Thursday, November 30, 2006

Natural Depression Treatments

Michael Russell has written Natural Depression Treatments and writes "If you have suffered from depression, then you know how difficult it can be to find a good, non-addictive treatment for the symptoms of depression. Many prescription medications can be addictive. There are also many products that claim to be natural treatments for depression. How can you evaluate these products to find the correct one? How can you weed through all of the hype to find the great products?

First, look at the ingredients in the product. Are the ingredients backed by solid clinical research as depression treatments? Use the internet to do some research. If you cannot find solid research to pack up the ingredients in the medication, then perhaps it is hyped. Also, if the ingredients are backed by research, make sure they are available in the correct dosages. The potency of different herbal extracts can vary quite a bit. Make sure the supplement you are looking at has the active ingredients in sufficient amounts. Finally, check the quality of the product. Does it have premium-quality ingredients? Can you tell that it was created in a quality-controlled environment? These considerations will help you to purchase the best natural depression herbal supplements..

There are actually only a handful of herbs that have scientific research to back their effectiveness as depression treatments. This can be frustrating for those who need help, because there are dozens of supplements that claim to be a depression treatment. The strongest evidence points to St. John's Wort extract as a natural depression medication. There have been over twenty clinical studies to prove the effectiveness of St. John's Wort to treat depression. It seems to work just as well as prescription medications, such as Prozac. The great benefit of St. John's Wort over prescription medications is that it has significantly fewer side effects. This makes St. John's Wort perhaps the first place those suffering from depression should turn when seeking treatment options. The best dosage to start with is 600-900 mg a day. This can be increased if needed. Make sure the supplement you choose contains 3-5% hyperforin, as this is the type that was tested to treat depression.

There is another natural treatment option for those suffering from depression and that is SAM-e. This promising treatment works more quickly than St. John's Wort in relieving the symptoms of depression. The downside to SAM-e is that it is expensive. It can cost over $100 per month. This puts it out of the price range for many patients.

5-HTP is another option for those seeking natural treatments for depression. This is an amino acid that causes the body to produce more serotonin, which can lift the depression state. 5-HTP works extremely well when combined with St. John's Wort as a treatment regimen. Also, increasing the intake of B vitamins helps relieve depression.

There are several options out there for those who suffer from depression and want to avoid addictive prescription drugs. Before heading to the doctor for your next prescription for Zoloft, consider trying some of these natural options. Women suffering from postpartum depression who are nursing a baby should use extreme caution before taking any natural supplements.

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Depression

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Wednesday, November 29, 2006

Get Rid Of Depression Once And For All

Get Rid Of Depression Once And For All was written by depression-treatment-101.com and they writes "Depression is something that will occur in many people's lives, for various reasons. But the "normal" occurrence of a plunge in mood due to stressful events in your life, usually doesn't last very long, before a person's natural resilience responds to the environment of friends and family.

Treatment for depression and anxiety may be needed if you experience persistent, multiple symptoms for more than two weeks. These may include a combination of half or more of the following:

* Sleeplessness, insomnia

* Ongoing negative moods for no reason

* Lack of energy or ambition

* Feeling helpless or worthless

* Believing nobody cares

* Hyper states like edginess or nervousness

* Inability to make decisions or concentrate on things

* Physical aches and pains that don't go away

* Suicidal thoughts

Depending on the condition of a depressed person, they may require admission to a depression treatment center, where they can be monitored while receiving psychological counseling and medication therapy.

Depression is an emotional disorder, and nothing to be ashamed of. But often, people who are depressed are suffering from negative thoughts about themselves, and the illness can feed on that.

If you recognize five or more of the above symptoms in someone you love, talk to them about how they feel. If they won't talk to you, go to their family, friends, or even their doctor.

Treatment may be as simple as counseling and medication that can be undertaken while in their own environment, or the doctor may recommend a short stay in a depression treatment facility to get them back on an even keel.

The medications available have redefined the treatment for depression and anxiety, giving patients a break from the emotional state that is weighing them down, while they receive therapy to resolve the issues that caused their illness.

