usually appear during the fall and winter and go disappear during the spring and summer.

Receptors in the eye sense light levels, and the change in light levels affect the levels of brain chemicals. Two important brain chemicals that it affects are melatonin and serotonin. In SAD sufferers, serotonin decreases during the fall and winter. Serotonin not only affects mood, energy levels, it can cause carbohydrate cravings and weight gain too.

On the other hand, melatonin is produced in the darkness, and production stops with daylight. When light decreases during the fall and winter, it can skew the levels of melatonin and affect the quality and length of sleep. Furthermore, melatonin is produced from serotonin. When the levels of serotonin fall, melatonin levels can fall too. Consequently, SAD sufferers not only suffer from depression, but they can suffer from sleep disorders too. Even with non-seasonal depression, there is a close connection between depression and sleep. Researchers have discovered that depression can cause sleep disorders, and sleep disorders can depression. Regardless of which came first, it becomes a viscious circle. While some SAD sufferers sleep too much, others develop insomnia or circadian rhythm sleep disorders. Tragically, in addition to the link between depression and sleep, a chronic lack of sleep can cause an increased risk of heart problems, diabetes, traffic and work-related accidents, and more.

The four standard ways of treating SAD are antidepressants, light therapy, negative ion therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy. Unfortunately, the antidepressants for treating SAD can have negative side effects while cognitive behavioral therapy can be slow process. In fact, in some people, the antidepressants can increase suicidal feelings and violent behavior. Fortunately, in clinical trials, light therapy has been found to be just as effect as antidepressants, and negative ion therapy has been found to be almost as effective as light therapy.

There are two different types of light therapy: SAD lights and wakeup lights/sunrise alarm clocks. SAD light treatment consists of sitting nearby a light box that produces certain wavelengths of lights for approximately thirty minutes upon awakening.

However, even if you don't feel like you have thirty minutes every minutes, there is still hope. SAD light visors and wake up lights make light therapy even easier. Light visors can be worn on your favorite cap while you're going about your morning routine while wakeup lights are even more convenient yet. Unlike light boxes, wakeup lights use dawn simulation. Dawn simulation mimics the morning sun. It uses a gradually intensifying light thirty minutes before arising and to helps you awaken more easily and feel refreshed on those dark winter mornings. Some wakeup lights even have more features like dusk simulation, white noise, and more.

How to Deal With Depression and Insomnia

There are many things you should know about depression and insomnia. Insomnia is in the sleep disorder classification. Insomnia is when a person has trouble falling asleep, staying asleep or waking up too early. This sleep disorder is one of the most commonly reported. This disorder can be found in approximately 30% of adults. Women and older people are usually the ones affected by insomnia the most.

Depression is an illness. It affects you body, your mood, even the way you think. It will also affect your sleeping, and eating habits. Depression should not be mistaken for being sad or just a down mood. Depression can be a very serious disorder that can become harmful for your health if not treated properly.

Most people that suffer with depression will also experience insomnia. In some cases the insomnia can actually start before the depression and may even continue after the depression is gone. Of course this is not to say that insomnia is only caused by depression. There are about 80% of depressed people that have insomnia. There can be several contributing factors with insomnia.

Some of the contributing factors on insomnia are poor sleep habits, stress, and anxiety. You should avoid alcohol and drugs too. Some medications have been known to bring on insomnia also. If you sleep in a quite, dark, comfortable room then you are less likely to have an onset of insomnia.

Seeing a psychologist is the best way to start treatment for your insomnia and/or depression. You will be able to have your disorders diagnosed and treated. You must keep in mind that you have to be honest with your counselor. It can be hard for some people to open up about their feelings and emotions but you must never keep things from your doctor. The doctor can not treat you if you are misleading them.

The counseling will be quite beneficial for you in the end. The psychologist will be able to help you identify the source of the depression. Depression can be caused by insomnia but you may also find that insomnia can be caused by depression as well. You should have your regular doctor run different test to check for imbalances or conditions that could be affecting your physically.

Depression and insomnia can be treated with medications. After talking with your doctor he will be able to prescribe a medication that will help you. If you prefer to not take medications then there are herbs and supplements that can help with these problems too. Both of these disorders are easily treated. It may feel like you are in an endless cycle but there is hope.

Symptoms Of A Low Thyroid Function And Iodine/Selenium Deficiency

A low thyroid function has specific causes, yet the symptoms of this condition are numerous and can be mistaken for symptoms of other disorders, including psychological syndromes. Also, as an individual you might experience and describe your signs of a low thyroid in a unique way that can confuse the issue.

To add to this, a blood test may show that your thyroid hormones are low, but still considered in a normal range, not requiring drug therapy. If this is the case, while frustrating for you, you are lucky, because remedying a couple of simple nutritional deficiencies may return you to a true 'normal'. Review the following symptoms typically associated with a hypothyroid condition:

• difficulty losing weight


• tired all the time


• moodiness


• hair loss


• loose skin


• depression


• aching muscles


• feeling cold


• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome


• lack of libido


• sore joints


• memory loss


• difficulty concentrating

It is easy to see why this 'low normal' thyroid function can be difficult to figure out. If you are over forty, you may be told that your natural aging process has started. If your dominant symptom is depression, for example, you may be prescribed psychiatric drugs. These will for certain not help your thyroid hormones get up to par. And so on and so on with each symptom - a dominant symptom can be assigned to the wrong diagnosis.

Nutritional factors can be explored here. It is common knowledge that an iodine deficiency can be responsible for a sluggish thyroid gland. Yet, iodine is only part of the nutrition required to manufacture thyroid hormones. If you are deficient in other minerals like selenium, copper, and zinc, and the amino acid L-Tyrosine, just taking some iodine won't help to completely remedy the situation.

L-Tyrosine is an interesting amino acid. It is involved in the production of mood elevating neurotransmitters and adrenaline. If you are under constant stress, your L-Tyrosine will get used up producing adrenaline, and as a result will not be available in the quantity your body needs to produce your thyroid hormones.

One body system can function then, but another will be compromised. The good news is, that by introducing some simple supplements into your diet, you can target one area, such as your thyroid, and other aspects of your health will benefit as well.

Think of the chain reaction you can create by getting your thyroid up to normal. Imagine having more energy, healthier skin and hair, a healthy libido, and the sense of well being resulting from those few factors. You might feel more like working out and that can result in strong muscles, more fat burning, and slower aging.

Thyroid function affects your heart health, your cholesterol levels and your homocysteine levels. Also, extremely important, this in turn improves the lining of your blood vessels and prevents blood clots.

The content of selenium in our foods depends on the soil the foods grow in. This is very inconsistent from one agricultural area to another. Even if we know the selenium endowed areas of the world, our foods are not all tagged with their origins. It is the same with iodine. It is low in most diets, though traces are found in seafoods. Sadly our seafoods are so polluted now that we cannot eat them every day.