Nocturnal Depression - Nostalgia
January 6th, 2009 · No Comments
→ No CommentsTags: Music
Situational Depression Brought On By Life
January 6th, 2009 · No Comments
Ande Waggener asked:
Situational depression could be called “Sometimes life sucks, and it just gets you down.” The description would be accurate, but it would be making light of a serious condition. Situational depression can be every bit as debilitating and painful as clinical depression or manic depression.
The difference between situational depression and other types of depression is that situational depression, as its name suggests, is caused by life’s situations, or life events. In other words, situational depression is brought on by life.
Sometimes challenging life events, such as the loss of a loved one, a divorce, the loss of a job, the failure to reach some important life goal or any other event that a person sees as bad or terribly upsetting, can cause depression. Situational depression, for instance, commonly occurs after a trauma like a serious car accident or a house fire.
The life event that triggers situational depression can vary in severity. What will cause situational depression in one person won’t cause it in another. A teenager, for instance, who suffers an illness which requires a medication that causes her to gain 40 pounds might fall into a situational depression because of her weight gain. A middle-aged person gaining the same amount of weight might be bothered by the gain but won’t become depressed.
The length of a situational depression generally is determined by the how the sufferer perceives the crisis. In other words, if the sufferer thinks the problem is big, depression is far more likely to result. For example, a person who fails to get a job he applied for might depressed for a day or two. A person who loses a parent may be depressed for weeks, months, or years. Big losses generally cause longer periods of depression.
Situational depression symptoms are very similar to clinical depression symptoms. This is why it can be difficult to determine whether a depressive episode is clinical or situational. After looking at the situational depression symptoms, the best way to figure out whether the depression is situational or clinical is to do a life event inventory. Find out if some event was especially disturbing or upsetting.
Look at various life events and if you suspect they might be the cause of situational depression, ask yourself how you felt before the event and how you felt after. This can help you determine if your depression is situational or clinical.
Just because situational depression doesn’t have a chemical/physical cause doesn’t mean it’s less serious. If you suspect you’re depressed because of a life event, explore depression treatment options for your situational depression.
Depression Information
Situational depression could be called “Sometimes life sucks, and it just gets you down.” The description would be accurate, but it would be making light of a serious condition. Situational depression can be every bit as debilitating and painful as clinical depression or manic depression.
The difference between situational depression and other types of depression is that situational depression, as its name suggests, is caused by life’s situations, or life events. In other words, situational depression is brought on by life.
Sometimes challenging life events, such as the loss of a loved one, a divorce, the loss of a job, the failure to reach some important life goal or any other event that a person sees as bad or terribly upsetting, can cause depression. Situational depression, for instance, commonly occurs after a trauma like a serious car accident or a house fire.
The life event that triggers situational depression can vary in severity. What will cause situational depression in one person won’t cause it in another. A teenager, for instance, who suffers an illness which requires a medication that causes her to gain 40 pounds might fall into a situational depression because of her weight gain. A middle-aged person gaining the same amount of weight might be bothered by the gain but won’t become depressed.
The length of a situational depression generally is determined by the how the sufferer perceives the crisis. In other words, if the sufferer thinks the problem is big, depression is far more likely to result. For example, a person who fails to get a job he applied for might depressed for a day or two. A person who loses a parent may be depressed for weeks, months, or years. Big losses generally cause longer periods of depression.
Situational depression symptoms are very similar to clinical depression symptoms. This is why it can be difficult to determine whether a depressive episode is clinical or situational. After looking at the situational depression symptoms, the best way to figure out whether the depression is situational or clinical is to do a life event inventory. Find out if some event was especially disturbing or upsetting.
Look at various life events and if you suspect they might be the cause of situational depression, ask yourself how you felt before the event and how you felt after. This can help you determine if your depression is situational or clinical.
Just because situational depression doesn’t have a chemical/physical cause doesn’t mean it’s less serious. If you suspect you’re depressed because of a life event, explore depression treatment options for your situational depression.
