Friday, April 1, 2011

Depression is a disease involving body, mood and thoughts.

DEPRESSION


Depression is a serious disease. Some health professionals use the word depression, depressive disorder or clinical depression to refer to it. But its very different from the common experience of feeling unhappy, miserable or tired for a short period of time. When you are depressed, you  have some  feelings of extreme stress due to sadness that can last a long time. These feelings could be severe enough to interfere with  daily life, and may last for weeks or months instead of days. Depression is very common and one in ten people suffer from depression at some point. So, the exact number of people with depression is difficult to estimate because lot of people do not get help or are not officially diagnosed with the disease.



About 15 million Americans are struggling with depression, a disease that takes many forms, ranging from major depression and seasonal affective disorder than bipolar disorder and dysthymia. Depressive disorder is a disease involving body, mood and thoughts. It interferes with everyday normal functioning and causes pain for both the person with the disease and those who care about him. Depression is not the same as a passing blue mood. This is not a sign of personal weakness or a condition that can be willed or wished away. People with a depressive illness can not merely pull themselves together ; and get better. Depression, even the most serious cases, a disease very treaties. As with many illnesses, the earlier treatment begins, the more effective it is and the higher the likelihood that recurrence can be avoided.



Women are more likely than men to depression, and 1 / 4 of a woman seeking treatment for depression at some point, compared with 1 10 men. Men are much more likely that women to suicide, which may be because men are less likely to search help for depression. In alternative way, it could be due to other factors such as substance abuse, unemployment, socially loneliness and depression could affect people of all ages, including children. According to studies  that about 4% of children aged 5 to 16 in the United Kingdom suffer from depression. People with a  positive family history of depression are more prone to experience depression themselves. Depression  could affects people in several different ways and may cause a variety of p symptoms it could be physical, psychological (mental) and social . Few people think that depression is not a real sickness and that is a form of weakness or admission of failure due to any reason. This is simply untrue. Depression is a real sickness having real impact, and is not a sign of any failure.



The pathophysiology of depression (MDD) has not been  defined clearly . Preclinical and clinical studies suggest a disturbance in Central Nervous System , activity of serotonin as an significant factor. In other neurotransmitters include norepinephrine (NE) and dopamine (DA). Importance of the activity of serotonin in the pathophysiology of depression is suggested by the effect of inhibitors selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) to treat moderate to severe depression. In addition, studies have shown that acute, transient relapse of depressive symptoms may be produced in patients in remission to the depletion of tryptophan, causing a temporary reduction in CNS serotonin levels. serotonergic neurons involved in emotional disorders found in the dorsal nucleus Raph, the limbic system and the left prefrontal cortex.



Clinical experience shows a complex interaction between the availability of neurotransmitters,  regulation and sensitivity of receptors , and emotional symptoms of depression. Medicines that produce only an acute increase the availability of neurotransmitters, such as cocaine, has power over time, antidepressants. In addition, an exhibition of several weeks for an antidepressant is usually needed to produce a change in symptoms. This, combined with preclinical research, implies a role in regulating neuronal receptors over time in response to the increased availability of neurotransmitters. All available antidepressants appear to act in 1 or more of the following mechanisms (1) presynaptic inhibition of the incorporation of 5-HT or NE, (2) antagonist activity of presynaptic inhibitory 5-HT or NE receptor sites, thereby improving neurotransmitter release or (3) inhibition of MAO, which reduces degradation of neurotransmitters.



The incidence of  depressive disorder symptoms increases with age, especially when associated with a medical condition or institutionalization. But perhaps the depression does not meet criteria for major depression because of some atypical features of depression in the elderly. Mature experienced more somatic complaints, cognitive symptoms, and fewer complaints of depressed mood or dysphoria. It is particularly important to the increased risk of suicide, especially among older men. Rates for women and men are highest in the age group 25-44 years. For more information on childhood depression, see Mood Disorders: Depression.



There  are main types of depression:

  • Major depression - five or more symptoms listed above must be present for at least 2 weeks, but major depression tends to continue for at least 6 months. (It is considered as minor depression if you have less than five symptoms of depression for less than 2 weeks depression .In other words, minor depression have some similarities to major depression except it only has two to four Symptoms .
  • Atypical depression. - Occurs in about one third of patients with depression. Symptoms include overeating and oversleeping. These patients tend to have the feeling of being overwhelmed and react strongly to rejection of belief. Dysthymia - a milder form of depression that lasts up to  two years.



Some other common forms of depression:

  • Postpartum depression - many women feel depressed after having a baby, but true postpartum depression is rare .
  • Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), depressive symptoms can occur one week before menstruation and disappear after a period.
  • Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) -  can occur during the season of fall and winter and disappear in  the season of spring and summer . Probably due to lack of sun.




Depression can also occur with mania (known as manic-depression or bipolar disorder). In this condition, mood cycle will be  between mania and depression. This disorder is more common in women than men and are particularly common in adolescence. Men seem to search help for feelings of depression but women do less often . Consequently, women may have more documented cases of depression.




If you've  depression for two weeks or more, contact your doctor, who can recommend treatment options. Whether suffering from mild to severe depression, the following self-care measures can help:

  • Get enough sleep.
  • Eat a healthy, nutritious diet.
  • Regular exercise.
  • Avoidance of alcohol, marijuana and other drug abuse.
  • Come and make you happy even if you do not want to do.
  • Spending time with family and friends.
  • Take advise and talking to clergy or spiritual advisors who may help give meaning to painful experiences.
  • Consider prayer, meditation, tai chi, or biofeedback as ways to give relaxation or take advantage of domestic strengths.
  • More omega-3 fatty acids in the diet that you can get a cold water fish such as tuna, salmon or mackerel.
  • Take  multivitamin (400-800 micrograms) for folate .


If depression occurs in autumn or winter, try light therapy with a special lamp that mimics sunlight.


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