Category Archives: Depression

Child Mental Health

September 25, 2009

Depression and mental health problems don’t just affect adults; children and teenagers can develop mental illness too. According to the Office of National Statistics, around one in 10 children in the UK between the ages of 5 and 16 have a recognisable mental health problem and around 4 percent are suffering from anxiety and stress.

It can be difficult to diagnose a mental health problem in a child, partly because they may have difficulty expressing their feelings so cannot tell us what is going on, and partly because the symptoms are often attributed to something else, or the child is just being “difficult”.

One of the main things to look out for in your child is persistent sadness with the absence of any obvious reason. For example, it would be perfectly normal for your child to experience sadness and low moods after a family breakdown or bereavement but if this is severe or persists then it could be an early warning sign that your child is developing a mental health problem such as depression.

Other symptoms and early warning signs of a mental health problem in your child include:

•    Vague aches and pains, particularly headaches or tummy aches for which there is no obvious cause
•    Being unwilling to go to school and/or performing badly in school
•    Losing interest in activities they used to enjoy
•    Having poor self esteem and low confidence
•    Becoming withdrawn and spending a lot of time alone or daydreaming
•    Changes in eating habits and sleeping patterns

It’s also important to note that just because your child displays some or even all of these symptoms it doesn’t necessarily mean they have a mental health problem. Only a qualified professional can diagnose a mental health problem in your child as they can take into consideration the full medical history of the child, current circumstances and evaluate the symptoms and rule out any other possible causes of the symptoms.

What causes mental health problems in children?

No one fully understands what causes mental health problems in general, or why they can occur in children. What is known is that genetics, biology, brain chemistry, environmental factors and life experiences can all play a contributory role.

Treating a child with mental health problems?

Once your child has been diagnosed with a mental health problem by a qualified medical professional, treatment will normally consist of some form of talking therapy perhaps in conjunction with anti-depressants depending on how severe the symptoms are.

You too can make a difference by ensuring that you give your child plenty of opportunity to talk about how they are feeling, even if they find it difficult to put it into words. Encourage your child to exercise and get outside regularly as this can have a positive effect on their mental health.

One of the most important things you can do for your child is to reassure the child that they are valued and cared for and to understand that their suffering is very real. Yes you will need patience and life will be difficult at times but with the right care and support within a loving and caring environment, the majority of children with mental health problems go on to make a full and complete recovery sooner rather than later.

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Treating Post Natal Depression

January 7, 2009

Major episodes of depression following the birth of your child are known as post natal depression or post partum depression. In the initial six months following the delivery, postnatal depression is experienced by approximately 12% to 13% of women. The exact time frame to define the disorder varies from as little as one month to as long as one year after giving birth to your child.

Clarifying Post-Natal Depression

Postnatal depression is not to be confused with “baby blues”, which is commonly experienced by new mothers and is characterized by mood swings and tearfulness. The “baby blues” is a mild condition that is generally gone within the first two weeks following delivery.

Unfortunately, many health care professionals often overlook postpartum depression. However, studies indicate that antidepressants such as nortriptyline, paroxetine, sertraline and venlafaxine can safely be used by mothers who are nursing full term babies. Fluoxetine has been connected to poor feeding, disruptive sleep and irritability in some babies who were exposed to the medication via breast milk. Other reports indicate no adverse effects have been noted. Little is know about how antidepressants affect the brain development of a nursing baby. Several mothers are reluctant to use these medications as long as they are nursing their child.

Promising Research

On the contrary, many studies have indicated that psychotherapeutic intervention to treat the condition is greatly accepted. In a random study, ninety-nine depressed new mothers were divided into groups and some were given interpersonal therapy. The women who received the therapy recovered 30% more effectively than the women who did not receive the same treatment.

Additional research explores using psychotherapy in the new mother’s home. A random trial featuring fifty women who had given birth within the previous three months received counselling. Trained healthcare workers were sent to the homes of the mothers for 30-minute sessions taking place over the course of eight weeks, which led to a full recovery for 69% of the participants. Only 38% of the control group fully recovered from their depression.