Find out what causes depression and how to deal with it. Sign up for free blog and get daily updated articles and news about depression treatment. Click http://www.depression-treatment-101.com/

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Tuesday, November 28, 2006

Depression Treatments And Symptoms Of Anxiety Depression

Jammy Hokins has written Depression Treatments And Symptoms Of Anxiety Depression and writes "More than 17 million American people are affected by anxiety depression symptoms, so that the specialists have been calling this illness as psychiatric flu.

When the young people are concerned, the psychiatric factors are the ones that influence the anxiety depression symptoms. People have to be thought by the specialist how to deal with the stress factors and also they need to know how to improve their own capacity of handling these stressing factors. Almost the majority of the anxiety depression symptoms are very respondent to different treatments, especially to medication. As a modality of reducing stress, anyone can cut some hours from the work schedule program and a refusal of some social obligations. As for the more improved stress confrontation capacity, the patient is supposed to do a lot of relaxing exercises, more adequate sleeping hours and a healthy diet.

Finding an effective antidepressant drug is not an easy task, as every individual has one particular set of characteristics and therefore it is not possible a priori to establish which antidepressant will be that effective one. Beyond to depression medication, other treatments like psychotherapy, integrated therapy and depression medication, electro convulsion therapy and the therapy with light are today available. Each one of these approaches has detailed prescription lists. As an example, the depression medication treatment and that psychotherapy one have a rate success from 60 to 80%. This integrated modality has one of its particular indications in the advanced shapes of depression. Some patients show the persistence of residual symptoms between an episode and the other and in the shapes in which depression medication or psychotherapy alone is not effective.

There is a large number of anti depression drugs that can help remedy the harmful effects of the depressive symptoms but some of them have more side effects than others and this is the reason why they get dangerous. Considering from the price point of view, there are cheaper and more expensive anti depression drugs that can be used for treating this disease, but they may have severe side effects, such as: wither mouth, urine abstain, sedation and a lot of sexual problems. Talking about sexual mal functions, some drugs, which were recently discovered, characterize an important development regarding the sexual abnormality. Each medication used for treating the disease in question has a skimpy different profile of side effects, so it may be possible for one to try several solution treatments in order for the doctor to discover the most appropriate one.

Jammy Hokins writes for http://www.anxietyremedies.info where you can find out more about cheap hotels and other topics.

About the Author
Jammy Hokins writes for http://www.anxietyremedies.info where you can find out more about cheap hotels and other topics.

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Monday, November 27, 2006

Finding the Right Depression Treatment

Barry McDonald has written Finding the Right Depression Treatment and writes "Depression or prolonged sadness is actually quite common in the United States, around 9.5 percent of the American population actually suffers from this illness, however, not all of them get to be treated, thus, depression and its ill-effects continue to be a burden to some individuals.

This illness may seem quite simple to treat but in reality, it takes more than a little cheering up to actually cure depression. Constant visits to a cognitive behavior therapist is a must as well as taking all the prescribed medicines that the doctor will ask the patient to take – none of these exactly come cheap, but the amount of suffering that a person is going through because of depression is enough reason already for others to start taking notice and face depression head on through the various depression treatments that are available today..

Depression oftentimes can easily get in the way of an individual’s daily activities and his or hers’ normal functions, one’s zest for life can quickly and easily dissipate due to depression. And in place of an individual’s sunny disposition is more or less a person who hates his or herself, having no self-confidence, trying to isolate one’s self from the world and basically just not caring about living any more. More so, a person suffering from depression isn’t the only one who’s going to suffer from this destructive illness, his or her loved ones are sure to follow suit. By seeing the individual grow through such rough patches, basically not caring about anything or anyone anymore, it’s highly likely that not only will depression one’s relationship with one’s self but with his or her loved ones too. But this shouldn’t really pose as such a problem since people who suffer from depression are actually lucky that there are all sorts of depression treatments that can be used to aid an individual through the course of having a sound mental health.

