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11/08/2010 02:37:53 AM · #1 |
I am fond of writing on weird subjects those rarely interest, if anybody. Presently, I am working on a project called "How to Conquer Worries and Depression".
Here is one module named- "All You Wanted to Know About DEPRESSION". You may find it of some use.
All you wanted to know about⦠Depression
What is Depression?
Life is full of small and big disappointments and stresses. It is perfectly normal for human beings to feel sad or to have âbluesâ at times. The problem arises when someone becomes incapacitated by such feelings and is pre-occupied with negative thoughts all day.
Depression is a medical condition that affects a personâs thoughts, feelings, as well as the body. Interest in normal activities comes to a standstill, appetite is slowed down to the extent that the person seems to have lost interest in food! Energy level is depressed, causing feeling of fatigue. Sleep is depressed, leading to anxiety and restlessness. All these physiological symptoms may be present, irrespective of whether one feels sad or not. Notably, depression may be present even without a feeling of sadness!
Anyone is susceptible to depression, although some individuals are at higher risk. The lifetime prevalence of depression is about 15%. Contrary to the popular belief, depression is a treatable illness. The problem becomes complex because only about half of people with major depression receive specific treatment. Because of the social stigma attached to medical illness, many depressed people never seek treatment.
Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of depression include the following:
⢠Depressed mood
⢠Loss of enjoyment in normally pleasurable activities
⢠Fatigue/Loss of energy
⢠Sleeplessness (Insomnia) or excessive sleep
⢠Unexplained physical symptoms
⢠Decreased sexual drive
⢠A change in appetite
⢠Feeling of helplessness, hopelessness
⢠Feeling of worthlessness
⢠Suicidal thoughts
If these symptoms persist for more than 2 weeks, depression may be present.
Causes
A no. of biological, psychological and social factors may contribute to the onset of depression. Bio-psycho-social model is typically employed while considering the causes of depression.
Biologically, depression is associated with changes in various neurotransmitters levels, commonly known as chemically-imbalance in the brain. Further, depression frequently runs in families, suggesting a hereditary aspect to it. Some medical conditions (such as hypo/hyperthyroid) and some medicines (anti-hypertensives, steroids) may also cause depressive symptoms.
Psychologically, people with pessimistic outlook and low self esteem are more prone to develop depression. Anxiety and substance abuse also increases the risk of depression.
Socially, depression is attributed to stressful events, such as loss of life, loss of property, marital problems, job-dissatisfaction, change in surroundings etc.
The Chemical âLochaâ
The brain comprises of gray matter and white matter. Gray matter consists of billions of neurons and other support cells. Neurons interact with each other electro-chemically. The resulting impulse propagates down the nerve length (axon), and causes a release of chemicals called neuro-transmitters. The most commonly known group of neuro-transmitters include- dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine.
Dopamine is believed to be responsible for pleasure generating, Norepinephrine is associated with risk taking activities, while Serotonin is related to activities involving sleep, appetite, sexual function, control of mood and anxiety. Depletion of these neuro-transmitters can precipitate depression.
Medications used for the treatment of depression improve the signals between nerves by increasing the amount of neuro-transmitters activity. Chemical balance is restored through the use of medications that either block the destruction of chemicals, or block the reuptake of chemicals. It may take 4-6 weeks for an anti-depressant to have its full effect.
Prevalence
The prevalence of depression in various segments of population is as follows:
⢠Gender: Depression is two times more likely in females as compared to males.
⢠Age: The peak age of onset is 20-40 years.
⢠Family history: A person with a positive family history is at 2-3 times higher risk.
⢠Marital status: Divorced individuals have higher rates.
⢠Negative life events: A possible association exists.
⢠Pre-morbid personality factors: A possible association exists.
⢠Socio-economic status: A possible association exists.
⢠Substance abuse: A clear association exists.
Types of depression
Clinically, several types of depression exist. Depressed mood or loss of interest in normally pleasurable activities is characteristic of all types, and all types cause a reduction in functional capacity. The various types of depression include-
⢠Major Depressive Disorder
⢠Dysthymic Disorder
⢠Bipolar Depression
Major Depressive Disorder (also known as Major Depression) is further classified as melancholic, atypical and post-partum depression. Melancholic depression is mostly associated with sleep and appetite loss and psychomotor retardation. It is also characterized by diurnal-variation in mood â feeling much worse in the morning and better in the evening. Atypical depression is characterized by increased appetite, rejection sensitivity, and a sensation of heaviness of limbs.
Dysthymic Disorder is chronic, milder depression, but can be quite debilitating. It is characterized by persistent sadness (nearly daily) for at least two years.