Getting Help

Post natal onset of depression is definitely a treatable condition. An array of intervention methods ranging from psychotherapy to antidepressant medications can be helpful for anyone who is suffering from the disorder. New mothers should not stop breastfeeding when starting new medication without the advice of a qualified physician. More studies are being conducted every day is an effort to find new approaches to treatment for this serious disorder, including preventative and follow-up treatment.

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Have I Got Depression?

January 7, 2009

Have you been feeling kind of down and out-of-sorts lately? You have more than likely asked yourself this question, “Have I got depression?”.

It does not matter if you do not fit the textbook description for depression. If you are feeling sad enough that it has become somewhat of a concern, consult your doctor or a trusted psychologist to determine what has got you feeling blue.

Some of the signs to look for if you think you may be suffering from some type of depression are:

* Getting a full night of sleep only to wake up still feeling tired
* Disruptive sleep, which may or may not include disturbing dreams
* Waking up early and not being able to fall back asleep
* Not enjoying things that once brought you great pleasure
* Not being able to concentrate throughout the day
* Experiencing excessive energy or anxiety
* Easily upset
* Short tempered or irritable

Not everyone suffering from depression will exhibit all of these symptoms, while others may have symptoms that are different all together. However, if you are truly depressed, one or more of these signs are familiar to you.

Although depression is classified as a mental disorder, is can also have several physical symptoms as well. The emotional effects of depression may actually result in physical effects. Knowing this is vital to understanding your depression and any symptoms you may be experiencing.

When you are depressed, at least some of the following will be familiar to you:

* Feelings of misery and sadness
* Feelings of exhaustion and fatigue
* The smallest tasks seem impossible
* The need for isolation or the fear of loneliness
* Feelings of failure and guilt
* Suicidal thoughts
* Loss of hope
* Lack of confidence
* Physical pains with no detectable physical cause

Due to the broad scope of these symptoms, many people can become confused about exactly what depression is and what ailments and conditions are related to the disorder. It is difficult to find an explanation that covers all of the symptoms of depression, both physical and mental.

If you think you may be suffering from depression, talk with a medical professional who will paint a clearer picture for you of the disease. After visiting your doctor, you should have a better understanding of the affects that depression has on how you think, how you are affected biologically and how depression affects you physically. You doctor should be able to enlighten you on what the cause of your depression might be as well.

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What to Expect at the Depression Clinic

January 7, 2009

Now that you have decided to get help for your depression, you are probably wondering what you should expect on your visit to the clinic.

Deciding to seek help in recovering from your depression is one of the most important decisions you will ever make in your life. The medication and counselling that you are going to receive could quite possibly change your life. The clinic can give you hope is cases where you thought all hope is lost.

Preparing For The Initial Visit

Depression clinics are often part of the local hospital in your area. At your initial appointment, you will experience what is known as the intake evaluation. This is a series of tests relating to depression. The counsellor will decide which course of treatment is best, which in most cases consists of sessions of talk therapy and antidepressant medication. More than likely, you will not participate in any kind of group therapy immediately, which may be an option as your recovery progresses.

When you go to the your appointment, be sure to bring with you a list of all of the medications that you are currently taking. If you have insurance, remember to also bring with you your insurance card. If you do not have insurance, you may be referred to a free or low-income clinic. If this is the case, do not let this situation upset you, you can still get the help you require at a free clinic.

No matter what type of depression clinic you go to for treatment, remember it is highly important to remain truthful about your condition, lifestyle and medical history at all times. Dishonesty can lead to misdiagnosis, which can be very dangerous. Tell the counsellor your feelings exactly. Definitely inform the counsellor if you have experienced any thoughts about taking your own life.

Working Towards Results

There are several different kinds of depression. Do not get discouraged if you cannot immediately pinpoint the cause of your depression. In some cases, depression may not even be the direct result of a particular situation. A trained counsellor will be able to answer your questions. Proper treatment for depression can identify any underlying conditions that may be present and bring them to the surface where they can be diagnosed and treated.

It is a good idea to keep a daily journal of your feelings and emotions and take it with you to each of your appointments. Also, make a note of any questions or concerns that come to mind in between appointments and take it with you as well. Your first visit is to determine the best course of action. The initial information that you provide will enable your counsellor to quickly find the solution that is right for you.