Depression treatment actually starts with the patient openly acknowledging his or her illness, by just being honest with one’s self, it’ll be a lot easier not only for the doctor but for the patient most of all, to actually cure depression and find an appropriate depression treatment for him or her.

From various medications (like Zoloft antidepressant depression treatment) to all sorts of psychotherapies promising to be the best depression treatment. The patient, as well as his or her family are sure to get the best, positive results from these depression treatments.

Psychotherapy, a popular type of depression treatment actually includes short-term therapy sessions, usually from ten to twenty weeks promising to actually be able to make positive results for the depression patient. This type of depression treatment actually helps the individual by slowly making them to actually open up about their feelings, the root of their problems, more so, the root of their depression. Healthy verbal exchanges between the cognitive behavior therapist and the depression patient is great depression treatment that’ll positively affect the depression patient by helping him or her discuss and talk about whatever they’ve been keeping inside.

Various medications that are available for depression treatment are actually great for helping the depression patient to regulate his or her mood swings, to actually help him or her sleep better and as well as be more pleasant towards others.

Feel Happier, Get Back Your Passion for Life and Boost Your Energy Levels 100% by Conquering Stress, Depression and Anxiety in Only 90 Days - Many Clients Report Noticeable Results in Just SEVEN DAYS...Visit http://www.scienceofbreath.be/depressionhelp.html for details.

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Sunday, November 26, 2006

Depression Treatment

Robert Kokoska has written Depression Treatment and writes "Depression can be a very serious illness, which threatens the lives of millions of people around the world. There is more to conventional understanding of depression; depression is not just feeling in the dumps, rather it is a disease condition, affecting thousands of people at least once in their life time. Depression affects twice as many women than men and sometimes with very serious repercussions. Though depression is a serious illness, it can easily be cured by a qualified medical professional. If you feel that you are experiencing frequent bouts of depression, you are advised to contact any of the nearest medical centers to have depression treatment.

Depression treatment can help you in many ways: the most important benefit of depression treatment is its ability to reduce the intensity of pain and suffering. However, you may need to seek qualified treatment as early as possible to get the full benefit of depression treatment. Previous successful results have shown that people who are undergoing acute bouts of depression are cured permanently with sustained treatment. Most of the people who are treated for depression usually feel better within weeks after depression treatment. However, it is also advisable to continue depression treatment till the patient is completely cured..

There are several depression treatments available for patients like:

1. Antidepressant medicine and drugs

2. Psychotherapy and counseling

3. A combination of drugs and counseling

Some people who have a low intensity of depression may get cured just by prescription drugs, while more serious cases of depression need a sustained depression treatment regimen consisting of drugs and psychotherapy. Chronic depression may lead the patient to think about committing suicide or death. If you have these negative thoughts, inform someone you trust immediately. Request them to assist you find medical help instantly. These thoughts usually go away once the depression is treated completely.

Depression treatment method is best chosen after mutual consultation with your doctor. You must preferably compare all those positive advantages with every adverse effect of treatment. Depression must be treated immediately, as in absence of treatment, a major outbreak can last 6 to 12 months. In between these months, many people feel better or face no real symptoms at all. Treatment can prevent recurrences of depression and untreated depression may lead second or even third episodes of depression within one or two years.

Depression treatment by drugs and medicines is one of the most preferred methods and many people start feeling good effects of medicine during the first few weeks itself. Consistent ingestion of drugs for about 6 months will result in a remarkable improvement in the health of the affected patient. You may need to consult your physician every fortnight; this is just to let them know your mind and health. During further treatment, you will also visit your doctor every alternate month. If you have any serious side effects, inform your physician immediately and seek more inputs on the prescription.

Are you sick and tired of feeling depressed?

Elevate your mood and self-esteem naturally with MindSoothe Depression Capsules

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Friday, November 24, 2006

Anxiety and Depression Treatment - 5 Tips for Beating Depression

Emily Clark has written Anxiety and Depression Treatment - 5 Tips for Beating Depression and writes "Everyone has days when they are down, worn out and just not feeling all that happy.