Bipolar Disorder (also known as manic-depressive disorder) is characterized by cycles of depression alternating with euphoric/irritable mood (called mania). Bipolar disorder is less prevalent than the major depression, occurring in approximately 1% of population.
Treatment
Contrary to the popular belief, depression is a treatable mental illness. Treatments for depression fall into following two categories:
⢠Psycho-social
⢠Pharmacological
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy alone may be recommended for mild depression. Psycho-social treatments include individual therapies, group therapies, Cognitive-behavioral approach etc. Cognitive therapy is based on the premises that the thoughts (cognitions) determine emotions and behavior. It believes that the depression is due to a pattern of negative thoughts. Thoughts may be distorted by errors of thinking such as over-generalization, catastrophic thinking, jumping to conclusions or personalization. It works to help patients identify and change inaccurate perceptions about themselves and situations.
Medications
Mainly, the following groups of medicines are used for treating depression:
⢠Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)
⢠Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)
⢠Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
Depression with melancholic features responds better to tricyclic antidepressants. Fluoxetine was the first SSRI to be introduced in the market in 1980s. It has low side effects. Other SSRIs used are Sertraline, Citalopram and Escitalopram.
Remission may occur within 4-6 weeks after the initiation of medication. Once remission has lasted for 6 months, it is considered recovery. If full recovery has been achieved, a subsequent episode is considered recurrence. If the medication is discontinued pre-maturely, a relapse or recurrence is likely to occur. There is highest risk for recurrence within the first year. Therefore, it is recommended to continue medication for 9 months to 1 year after complete remission of symptoms.
Most antidepressants have potential side effects such as nausea, headache, insomnia and serotonin syndrome. If these symptoms are particularly problematic, your doctor may prescribe another medicine. Medicines should be stopped gradually (tapered down), as the discontinuation syndrome can be uncomfortable.
Some Facts about Depression
⢠Many people who recover completely from a depressive episode, never become depressed again. However, about half of people who have been depressed will have another episode of depression at some point in their life. A history of 3 or more episodes places a patient at a greater than 80% risk for recurrence.
⢠The majority of depressed persons do not attempt suicide, however the majority of suicide attempters are known to have depression.
⢠Those who exercise regularly, report lower rates of depression. Exercise effects changes in the levels of serotonin and dopamine, and causes release of endorphins, which masks pain. Psychologically also, exercise improves self esteem, increases social contacts, and distracts from daily stress. Use of relaxation techniques such as meditation and yoga is also helpful in reducing stress.
⢠Many individuals suffering from depression have difficulty in taking simple decisions, such as whether or not to visit a psychiatrist. Family and close friends can play a vital role in such a case, by being supportive and reassuring.
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11/15/2010 06:54:32 AM · #2 |
| WOW! More people interested in gay marriages than depression! |
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11/15/2010 08:03:21 AM · #3 |
| I thank you, this excellent work. Yip, some issues make people uncomfortable so the react more often ;-) |
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11/15/2010 04:27:20 PM · #4 |
Considering the time that this was posted, I am not surprised at the lack of input. At 2am I am in bed and at 5am I am off to work.
Ray |
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11/15/2010 04:30:21 PM · #5 |
Maybe had you titled it... "Depression, is it real or imaginary?"
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11/15/2010 06:56:38 PM · #6 |
Originally posted by K10DGuy:
Maybe had you titled it... "Depression, is it real or imaginary?" |
or "does Gay Marriage cause Depression?" |
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11/15/2010 07:15:58 PM · #7 |
Originally posted by kbhatia1967:
I am fond of writing on weird subjects those rarely interest, if anybody. |
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11/16/2010 02:15:21 AM · #8 |
Originally posted by RayEthier:
Considering the time that this was posted, I am not surprised at the lack of input. At 2am I am in bed and at 5am I am off to work.
Ray |
It was posted on 8th of November and I waited upto 15th of November before reacting. |
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11/16/2010 04:53:07 AM · #9 |
Originally posted by RayEthier:
Considering the time that this was posted, I am not surprised at the lack of input. At 2am I am in bed and at 5am I am off to work. |
Remind me to do all my DPC posting at 5am GMT from now on. |
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11/16/2010 05:06:30 AM · #10 |
Originally posted by kbhatia1967:
Originally posted by RayEthier:
Considering the time that this was posted, I am not surprised at the lack of input. At 2am I am in bed and at 5am I am off to work.