Depression Information
→ No CommentsTags: Health
The Jimi Hendrix Experience - Manic Depression
January 3rd, 2009 · 24 Comments
→ 24 CommentsTags: Music
How do you battle depression that starts when you quit smoking?
January 3rd, 2009 · 7 Comments
It’sJustMe asked:
I am on anti-depressants to help alleviate the depression, but it keeps getting worse. I finally succeeded in quitting smoking, but I feel worse now than I did for the eleven years that I smoked. I’ve been exercising and eating right to. I just don’t know what else to do.
Depression Books
I am on anti-depressants to help alleviate the depression, but it keeps getting worse. I finally succeeded in quitting smoking, but I feel worse now than I did for the eleven years that I smoked. I’ve been exercising and eating right to. I just don’t know what else to do.
Depression Books
→ 7 CommentsTags: Other - Health
What are some natural safe remedies for depression?
December 27th, 2008 · 21 Comments
blood_drop2003 asked:
My friend is autistic and has severe clinical depression unfortuanately just about everything his docs give him has caused really horrible side effects. They’re still working on something safe but in the mean time he’s dealing with some really serious depression. What are some safe natural inexpensive remedies for depression. I’m really worried about him and want to help. If you have any suggestions I’d really appriciate it.
Depression Help
My friend is autistic and has severe clinical depression unfortuanately just about everything his docs give him has caused really horrible side effects. They’re still working on something safe but in the mean time he’s dealing with some really serious depression. What are some safe natural inexpensive remedies for depression. I’m really worried about him and want to help. If you have any suggestions I’d really appriciate it.
Depression Help
→ 21 CommentsTags: Alternative Medicine
Solution for Depression
December 25th, 2008 · 22 Comments
DattatreyaSivaBaba asked:
Depression is a universal experience, everyone periodically goes thru depression. The truth is no one can escape depression, Depression is an expression of our lack of freedom so what are we going to do when we under go depression. The yogis have a solution for depression.
Depression Info
→ 22 CommentsTags: People
Do Treatments for Depression Work?
December 25th, 2008 · No Comments
Alex Matis asked:
Do treatments for depression work? If you ever suffered from depression as a patient or had to deal with depression as someone close to a patient having this mental illness, you most certainly will have had doubts like this in your mind or will have had arguments about this question. It seems that many depression sufferers, especially if they have been hit by this illness recently, have serious doubts about the effectiveness of the available treatments for depression. In many cases they can recall stories from patients who did not have success in treating depression via any of the treatments for depression they tried. There are two common misconceptions about treatments for depression and modern medicine in general that may lead to such a reaction:
1) If these treatments for depression did not help this patient they cannot help me either!
Not all treatments for depression are for everyone. In fact the more avanced our understanding of human genetics and biomedicine in general and of depression medication in particular gets the more it is obvious that each and every patient is different, though fortunately there are many common traits among large patient cohorts (Over time medical advancements will lead to a more personalized depression medication approach, but we are not quite there yet). Each of the treatments for depression has potential side effects and shows a large range of effectiveness over a given patient population. Both effects are on the one hand dependent on the depression medication dose applied, on the other hand they are a function of the patients’ different biochemical and genetic traits. That some patients experience side effects with depression medication, or do not get healed by particular treatments for depression does not allow the conclusion that the depression medication in question will not work perfectly well for other patients. Even if a patient experiences negative side effects of depression medication or her given treatments for depression do not seem to alleviate her condition even after some time, there is no need to despair. In our day and age the range of treatments for depression available is large and still increasing. The likelihood of getting the depression treatment one needs is very high indeed.
2) OK, I will take my pills for a couple of weeks and then it will be gone forever!