That's OK, you need to have days like this, otherwise how would you know when you are happy. You need to have something to contrast your happiness with. What is black without white?

Even though you know that sadness is a part of life, let's try to make it a small part of life.

With that said, Here are a few tips to help you feel better when you are feeling down in the dumps. They are easy to do, easy to practice every day and they work!

1. Stand up straight, sit up straight. When your body is in alignment your energy can flow and when your energy is flowing freely, you can flow..

2. Smile! Yes, just smile. Easy to do and effective.

3. Repeat positive affirmations. Things like "I feel good", "Positive energy flows through my body", "I see the good in all".

4. Listen to some music that you like. It doesn't have to be anything specific, just something you enjoy. Certain types of music work better than others, but experiment and see what works for you. Studies have shown that Classical music and new age music work best.

5. Take some time out for yourself, relax and read a book, do something for yourself.

6. Meditate. Meditation is an excellent habit to develop. It will serve you in all that you do. If you are one who has a hard time sitting still, then try some special meditation CDs that coax your brain into the meditative state. Just search for "Meditation music" on Google or Yahoo and explore.

Our outside work is simply a reflection of our inside world. Remember there is no reality just your perception of it. Use this truth to your advantage. Whenever you are sad, realize that it is all in your mind and you do have the power to change your perception.

These tips will lift you up when you are down, but don't just use them when you are sad. Try and practice them everyday, make them a habit. You will be surprised at how these simple exercises will keep the rainy days away.

On a final note, if you are in a deep depression that you can't seem to shake, please go see a doctor. This is your life and don't take any chances. For free information and more details on the causes of depression, please visit the authors web site.

The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to medically diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Consult a health care practitioner before beginning any health care program.

Emily Clark is editor at Lifestyle Health News and Medical Health News) where you can find the most up-to-date advice and information on the causes of depression and many medical, health and lifestyle topics.

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Thursday, November 23, 2006

Natural Treatment for Depression - Is There An Alternative?

Depression-treatment-101 has written Natural Treatment for Depression - Is There An Alternative? and writes "Many people who are suffering from mild to moderate depression, are choosing to either forego drugs entirely, or to supplement the minimum dosage their doctor will prescribe, with natural treatment for depression.

This can include a number of lifestyle alterations, and even herbal treatment for depression. The choices are entirely up to the patient, who as always, should consult with their physician before undertaking any regimen on their own.

One of the first things that Naturopaths will look at for a client suffering from depression, is dietary deficiencies. They may ask you to have blood tests that will measure levels of such things as the B complex vitamins in your system. These have been identified as some of the vitamins that figure largely in natural treatment for depression..

Of course, a balanced, healthy diet is of prime importance. Next, comes vitamin supplements, with an emphasis on those your body is lacking.

Add to those things, a good exercise program consisting of at least three "aerobic", or concentrated sessions of exercise a week. This can not only reduce stress, but burn off the adrenalin that comes with anxiety. Exercise produces natural endorphins as well.

With your doctor's approval, you can also try some of the herbal treatments for depression, but only if they are aware of what you are taking, in order to check for contraindications against any other medications you might be on.

St. John's Wort is the herb cited most frequently for treatment of depression, but the amount to be taken can vary greatly between patients, from as little as 300mg daily to as much as 2700mg. This is where consultation with your doctor and a Naturopath can help.

Some studies have also show that Gingko Bilboa is beneficial, as are herbs specific to treatment of "female problems", such as PMS, menopause, and post natal depression.

If natural treatment for depression is the path you want to follow, get the very best advice you can, and get yourself back on the road to good mental health.

Find out what causes depression and how to deal with it. Sign up for free blog and get daily updated articles and news about depression treatment. Click http://www.depression-treatment-101.com/

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Wednesday, November 22, 2006

Depression Treatment: Depression Would Be Second Largest Illness by 2010!

weightloss-health has written Depression Treatment: Depression Would Be Second Largest Illness by 2010! and write "World Health Organisation states one out of four worldwide suffer from various forms of mental, behavioral, and neurological disorders. Are you one of them?