Ray |
It was posted on 8th of November and I waited upto 15th of November before reacting. |
Have you ever considered that the item maybe fell off the page after a while. You will note that a lot of people tend to "Bump" articles they have an interest in, just to make certain that it reaches a good portion of the audience and generates comments.
Ray |
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11/16/2010 11:55:29 AM · #11 |
Originally posted by Art Roflmao:
Originally posted by K10DGuy:
Maybe had you titled it... "Depression, is it real or imaginary?" |
or "does Gay Marriage cause Depression?" |
or..... does all Marriage cause Depression? |
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11/16/2010 11:59:51 AM · #12 |
Originally posted by kbhatia1967:
Originally posted by RayEthier:
Considering the time that this was posted, I am not surprised at the lack of input. At 2am I am in bed and at 5am I am off to work.
Ray |
It was posted on 8th of November and I waited upto 15th of November before reacting. |
I saw it on the 8th, at a very late hour, I was awake because I was depressed.
So depressed I didn't comment. Now that I see this thread has finally sprung to life I'm somewhat bummed. But several funnies that scally boy placed on the forums today have managed to buoy my spirits. |
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11/16/2010 12:00:28 PM · #13 |
Originally posted by RayEthier:
Originally posted by kbhatia1967:
Originally posted by RayEthier:
Considering the time that this was posted, I am not surprised at the lack of input. At 2am I am in bed and at 5am I am off to work.
Ray |
It was posted on 8th of November and I waited upto 15th of November before reacting. |
Have you ever considered that the item maybe fell off the page after a while. You will note that a lot of people tend to "Bump" articles they have an interest in, just to make certain that it reaches a good portion of the audience and generates comments.
Ray |
Bump! |
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11/18/2010 12:34:22 AM · #14 |
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11/18/2010 04:27:45 AM · #15 |
I'm not sure what sort of responses you're expecting. It is an interesting article, but I don't see the point of posting it to a 'rant' forum.
As it stands, it's fairly closed-ended, you're not expressing an opinion about anything and there are no controversial statements. So there's nothing for any of us to respond to!
If you'd made some claim about pharmaceutical companies profiteering through addictive anti-depression drugs, or whatever, then you'd be guaranteed to generate some replies.
Have you thought about becoming a wikipedia editor perhaps? - You'd get a better response there, rather than in the 'rant' forum of a photography site.
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11/18/2010 05:49:24 AM · #16 |
Originally posted by kbhatia1967:
WOW! More people interested in gay marriages than depression! |
Having been recently diagnosed with depression, I read this when you first posted it up. Though it seems reasonably accurate and touches on many facets, it really doesn't spark discussion as it's kind of short & generic. It really didn't offer me, as someone who is learning to deal with depression much in the way of insight. I'm actually sort of curious as to your intent as to this article other than as a thumbnail sketch.
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11/19/2010 12:16:30 AM · #17 |
Originally posted by NikonJeb:
Having been recently diagnosed with depression, I read this when you first posted it up. Though it seems reasonably accurate and touches on many facets, it really doesn't spark discussion as it's kind of short & generic.
It really didn't offer me, as someone who is learning to deal with depression much in the way of insight. I'm actually sort of curious as to your intent as to this article other than as a thumbnail sketch. |
Only the one who has ever been depressed can know the mental agony it inflicts. The intent of this article is just to provide insight to those who need it. I am not sure how many of you really have even this basic information.
As regards to posting this in the Rant... I believe that more people visit this category than any other forum thread. |
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11/19/2010 11:00:39 AM · #18 |
Originally posted by kbhatia1967:
As regards to posting this in the Rant... I believe that more people visit this category than any other forum thread. |
Ahhh, yes. I believe you are right. But..... you have to carefully craft your original post so as to test the so-called intellect of the denizens that inhabit this exotic locale. Example: The question: Have I written this post so as to elicit a diametrically opposed response from Dr.Achoo and Scalvert? If so will sufficient interest develop to guarantee the thread will devolve into a religious free for all? Hard to predict. It's kind of like submitting to challenges. You'll eventually find questions that stimulate the Rant masses if you continue to try.
Message edited by author 2010-11-19 11:02:09. |
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11/19/2010 11:06:04 AM · #19 |
Originally posted by JH:
If you'd made some claim about pharmaceutical companies profiteering through addictive anti-depression drugs, |
Ahhhh!