Today we expect that anything, including our mind and body, can be fixed fast. There seems to be just no time to really get to the roots of a problem. Just take a couple of pills, eat better and things will be fine in an instant. If they won’t, it must be because the treatment does not work. Well, treatments for depression do not quite work like that. The fight with depression is a long though often successful one. Depression medication usually takes a couple of weeks before its positive effect kicks in fully - So does the effect of other treatments for depression or depression treatment supports, be it electrotherapy, herbs, or a change in lifestyle. Even worse, at the beginning of depression treatment things may seem to be getting worse before they get better. This is a natural and well-known effect of many treatments for depression that has nonetheless led to many patients quitting treatment feeling that treatments for depression do not help them at all. Patient beware that you will have to wait to see the effects of your depression treatment and should in no case stop taking depression medication or stop pursuing other activities to treat depression because you cannot see a positive short term effect.
The likelihood for treatments of depression on the whole not working in a particular case is very slim indeed. However, for the reasons discussed above, certain treatments for depression may not work yet, not at all or only with many side effects for a given patient. If a patient is in the hands of a good medical professional he can rest assured that the right depression treatment for his particular case will be identified - A treatment for depression that will ease the pain and eventually will allow the depressed patient to gain back his life.
Depression Issues
Do treatments for depression work? If you ever suffered from depression as a patient or had to deal with depression as someone close to a patient having this mental illness, you most certainly will have had doubts like this in your mind or will have had arguments about this question. It seems that many depression sufferers, especially if they have been hit by this illness recently, have serious doubts about the effectiveness of the available treatments for depression. In many cases they can recall stories from patients who did not have success in treating depression via any of the treatments for depression they tried. There are two common misconceptions about treatments for depression and modern medicine in general that may lead to such a reaction:
1) If these treatments for depression did not help this patient they cannot help me either!
Not all treatments for depression are for everyone. In fact the more avanced our understanding of human genetics and biomedicine in general and of depression medication in particular gets the more it is obvious that each and every patient is different, though fortunately there are many common traits among large patient cohorts (Over time medical advancements will lead to a more personalized depression medication approach, but we are not quite there yet). Each of the treatments for depression has potential side effects and shows a large range of effectiveness over a given patient population. Both effects are on the one hand dependent on the depression medication dose applied, on the other hand they are a function of the patients’ different biochemical and genetic traits. That some patients experience side effects with depression medication, or do not get healed by particular treatments for depression does not allow the conclusion that the depression medication in question will not work perfectly well for other patients. Even if a patient experiences negative side effects of depression medication or her given treatments for depression do not seem to alleviate her condition even after some time, there is no need to despair. In our day and age the range of treatments for depression available is large and still increasing. The likelihood of getting the depression treatment one needs is very high indeed.
2) OK, I will take my pills for a couple of weeks and then it will be gone forever!
Today we expect that anything, including our mind and body, can be fixed fast. There seems to be just no time to really get to the roots of a problem. Just take a couple of pills, eat better and things will be fine in an instant. If they won’t, it must be because the treatment does not work. Well, treatments for depression do not quite work like that. The fight with depression is a long though often successful one. Depression medication usually takes a couple of weeks before its positive effect kicks in fully - So does the effect of other treatments for depression or depression treatment supports, be it electrotherapy, herbs, or a change in lifestyle. Even worse, at the beginning of depression treatment things may seem to be getting worse before they get better. This is a natural and well-known effect of many treatments for depression that has nonetheless led to many patients quitting treatment feeling that treatments for depression do not help them at all. Patient beware that you will have to wait to see the effects of your depression treatment and should in no case stop taking depression medication or stop pursuing other activities to treat depression because you cannot see a positive short term effect.
The likelihood for treatments of depression on the whole not working in a particular case is very slim indeed. However, for the reasons discussed above, certain treatments for depression may not work yet, not at all or only with many side effects for a given patient. If a patient is in the hands of a good medical professional he can rest assured that the right depression treatment for his particular case will be identified - A treatment for depression that will ease the pain and eventually will allow the depressed patient to gain back his life.
Depression Issues
→ No CommentsTags: Health
Study Claims Exercise Does Not Decrease Depression
December 21st, 2008 · No Comments
Katie Kelley asked:
For years, psychologists and physicians have developed studies and conducted research on the affects of depression and exercising to increase serotonin levels, which are suggested to produce endorphins and create feelings of happiness. However, a recent study contradicts this practice and claims that when prescribed without medication, exercise does not decrease depression or its side effects.