It has also been estimated that depression would be the second largest illness by 2010 keeping in mind its pace by which it is affecting people world over. Here is some statistics for you: Experts in the field of mental health claim that more than half a billion people worldwide suffer from psychiatric disorders, which include abuse owing to drugs and alcohol, epilepsy, dementia, schizophrenia and stress related disorders. To break up, we have around 400 million people suffering from anxiety disorders, 340 million from mood disorders, 250 million cases of personality disorders, 100 million cases of alcohol dependence and 45 million cases of schizophrenia. Rest, calculation is left for you.

The definition of health as been stated by World Health Organisation includes physical, social, emotional and logical well being. Out of these four parameters, three are related to mental health. So, now you know how important is mental health for you and we tend to ignore it the most..

Most of us believe, especially who are suffering from mental illness, that Depression and other mental disorders are not curable. Again the specialists, doctors and psychiatric in this field totally feel the opposite. Not just its their profession but it has been proved too. With proper aid, guidance and medicines treatment of mental health is very much possible.

Depression is basically psychological disorder involving your body, mood, feelings, and even thoughts. Depression causes the change in the way you think, feel about yourself or about other things, behavior, and your well-being. Depression, if left as it is, can last for months or even years.

Know the symptoms and treatment of depression at
http://www.weightloss-health.com/symptoms_depression.htm.

About the Author
Jasdeep: for http://www.weightloss-health.com your complete and most comprehensive family guide on Health.

Learn more on Depression Treatment and MEdication at Depression Treatment, Medication and Help

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Monday, November 20, 2006

How You Can Learn To Treat Depression

depression-treatment-101 has written How You Can Learn To Treat Depression and they write "When a person undertakes a course of therapy through their doctor, and there is no improvement, they may be suffering from a treatment resistant depression.

This is difficult, and takes time to diagnose, since by its nature, depression is not an illness that can be cured with a ten-day course of drugs, like an infection.

Depending on the physician's assessment, a patient may start out on a mild tricyclic drug, which can be replaced with something that has better results for more involved cases. They may also recommend concurrent counseling with a psychologist or psychiatrist, to work on the underlying issues that have caused the illness..

Some conditions, like post partum depression, and bi-polar disorders are chemically related, and even multiple changes of medication may not do enough to break through the cycle of dark moods and thoughts. In that event, the next recommendation may be for a stay in a treatment facility for depression.

Treatment resistant depression can be better addressed in an environment where a patient is closely monitored for both behavioral and mood changes, and possibly for blood tests to assess the therapeutic level of a drug in their system.

The secure surroundings of a treatment facility for depression, are often reassuring to patients who are highly strung, nervous and anxious. With counseling, and other therapies, people suffering from post partum depression or other depressive disorders, have a chance to get back on an even keel, so that they can actively participate in their own recovery.

While there is such a thing as treatment resistant depression, there are also answers to that resistance, and consultation with your doctor, will help you find them.

Find out what causes depression and how to deal with it. Sign up for free blog and get daily updated articles and news about depression treatment. Click http://www.depression-treatment-101.com/

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Sunday, November 19, 2006

FDA Deems Vagus Nerve Therapy Approvable as a Treatment for Depression

VagusNerveStimulator has written FDA Deems Vagus Nerve Therapy Approvable as a Treatment for Depression and they write "On February 3, 2005 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) notified the manufacturer of the vagus nerve stimulator (Cyberonics, Inc.) that it had deemed its VNS Therapy System approvable as a long-term adjunctive treatment for patients over the age of 18 with chronic or recurrent treatment-resistant depression in a major depressive episode that has not responded to at least four adequate antidepressant treatments. In the approvable letter received today by Cyberonics, FDA indicated that final approval was conditional on final labeling, final protocols for a post-approval dosing optimization study and patient registry.

