depression
TRANSCRIPT
Define Depression Symptoms Brain Function in Depression Warning signs Causes Myths vs. Facts Questions to ask the doctor Medication Types of Medication Ways to Manage Conclusion
Depression is an illness that can affect thoughts, mood, and physical health. It is characterized by overwhelming feelings of sadness, emptiness, and worthlessness.
Have trouble concentrating
Feel sad, anxious, or empty
Feel guilty, worthless, or helpless
Have persistent headaches, digestive problems, or other physical complaints that don’t go away with treatment
Be irritable and restless
Experience a loss of interest in normal activities
Have thoughts of suicide or attempt suicide
Experience fatigue or a lack of energy
The brain is the "command center" of the human body. It controls the basic functions of our bodies, our movements, and our thoughts and emotions. Researchers studying clinical depression tend to look at several aspects of brain function including the structures of the limbic system and the function of neurotransmitters within neurons.
The limbic system is the area of the brain that regulates activities such as emotions, physical and sexual drives, and the stress response. The hypothalamus is a small structure located at the base of the brain. It is responsible for many basic functions such as body temperature, sleep, appetite, sexual drive, stress reaction, and the regulation of other activities. Other structures within the limbic system that are associated with emotional reaction are the amygdala and hippocampus. The activities of the limbic are so important and complex that disturbances in any part of it, including how neurotransmitters function, could affect your mood and behavior.
Sadness
Guilt
Irritability
Trouble concentrating or remembering details
Sleep and appetite changes
Loss of energy or interest.
If you have some of these classic symptoms of depression and the symptoms are severe and have lasted longer than a few weeks, you should seek help.
Chemicals in your brain called neurotransmitters are out of balance.
Most experts believe a combination of family history (your genes) and stressful life events may cause depression.
►Genes ►Life events such as having a baby, death
in family, divorce, or after being diagnosed with a chronic illness.
Hard Work Beats Depression
Myth Hope for Better Days Is
Real Fact It's Not Always Depression Fact Men Fly Under the Radar Fact
It's Not a Real Illness Myth Help Means Drugs
for Life Myth It Can Sneak Up
Slowly Fact Exercise Is Good
Medicine Fact
What are the symptoms of depression? What are the possible causes of
depression? What are the treatment options? What is the best method (or combination
of methods) of treatment for depression? Does depression go away? How will depression affect me over the
long term?
You may start to feel better within 1 to 3 weeks after starting your antidepressant medicine. But it can take as many as 6 to 8 weeks to see a great deal of improvement.
Some people need to remain on medicine for several months to years.
Don't quit taking your medicines without talking to your doctor.
AntidepresantsAntidepresants
Antidepressants correct the chemical imbalance in the brain. A variety of drugs target different neurotransmitters and imbalances of these neurotransmitters can vary from patient to patient, some drugs may be more effective than others for any individual. Sometimes a combination of drugs is best.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), and sertraline (Zoloft).
Tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants, such as doxepin (Sinequan) and nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor).
Other antidepressants, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin, Wellbutrin SR), mirtazapine (Remeron) and trazodone venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR).
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine sulfate (Nardil), and selegiline (Emsam).
Antidepressant medicines include:
SSRIs act specifically on serotonin, making it more available for nerve cells, thus easing the transmission of messages without disrupting the chemistry of the brain.
TCAs work by slowing the rate at which neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) re-enter brain cells. This increases the concentration of the neurotransmitters in the central nervous system which relieves depression.
MAO is an enzyme responsible for breaking down certain neurotransmitters in the brain. MAOIs inhibit this enzyme and restore more normal mood states.
Be active
Limit alcohol and not use drug
Eat a balanced diet
Deal with stress
Get enough sleep
Dolly Parton, Singer
“If you're feeling low, don't despair. The sun has a sinking spell every night, but it comes back up every morning. The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.”
Chang, Louise. "Depression Pictures Slideshow: Myths and Facts." 1996-2011. MedicineNet. Web. 12 Feb. 2011. <http://www.medicinenet.com/depression_pictures_slideshow_myths_and_facts/article.htm>.
"Depression Basics." Depression. 2011. Everyday Health. Web. 12 Feb. 2011. <http://www.everydayhealth.com/depression/understanding.aspx>.
Franklin, Donald J.,. "Depression-Information and Treatment." 1999-2003. The National Institute of Mental Health. Web. 12 Feb 2011.
<http://www.psychologyinfo.com/depression/>.
<http:// www.healthcentral.com/encyclopedia
<http://www.allaboutdepression.com
Work Cited