The study is published in an August 2008 issue of The Archives of General Psychiatry, and found that individuals who exercise may be less likely to be depressed or anxious but likely not because they have been exercising, according to a news report of the study done by The New York Times. The study, conducted by Dutch researchers, followed 5,952 twins, 1,357 additional siblings and their parents, approximately 1,249 of them all found through the Netherlands Twins Registry. The individuals, who ranged in age from 18 to 50 years old, were surveyed about the amount of exercise they did and were required to respond about their feelings of depression and anxiety using a scale method.
The researchers studied both the set of twins and family members in order to better understand and distinguish between genetic and environmental effects. According to the lead author of the study and doctoral student in psychology at VU University Amsterdam, Marleen H.M. de Moor, there was no causal effect for those with depressive symptoms finding relief through exercising. Moor said that while exercise may still be a positive recommendation, it does not reduce anxious or depressive signs.
Depression: What is it?
Depression is considered an illness that occurs within the body. There are five common types of depression, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) including:
* Major depressive disorder, which is also known as major depression, is characterized by a major episode of depression that may continually occur and affects an individual’s ability to sleep, study, eat, find join and work.
* Seasonal affective disorder, (SAD), is often caused by the decrease of natural sunlight, which is often treated with light therapy, medication and psychotherapy.
* Psychotic depression, is when the severity of the depressive illness reaches a point where a form of psychosis becomes apparent in the form of delusions or hallucinations.
* Dysthymic disorder is considerd a long-term (usually two years or more) of less severe symptoms but continually reoccurring.
* Postpartum depression only occurs in women who have recently given birth and is common after only one month from the date of delivery.
Additionally, NIHM descries bipolar disorder that has also been previously described as manic-depressive illness. This condition occurs when an individual has extreme highs and lows within their mood cycle. The illness may cause irrational behavior and is treated with medications and psychotherapy.
Symptoms Of Depression
Symptoms can range depending on the depressive order an individual has been diagnosed, but there are common symptoms, according to the including:
* persistent aches, pains such as headaches, craps or digestive
* issues
* irritability
* persistent sadness or feelings of emptiness
* feeling continually anxious
* restlessness
* fatigue
* decreased energy
* pessimistic attitude
* feelings of hopelessness
* feeling worthless, helpless or guilty
* loss of interest in pleasurable activities including sex
* difficulty concentrating
* inability to make decisions or remember details
* overeating
* loss of appetite
* insomnia or early-morning wakefulness
* excessive sleeping
* thoughts of suicide
* ******* attempts
Treatments for Depression
Individuals affected by depression may find it necessary to seek medical attention requiring therapy or receiving pharmaceutical prescription drugs depending on the severity of their condition.
Commonly, antidepressants are among the medications that are prescribed to individuals suffering from some form of depression. Antidepressants stabilize a range of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine. Additionally, other antidepressants can stabilize the neurotransmitter dopamine.
Also, there is a new class of antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Some of these SSRIs have become commonplace in society and include the following:
* Fluoxetine (Prozac)
* Citalopram (Celexa)
* Sertraline (Zoloft)
There is also a similar medication group known as serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), which include:
* Duloxetine (Cymbalta)
* Venlafaxine (Effexor)
NIMH reports that SSRIs and SNRIs are more popular of the antidepressants because there have been fewer side effects than the older class of antidepressants known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). These often require individuals to adhere to significant food and medicinal restrictions in order to avoid what could be severe interactions when consuming these prescription drugs.
What Causes Depression?
Researchers at NIMH cannot attribute depression to any single cause and have found that it is probably the result of several factors combined such as:
Genetic factors (including hereditary)
* Biochemical factors
* Environmental factors (environment in which an individual is raised
* Psychological issues
While these are common causes, especially when found in combination, there is also another way in which depression can be caused. There have been several medications that have been unrelated to treating depression, but have thus caused it. Chantix (Varencline Tartrate), for example, is a smoking cessation drug that was introduced to the market in May 2006 from Pfizer. The drug had been prescribed to nearly 3 million Americans when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) began receiving reports of depression and suicidal behaviors/tendencies among patients receiving prescriptions of Chantix.