This is an extraordinary announcement and major step for the four million Americans suffering from chronic or treatment-resistant depression towards providing an FDA-approved, informatively labeled, long-term treatment option specifically for their lifelong and life-threatening illness.

The FDA is reviewing the final labeling, which includes the Physician's and Patient's Manuals, and expects to complete that review in a timely manner. When all of the FDA's conditions have been satisfied, the Company plans a formal launch in conjunction with the American Psychiatric Association Annual Meeting in May..

You need to be your own best advocate and educate yourself about how this remarkable FDA approved therapy can change your life. Learn more at www.VagusNerveStimulator.com

The author was a study study subject in the FDA investigational trial of vagus nerve stimulation and chronic depression. He is the author of Out of the Black Hole: The Patient's Guide to Vagus Nerve Stimulation and Depression and editor of the VagusNerveStimulator.com Web site.

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Thursday, November 09, 2006

5 Tips to Spot Bipolar Disorder Symptoms

5 Tips to Spot Bipolar Disorder Symptoms was written by John Mancini and he writes "Bipolar disorder is also known as manic depressive illness and means that a patient can go from very high and upbeat moods to seriously down and depressed in a matter of minutes. It is a recurrent illness meaning that patients are likely to suffer it for the rest of their lives. Because of this treatment will need to be continued for long periods of time and a strong network of professionals, family members and friends is ideal to help the bipolar disorder sufferer. Spotting the symptoms of bipolar disorder can be difficult but it is fundamental; without noticing the symptoms you won't be able to get the help you need.

1- Manic episodes can be easy to spot and include an increase in energy and a euphoric mood. Obviously if a person has been depressed for any length of time and then suddenly shows these characteristics it is likely to be very evident and easily noticed. Other signs of mania can include an increased sex drive, a lack of concentration, spending sprees and many more..

2- Depression can be spotted quite easily too but can be overlooked as just being a down day. A sad or anxious mood that lasts for an extended period of time is the most obvious sign of depression and the first thing you should look for. Other signs include a loss of interest in things that would have previously caused excitement, including hobbies or sex.

3- Severe cases of either of the swings associated with bipolar disease can lead to symptoms of psychosis which can include hallucination and delusions. These should also be very easy to spot but it is unlikely that the sufferer themselves will do so.

4- A mixed bipolar state can sometimes occur that means the patient can suffer from both mania and depression simultaneously. Agitation, sleep deficiency, a change in appetite and other factors can indicate a mixed bipolar state. Patients with this type of bipolar disorder can be very depressed while still having high levels of energy.

5- morbid thoughts are the most worrying of symptoms and many people subconsciously ignore them in the hope they go away. However, if you suspect the patient is having morbid thoughts and contemplating suicide you should act immediately to prevent the worst from happening. If necessary call 911.

John Mancini has been writing about Bipolar Disorder online and offline for a long time. Visit http://bipolar-disorder-expert.com or http://bipolar-disorder-now.info to read more about matters like bipolar disorder in children and bipolar disorder (manic depression).

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Tuesday, November 07, 2006

Pros and Cons of Taking Medication for Manic Depression

Pros and Cons of Taking Medication for Manic Depression was written by Matt OConnor and he writes "Medication is not usually used as a first line of defense against manic depression. Often, the patient has to undergo psychotherapy before the doctor will finally decide if he or she needs to take antidepressants. The reason for this is that the effects of these medications can differ from patient to patient. And these effects can either be beneficial or, sometimes, fatal to patients.

Of course, the medications for manic depression are designed to cure the patient suffering from it. However, since it is a mental illness, it cannot be avoided that other patients would react negatively to the drug while others find the drug relatively helpful..

Manic depression occurs when there is an imbalance with the neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that control the functions of the brain. When there is an imbalance among these neurotransmitters, either mania or depression occurs.