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Questions About Depression: Is Depression Genetic?

January 7, 2009

In order to get effective treatment for your depression, you must identify and understand all of the possible causes for depression. One major idea to consider is whether depression is a genetic disorder. Genes determine a lot about a person, such as hair colour, eye colour and height, but can they also influence which medical conditions you will be most susceptible to throughout your life.

Is Depression Genetic?

When researching the genetic link to depression, experts often ask the following questions:

* What depression lifestyle factors are influenced by genetics?
* If depression is genetic, can it be prevented?
* If other family members suffer from depression, to what extent is risk increased?

Recent studies indicate that there is in fact some link between genetics and depression. If an identical twin is depressed, the chances of their twin sibling also becoming depressed are increased by 50% or higher. When the twins are fraternal, the likelihood drops to 20%, but is still considerable. Even among adopted siblings, research shows that depression is still common in children whose biological family suffers from some form of depression.

Some research into the condition of depression attempts to locate specific genes that can cause depression and the associated symptoms. Many studies have identified certain genes that could be related to depression, but these results are inconclusive as well as inconsistent. It does, however, appear that some genes lead to depression in some family units, but not in others.

It seems unlikely that one gene causes depression directly, but instead that a group of genes working together to predispose the illness. One of the genes that have been put in isolation is named 5-HTT. This gene is responsible for aiding in the regulation of the neurotransmitter, serotonin.

The 5-HTT gene comes in both a long and short form. An individual could inherit two of the short form, two of the long form, or one of each. The short form is less effective in serotonin regulation. Studies indicate that an adult who has the short form of the gene is more likely to exhibit signs of depression when faced with traumatic or intensely stressful events compared to an adult who has the long form of the gene.

However, just because an individual inherits a gene that will increase their susceptibility to falling to depression, does not guarantee that that individual will actually develop the disorder. Depression genetics indicate that a person who carries the gene and is exposed to a life changing or traumatic situation may be predisposed to depression. It is important to arrange your lifestyle in a way that gives you the freedom to effectively handle stress, whether you are inflicted with depression or not.

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Biological Depression

January 7, 2009

It would be quite a difficult task to find anyone who has managed to go his or her entire life without ever facing any form depression. It is only human nature. It is a way of dealing with difficult or emotionally trying times.

No two kinds of depression are alike. The biggest difference in identifying depression is whether the condition is biological or reactive. If you have a family history of depression, have been depressed for an extended period of time or if depression severely hampers your functionality, you could be suffering from biological depression.

Individuals who suffer from depression that is categorized as biological are not depressed emotionally, at least not as much as they are biochemically and physically depressed. They generally respond well to medication and therapy and go on to live full, healthy lives. Many who recover even spend time helping others learn how to cope with their own depression.

In its biological form depression is different from reactive depression. Reactive depression is a temporary response to some kind of emotionally painful or stressful event in your life. For instance, if you lose a loved one, lose your job, are diagnosed with a severe health condition or are let down in a relationship, you will naturally feel depressed.

This response is both a normal and healthy way of dealing with emotional pain and taking the time to grieve. Talking with trusted friends or joining a support group is a good point to begin a journey toward recovery. If you allow yourself to experience your grief and receive the support you require, you can recover from reactive depression in no time at all.

All types of depression are serious and pose a potential danger to both the sufferer and those around them. If you are experiencing one or more symptoms of biologic depression, it is important to consult with a medical professional as soon as possible. Your condition may be helped with the right medication and talk therapy.

Do not put off getting help. The sooner you take care of yourself, the sooner you will be free of this disease and on your way to a healthy, happy future. Talk to friends whom you trust. Get involved in your community or local church. Join a support group. Whatever you decide to do, be sure that you do not isolate yourself; t is important to surround yourself with other people who care for you and bring joy to your life.

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Let’s Sit Down & Talk Depression

January 7, 2009

Talking plays a major role in recovering from depression. When feeling blue, talking with someone they trust can help someone with depression pull out of that horrible rut. If you are the trusted friend or relative of someone who suffers from depression, you know that sometimes it is hard to know what to say.