Nearly 37 suicides and more than 400 instances of depression had been reported by November 2007 from patients taking the drug. In early 2008, the company updated prescription information of the drug including the risks of mood and behavioral changes among some Chantix patients. However, if an individual has been adversely affected by these severe Chantix side effects it is important to seek the assistance of an experienced pharmaceutical lawyer who can provide details of a Chantix lawsuit.
Depression Knowledge
For years, psychologists and physicians have developed studies and conducted research on the affects of depression and exercising to increase serotonin levels, which are suggested to produce endorphins and create feelings of happiness. However, a recent study contradicts this practice and claims that when prescribed without medication, exercise does not decrease depression or its side effects.
The study is published in an August 2008 issue of The Archives of General Psychiatry, and found that individuals who exercise may be less likely to be depressed or anxious but likely not because they have been exercising, according to a news report of the study done by The New York Times. The study, conducted by Dutch researchers, followed 5,952 twins, 1,357 additional siblings and their parents, approximately 1,249 of them all found through the Netherlands Twins Registry. The individuals, who ranged in age from 18 to 50 years old, were surveyed about the amount of exercise they did and were required to respond about their feelings of depression and anxiety using a scale method.
The researchers studied both the set of twins and family members in order to better understand and distinguish between genetic and environmental effects. According to the lead author of the study and doctoral student in psychology at VU University Amsterdam, Marleen H.M. de Moor, there was no causal effect for those with depressive symptoms finding relief through exercising. Moor said that while exercise may still be a positive recommendation, it does not reduce anxious or depressive signs.
Depression: What is it?
Depression is considered an illness that occurs within the body. There are five common types of depression, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) including:
* Major depressive disorder, which is also known as major depression, is characterized by a major episode of depression that may continually occur and affects an individual’s ability to sleep, study, eat, find join and work.
* Seasonal affective disorder, (SAD), is often caused by the decrease of natural sunlight, which is often treated with light therapy, medication and psychotherapy.
* Psychotic depression, is when the severity of the depressive illness reaches a point where a form of psychosis becomes apparent in the form of delusions or hallucinations.
* Dysthymic disorder is considerd a long-term (usually two years or more) of less severe symptoms but continually reoccurring.
* Postpartum depression only occurs in women who have recently given birth and is common after only one month from the date of delivery.
Additionally, NIHM descries bipolar disorder that has also been previously described as manic-depressive illness. This condition occurs when an individual has extreme highs and lows within their mood cycle. The illness may cause irrational behavior and is treated with medications and psychotherapy.
Symptoms Of Depression
Symptoms can range depending on the depressive order an individual has been diagnosed, but there are common symptoms, according to the including:
* persistent aches, pains such as headaches, craps or digestive
* issues
* irritability
* persistent sadness or feelings of emptiness
* feeling continually anxious
* restlessness
* fatigue
* decreased energy
* pessimistic attitude
* feelings of hopelessness
* feeling worthless, helpless or guilty
* loss of interest in pleasurable activities including sex
* difficulty concentrating
* inability to make decisions or remember details
* overeating
* loss of appetite
* insomnia or early-morning wakefulness
* excessive sleeping
* thoughts of suicide
* ******* attempts
Treatments for Depression
Individuals affected by depression may find it necessary to seek medical attention requiring therapy or receiving pharmaceutical prescription drugs depending on the severity of their condition.
Commonly, antidepressants are among the medications that are prescribed to individuals suffering from some form of depression. Antidepressants stabilize a range of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine. Additionally, other antidepressants can stabilize the neurotransmitter dopamine.
Also, there is a new class of antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Some of these SSRIs have become commonplace in society and include the following:
* Fluoxetine (Prozac)
* Citalopram (Celexa)
* Sertraline (Zoloft)
There is also a similar medication group known as serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), which include:
* Duloxetine (Cymbalta)
* Venlafaxine (Effexor)
NIMH reports that SSRIs and SNRIs are more popular of the antidepressants because there have been fewer side effects than the older class of antidepressants known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). These often require individuals to adhere to significant food and medicinal restrictions in order to avoid what could be severe interactions when consuming these prescription drugs.