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01/02/2011 08:38:22 PM · #20 |
| Incredible how prevalent depression is. It makes you wonder, with all our scientific progress, will we ever cure basic human conditions like this? Will there ever be a future without depression/anxiety? |
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01/02/2011 10:52:42 PM · #21 |
Originally posted by kbhatia1967:
Anyone is susceptible to depression, although some individuals are at higher risk. The lifetime prevalence of depression is about 15%. Contrary to the popular belief, depression is a treatable illness. The problem becomes complex because only about half of people with major depression receive specific treatment. Because of the social stigma attached to medical illness, many depressed people never seek treatment.
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Did you mean medical illness, or mental illness? |
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01/03/2011 12:01:50 AM · #22 |
Same subject, different take:
Expecting Tsunamies
On Depression and Art
There are, I propose, three modes of living: the active life, the contemplative life and the creative life. We know much about the active life. With sufficient interest we can learn about the contemplative life. The creative life, however, is a mystery even to those who are in the midst of it. When not an outright thorn in the eye, It often exceeds even the scope of what a thinker would consider part of a reasonable reality.
Within the active life, it is probably best to seek help when suffering clinical depression. When there is little faith in the effectiveness of professional help, the very act of reaching out and the experience of doing something to improve quality of life and the prospect for one may do some good.
Within the contemplative life, well, you have Boethius, god and the deductive effect of noting the very real screams of those who lead the active life.
Within the creative life, we can have all this at any time of the day and night, but we cannot reason it away without existential involvement; we cannot reach out to those who may well mark the very cause of the state weâre in, and we cannot simply resign, unless, of course, weâre contemplating suicide. We could consider murder or becoming a terrorist - an unlikely choice for a creatively inclined personality.
Being who we are, the only thing we can effectively do is to try to make others feel the way we do. We can show them what we see. We can make them hear something they have never heard before. We can try to make them touch the sky and dance to the rhythm of the wind. We can incite a riot within the heart, we can teach without lecturing, preach dissociation without preaching and kindle resentment towards evil.
Those who have ever engaged in something like this, will realize that each profound creative act, as all art evolves from the very adversities we want so desperately put behind us. Anyone who has knelt here will realize suffering as a premise for joy. He will pursue an intensity of living for himself which is neither conceivable nor acceptable to participants in any other mode of life. Exposure to the creative life brings with it such extremes of experience that would inspire nothing but fear and loathing in those not prepared for it. I believe, this is the primary reason also for the formidable and often unreasonable opposition to art and artists.
While participants in all other modes of life are likely to receive an education (no matter if it is a formal or auto-didactively achieved one) based on the development of positive capabilities, an artist would benefit much from being trained in negative capability. This is particularly true for poets, who have no true identity, since their very occupation requires them to embody everything, including the sun and moon. Neither are there or have there ever been any schools for poetry. A good poet, instead, is self-taught. He is, in more sense than one, on his own.
Some of us may consider this a somewhat bleak view of the creative life, but it isnât. The benefits are significant: beyond catharsis and therapy, the healing aspect of acting out one's idiosyncrasies, an artist can transcend negative emotions. He observes how dignity springs from humiliation and how anger and rage are properly put to use, use and use. He, of all people, if he chooses to remain committed to his craft as much as to the humanity sustaining him (and if he manages to ride out this delicate poise without falling off) has the key to unlock quite a bit of latitude and potential. What he does with this key, perversely, does not depend on him as much as it depends on the social tolerance for uncompromising individuality.
If no chords are struck or if he is out of tune, he is delivered. If he has negative capability, he will rebuild. If his outrage, his affront goes deep enough, he might rise beyond it. If his truth is appeased or corrupted by society, he is, for all intend and purposes, dead.
An artist worth his salt is a committed artist. His edge is directed at us, at his fellow human beings as well as at himself as a social participant. Society, customarily, tends to blunt that edge. He should therefore come prepared for more than anyone could plan for, expecting tsunamies - and the chaotic calm that follows them.
Message edited by author 2011-01-03 23:15:47.
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02/09/2011 02:48:40 AM · #23 |
Originally posted by karmat:
Originally posted by kbhatia1967:
Anyone is susceptible to depression, although some individuals are at higher risk. The lifetime prevalence of depression is about 15%. Contrary to the popular belief, depression is a treatable illness. The problem becomes complex because only about half of people with major depression receive specific treatment. Because of the social stigma attached to medical illness, many depressed people never seek treatment.
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Did you mean medical illness, or mental illness? |
Please read it as...
... the medical illness...
Message edited by author 2011-02-09 02:49:01. |
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02/09/2011 05:05:12 AM · #24 |
Originally posted by BardBrain:
Incredible how prevalent depression is. It makes you wonder, with all our scientific progress, will we ever cure basic human conditions like this? Will there ever be a future without depression/anxiety? |
No. |
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