Talking It Out

If someone you love suffers with depression, there is a good chance that you often find yourself struggling to find the right words to say to him or her.  Especially, if you have not had to deal with depression yourself, this can prove to be an extremely difficult task; but you will be doing that person a great service if you learn how to help them talk depression out.

Talking to someone with depression is quite similar to walking through a minefield, except instead of watching your step; you have to watch your tongue. It is important to avoid any topics of conversation that will trigger feelings of shame, embarrassment, guilt, fear or rejection, which are extremely sensitive emotions during a depressive episode.

When a person is depressed, there is an invisible wall between them and the rest of the world combined with a strong feeling of negativity. It is important that you stay focused and do not let yourself become discouraged. Remember not to take it personally when your loved one is withdrawn or hostile.

Best Efforts

You do not have to know exactly what someone is going through to be helpful. As a matter of fact, if you try to hard to sound as if you do understand exactly what they are going through, you risk giving off a vibe of insincerity and making things worse. It is best to simply admit that you do not know what they are feeling and ask them to tell you about it. Not only will you have a new insight into depression, but you will also be helping to make the depressed person fell better as well.

Since people suffering from depression seem to have trouble with the ability to articulate their emotions effectively, remember not to get too discouraged if conversations that the two of you have are a little one-sided. Also, remember that you do not always have to fill the silence. Sometime it is enough to be there just in case they do feel the need to talk to you.

It is important to acknowledge your loved one’s condition without trivializing it. Let them know that you realize that they are not just being lazy or wallowing in self-pity. Let them know that it is okay to be depressed. If you exhibit sincerity in your wish to help your loved one cope with their disease, you will provide the support they require to come through victorious. Remember to be supportive and never judgmental. Simply providing them with a shoulder to cry on will aid their recovery in a tremendous way.

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Treatment for Resistant Depression

January 6, 2009

Depression is an extremely serious metal condition. Individuals of all ages can become affected by depression, women more so than others. The distinct cause for this condition is not completely understood at this time. Depression must be treated at the opportune time to ensure that is the ideal result is achieved. The majority of individuals who are afflicted with depression generally recover fully and go on to lead normal, happy lives. However, in some cases a patient may not respond to two or more methods of treatment such as psychotherapy, medication, electroconvulsive therapy, etc. These patients are suffering from resistant depression.

Causes

When depression is resistant it may be the result of drug or alcohol abuse, personal relationships with your spouse or other members of your family, chronic pain or an underlying disorder. Any of these factors can hinder the effectiveness of medication and other methods of treatment.

Research And Treatment

For patients who are resistant to methods of treatment such as electroconvulsive therapy, psychotherapy and medication, there are other forms of treatment that may help with your condition.

A research team at Emory University developed deep brain stimulation, or DBS. Many believe that during the DBS method, the region of the brain known as “Brodemann area 25″ is overactive, metabolically speaking. Experts conducted studies to find out if there is some way to chronically stimulate the area deep in the brain and modulate brain activity to help those that suffer from resistant forms of depression. They found out that the deep brain stimulation was connected to striking and remission was sustained in many sufferers. The study was conducted with participants who had suffered from the resistant disorder for a year and a half to ten years. After the participants received treatment regularly for two months, 83% reported noticing a decrease in their depression symptoms by as much as 50%. Therefore, DBS was proved effective.

Some patients find certain drug combinations to be helpful. According to an array of experiments, a combination of tricyclic antidepressants and serotonin reuptake inhibitors have proven to result successful in reducing depression by as much as half.

Some studies have shown lithium augmentation to be effective in treating treatment-resistant cases of depression, reducing symptoms by as much as 50%. Another form or treatment is vagus nerve stimulation, or VNS. VNS is FDA approved and proven to be effective in treating patients who suffer from resistant depression. However, VNS is still less common than electroconvulsive therapy.

All forms of depression are dangerous and should be treated under the supervision of a qualified medical professional.