What Causes Depression?
Researchers at NIMH cannot attribute depression to any single cause and have found that it is probably the result of several factors combined such as:
Genetic factors (including hereditary)
* Biochemical factors
* Environmental factors (environment in which an individual is raised
* Psychological issues
While these are common causes, especially when found in combination, there is also another way in which depression can be caused. There have been several medications that have been unrelated to treating depression, but have thus caused it. Chantix (Varencline Tartrate), for example, is a smoking cessation drug that was introduced to the market in May 2006 from Pfizer. The drug had been prescribed to nearly 3 million Americans when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) began receiving reports of depression and suicidal behaviors/tendencies among patients receiving prescriptions of Chantix.
Nearly 37 suicides and more than 400 instances of depression had been reported by November 2007 from patients taking the drug. In early 2008, the company updated prescription information of the drug including the risks of mood and behavioral changes among some Chantix patients. However, if an individual has been adversely affected by these severe Chantix side effects it is important to seek the assistance of an experienced pharmaceutical lawyer who can provide details of a Chantix lawsuit.
Depression Knowledge
→ No CommentsTags: Diseases And Conditions
Manic Depression /Bipolar Disorder
December 17th, 2008 · 25 Comments
rforbes1 asked:
An anthropometric measuring system is used to determine the activity of the posterior pituitary gland.Under activity has been implicated in manic depression. In 1971 I studied body chemistry balancing with a true genius, Melvin Page, D.D.S. His approach is not always that easy to understand
just from reading his books available at www.ifnh.org. I therefore simplified his work in my own books and teach it to patients and healthcare providers from all over the world. I am condensing my lectures in these videos so more people can get an overview of an amazing concept that has far-reaching results.See the article on the Posterior Pituitary Gland at www.pittsburgh-dentist.com.
Depression Web Site
→ 25 CommentsTags: Howto
Herbs for Depression: a Suitable Alternative to Depression Pharmaceuticals?
December 16th, 2008 · No Comments
Alex Matis asked:
Herbs for depression are often seen as a viable alternative to pharmaceutical treatment of depression. However, actual data showing an effectiveness of herbs for depression is rare and thus it is currently hardly possible to make a final verdict on the usefulness of herbal treatment for depression in general. Also, there seems to be only limited interest from western medicine to study the effects of herbs for depression in a clinically relevant setting. So from a patient’s perspective the question remains: What is the evidence that herbal treatment for depression works? By far the best studied herbal treatment for depression is without doubt St. John´s wort.
St. John´s Wort
St. John´s wort (Hypericum Perforatum) is the most well-known and best studied of the herbs for depression in use. It has been known as herbal treatment for depression and cure for other diseases for many centuries. In Europe, where this herbal treatment for depression is commonly prescribed by medical professionals, various clinical studies have demonstrated a positive effect of this best known member of the herbs for depression in use in cases of mild to moderate depression. However, two clinical studies in the US, one of them funded by a pharmaceutical company, have recently indicated that St. John´s wort extracts were no more effective than a placebo in major depression. Further studies with this herbal treatment for depression are currently conducted, but it may take years before a final verdict can be made on St. John´s wort. The exact mode of action of this herbal treatment for depression is not fully understood, although there is some evidence that it acts on serotonin production or -activity. Despite open questions and demonstrated limitations, St. John´s wort currently stands as the only one of the herbs for depression with a clinically demonstrated positive effect at least in mild cases of depression.
