Depression

Depression treatment

Depression is a disease that affects mood, thoughts and body.  It decreases the ability to work and causes suffering and pain both to the patients themselves and people close to them, destroys families. The number of people who suffer from depression rises each year. According to the latest data about 15-20 % of the population in developed countries are liable to depression.

That's why it is very important to recognize the first signs  of depression and begin corresponding treatment. Unfortunately, people do not know enough about the typical manifestations and the consequences of this disease . And sometimes it is too late to help people who suffer from severe forms of depression.

The common types of depression include: bipolar depression, major depression and dysthymia. However, the symptoms of each type are different and may vary depending on age, sex, concomitant diseases, family history and hormonal factors.

The typical symptoms of depression are:

• melancholy, grief, anxiety or irritability;
• insomnia, the repetitive awakenings at night or too early awakening;
• the loss of interest to work, food and sexual life;
• the feeling of guilt and own inferiority,
• hopelessness and pessimism
• stomach disorders such as frequent diarrhea or constipation.
• the difficulty of concentrating and a constant fatigue;
• weight loss or weight gain.  
• headaches, pain in the heart area without the organic reasons;
• increased preoccupation about the own health;
• thought of suicide and death, sometimes even suicide attempts.

 
Unfortunately there is no specific test to diagnose depression. Usually your doctor makes you some questions about complains you have, about recent events in your life that could provoke depression,or if you are liable to alcohol or drug abuse.

Today depression can be curable. About 80% of patients feel better after the corresponding treatment. The treatment may include: depression medications (antidepressants), psychotherapy or their combination. Some people feel better after antidepressant use, other benefit from psychotherapy or both. Your health care provider should choose the most effective and safe approach in the depression treatment.

There are several types of depression medications. They can be divided into several groups according to their action:

·         Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

·         Norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs)

·         Tricyclic antidepressants

·         Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).

·         Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)

Nowadays the most popular and foolproof medications are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as zoloft, rexetin, seroxat, prozac, fevarin and others.

It is important to know that:

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors for example zoloft and prozac do not lead to drug dependence. However, withdrawal symptoms can occur in those who stops these medicines quickly.

The improvements usually appear in 2-3 weeks . Sometimes patients fill better in several days.

Antidepressants usually cause a large number of adverse effects . These may include: vision , heart, kidney or liver disorders. People who use SSRIs medications (Zoloft and Rexetin) usually do not experience these severe side affects. Sometimes only hyperhidrosis(excessive sweating), nausea, drowsiness and other less dangerous effects are possible.

Sometimes these drugs may increase suicidal actions or thoughts  in some children or young adults when the drug is first started. That's why depression treatment with  SSRIs medicines should be under your health care provider control.

The right and opportune treatment, patient's desire and social support will help overcome this severe illness.