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Serious Depression May Affect Heart Health

January 6, 2009

A study conducted in Sweden several years ago reported that women and men who have been hospitalized for treatment of serious depression are 150% more likely to suffer from coronary heart disease than someone who has not been diagnosed with the condition. Individuals who are treated in the hospital for depression before the age of 50 are at an even greater risk of developing heart complications.

As people become older, the risk of heart disease decreases and patients who range in age from seventy to eighty-years-old who become depressed show no evidence of risk for heart-related illness. On the other hand, individuals who were treated in the hospital for depression between the ages of twenty-five to fifty-years-old have a nearly 300% greater chance of suffering a heart attack.

The findings of an association between heart illness and serious clinical depression held true even after geography and socioeconomic status were taken into account. This strong association between the two could indicate that depression treatment could be a deterrent.

Researchers agree that more tests and several different kinds of studies need to be conducted in order to successfully treat a patient whose depression is serious without increasing the chances for that patient to develop a potentially serious heart illness.

The data that indicates a link between heart illness and serious forms of depression is shocking. Here are some of the key points that researchers discovered during their studies:

* At least 20% of individuals who are diagnosed as having had a heart attack show evidence of depression and have a lower chance of survival.
* Serious clinical depression increases blood clots, restricting oxygen and may lead to a heart attack.
* Depression may also lead to a stroke.
* Anyone who has a family member who has a history of heart disease is encouraged to submit to screening for depression on a regular basis to monitor heart health.

The physical symptoms of serious depression like loss of appetite and fatigue may be an early indication of cardiovascular illness. Experts discovered that depression plays a role in the thickening of the arteries and can lead to serious heart illness. Studies found that patients who exhibited mild to moderate symptoms of depression experienced increased progression of hardening of their arteries.

Identifying the cause of any mental or physical condition is the first step to prevention. If you or anyone in your family has a history of depression, you may want to engage in regular testing to ensure heart health.

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Manic Depression Symptoms in Children

January 6, 2009

Until recent years, manic depression, a very serious yet treatable condition, was very rarely ever correctly diagnosed in children. Symptoms of manic depression are mood swings, erratic thinking and behaviour, and spells of increased energy or the lack there of.  Now days, medical professionals are able to recognize manic depression symptoms and treat them effectively in children.

Detection and Diagnosis

Symptoms of manic depression can become evident in a child’s life as early as infancy. The early symptoms include erratic sleeping patterns or difficulty settling down. During the toddler stage in a child’s life, symptoms are expressed through extreme temper tantrums, rages and severe separation anxiety.

Symptoms in children may not present themselves the same as in adults. Children who suffer from manic depression do display traits such as mood swings and erratic behaviour, however in children, these symptoms come in episodes. Episodes of elevated agitation or excitement and high energy are known as mania; episodes of extreme irritability or sadness followed by lethargy is the depression aspect of the disorder.

Different from adults, children tend to suffer from ongoing mood disturbances that are a combination of depression and mania. The severe and rapid cycle of moods creates a chronic sense of irritability and fewer episodes of excessive happiness and excitement. Rapidly cycling through moods is quite common among manic-depressive children, who may experience different episodes bouncing between depression and mania several times throughout a single day. These symptoms of depression and mania may even at times occur at the same time.

Associated Illnesses

In addition, in many cases, other mental disorders are found in children who suffer from manic depression. Some mental disorders commonly found alongside of or misdiagnosed as manic depression in children are Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD), Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), Tourette syndrome and schizophrenia.

In is currently suspected that many children who are diagnosed with ADHD may actually be suffering from manic depression instead. Misdiagnosis can be dangerous, leading to the wrong medication, which can trigger extreme mania or thoughts of suicide in these children.

For many in their teenage years, it is found that a great loss or traumatic event can result in triggering the first manic or depressive episode. Later, these episodes can occur without obvious reason and may even worsen if stress is introduced into the child’s life.

Many children find puberty to be a time of risk for manic or depressive episodes. For girls, the disorder may be triggered by the onset of her first menstrual cycle and continue to experience symptoms with increased severity during her regular cycle each month.

Early diagnosis and treatment is the first step toward recovery from childhood manic depression. Early detection will give these children a better sense of stability in their lives so they can grow into happy, healthy adults.

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