Further herbs for depression
Other herbs for depression often mentioned are Siberian Ginseng and Gingko Biloba. Extracts of each of these alleged herbs for depression have been in use for medicinal purposes for many years in certain parts of the world. While some circumstantial evidence exists that seems to show their potential as herbal treatment for depression no clinical studies have been conducted so far that prove or disprove any claims made with regards to their effectiveness as depression treatment. Further herbs for depression are marketed every now and then - all of them lacking any clinical evidence in or against their favour
In addition to the general lack of clinical data available another major problem with all herbs for depression is that the quality of different marketed herbal extracts may vary substantially depending on where they come from and how they were produced. Impurities and wrong preparation may reduce their effectiveness as herbal treatment for depression and may also lead to an increase in side effects. In this context it has to be said that the common misconception that herbs for depression are natural and thus do not have any side effects is outright wrong and the depressive patient should be aware of the potential risks of taking herbs for depression without consulting a medical professional.
Conclusion
Although the use of herbs for depression is widely spread, on the whole there is (maybe with the exception of St. John´s wort) no definitive evidence for the usefulness of herbal treatments for depression. Especially when compared to standard prescription drugs for depression herbs for depression usually cannot prevail as a first choice treatment option. However, when other more established treatments fail, or in particular in the case of St. John´s wort, in cases of mild depression, using herbs for depression may be worth a try. In any case the user should realise the limitations and not underestimate the risks of using herbs for depression.
Depression book
Herbs for depression are often seen as a viable alternative to pharmaceutical treatment of depression. However, actual data showing an effectiveness of herbs for depression is rare and thus it is currently hardly possible to make a final verdict on the usefulness of herbal treatment for depression in general. Also, there seems to be only limited interest from western medicine to study the effects of herbs for depression in a clinically relevant setting. So from a patient’s perspective the question remains: What is the evidence that herbal treatment for depression works? By far the best studied herbal treatment for depression is without doubt St. John´s wort.
St. John´s Wort
St. John´s wort (Hypericum Perforatum) is the most well-known and best studied of the herbs for depression in use. It has been known as herbal treatment for depression and cure for other diseases for many centuries. In Europe, where this herbal treatment for depression is commonly prescribed by medical professionals, various clinical studies have demonstrated a positive effect of this best known member of the herbs for depression in use in cases of mild to moderate depression. However, two clinical studies in the US, one of them funded by a pharmaceutical company, have recently indicated that St. John´s wort extracts were no more effective than a placebo in major depression. Further studies with this herbal treatment for depression are currently conducted, but it may take years before a final verdict can be made on St. John´s wort. The exact mode of action of this herbal treatment for depression is not fully understood, although there is some evidence that it acts on serotonin production or -activity. Despite open questions and demonstrated limitations, St. John´s wort currently stands as the only one of the herbs for depression with a clinically demonstrated positive effect at least in mild cases of depression.
Further herbs for depression
Other herbs for depression often mentioned are Siberian Ginseng and Gingko Biloba. Extracts of each of these alleged herbs for depression have been in use for medicinal purposes for many years in certain parts of the world. While some circumstantial evidence exists that seems to show their potential as herbal treatment for depression no clinical studies have been conducted so far that prove or disprove any claims made with regards to their effectiveness as depression treatment. Further herbs for depression are marketed every now and then - all of them lacking any clinical evidence in or against their favour
In addition to the general lack of clinical data available another major problem with all herbs for depression is that the quality of different marketed herbal extracts may vary substantially depending on where they come from and how they were produced. Impurities and wrong preparation may reduce their effectiveness as herbal treatment for depression and may also lead to an increase in side effects. In this context it has to be said that the common misconception that herbs for depression are natural and thus do not have any side effects is outright wrong and the depressive patient should be aware of the potential risks of taking herbs for depression without consulting a medical professional.
Conclusion
Although the use of herbs for depression is widely spread, on the whole there is (maybe with the exception of St. John´s wort) no definitive evidence for the usefulness of herbal treatments for depression. Especially when compared to standard prescription drugs for depression herbs for depression usually cannot prevail as a first choice treatment option. However, when other more established treatments fail, or in particular in the case of St. John´s wort, in cases of mild depression, using herbs for depression may be worth a try. In any case the user should realise the limitations and not underestimate the risks of using herbs for depression.
Depression book
→ No CommentsTags: Health