From here, let us discuss the pros and cons of manic depression medications:

At present, there are 4 groups of antidepressants:

1) SSRIs or Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
2) MAOIs or Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
3) TCAs or Tricyclic
4) Lithium carbonates

SSRIs are antidepressants that fix the serotonin levels of the brain. Popular SSRIs are sertraline (Zoloft), fluvoxamine (Luvox), fluoxetine (Prozac) citalopram (Celexa), paroxetine (Paxil), and escitalopram oxalate (Lexapro).

There are new SSRIs, the nefazodone (Serzone) and the venlafaxine (Effexor) that work not only to fix the serotonin levels of the brain but also another neurotransmitter, particularly the norepinephrine. Another antidepressant, the bupropion (Wellbutrin), affects dopamine and norepinephrine, more than the serotonin.

MAOIs or Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (phenelzine and tranylcypromine) inhibit the MOI (an enzyme works to break down certain neurotransmitters) at the same time reinstate the normal mood of the patient.

TCAs or Tricyclic antidepressants relieve depression by maintaining the right amount of neurotransmitters in the central nervous system. Popular tricyclic antidepressants are despiramine (Norpramin), imipramine (Janimine and Trofanil), amitriptyline (Elavil), and nortryptyline (Pamelor)

Lithobid and Eskalith are Lithium carbonates that reduce the excessive activity of the brain.

Other antimanic medications include carbamazepine (Tegretol), divalproex sodium (Depakote), and lithium citrate (Cibalith-S).

All these, of course, are created for the benefit of the patient suffering from manic depression, especially the episodes of depression. However, since they are drugs, the effects may not be as desirable as they have to be; because, there are several patients that experience several side effects in taking these drugs.

Side effects could range from hair loss, motor problems, weight gain, headaches, tremor, diarrhea, anxiety, reduced sexual performance or drive, nausea, to dry mouth depending on what type of medication is given.

The occurrences of these side effects still depend on each patient. Some can claim that they experience at least one of the mentioned side effects while others can experience two or more. It should be noted that these are unavoidable but if the patient thinks that the medication he or she is taking gives more harm than good, the choice to continue now depends on him or her with the advice of his or her doctor.

As a precautionary measure, the patient should consult an expert psychiatrist or a qualified doctor with experience of handling cases of manic depression. Alternatively, ask for other types of treatment that may work more effectively like alternative medicines, psychotherapy, or for the worst cases of manic depression - electroconvulsive therapy.

The author of this article, Matthew OConnor runs a site dedicated to the latest news and developments in depression treatments, particularly the crucial topic of medication for manic depression.

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Saturday, November 04, 2006

Treating Depression With Modern Approaches

Treating Depression With Modern Approaches was written by Athlyn Green and writes "Treating depression is an important step on the road to recovery. Modern research has yielded discoveries into how the brain works and offers varied treatment approaches.

Newer depression medications offer relief from side effects associated with older medicines. Newer drugs may be called on when waging war against depression treating symptoms of this challenging condition.

If you have been diagnosed with depression, your doctor will outline different medications, their benefits and risks. He will weigh these in deciding on a treatment for you. In treating depression, your doctor will consider your age, your history—whether you have experienced depression previously—and he will gauge the severity of your depression..

He or she may recommend that you try a SSRI. These are used to treat depression in its early stages. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are an appropriate and beneficial treatment choice because they do not present the same severity of side effects. In weighing your depression treating it with a SSRI may be your doctor’s first choice.

Alternatively, your doctor may choose a tricyclic antidepressant. This may be decided upon if you have tried several different medications but have seen no appreciable improvement. Your doctor may consider a tricyclic antidepressant when treating depression if you are grappling with a major episode.

Other drugs can be called on. MAOIs or monoamine oxidase inhibitors may be used, but caution is indicated because of potential dietary and drug interactions.

Drugs such as Wellbutrin, Effexor, Remeron, or Desyrel are also currently used for depression treating symptoms effectively. These may be selected because the risk of side effects is reduced.

Modern treatments offer much in the way of choice. Thankfully, a wide range of antidepressants is available for treating depression effectively.

If you are looking for other treatment options, natural remedies may be more tenable. A nutritionally oriented physician or therapist can help you to research supplements and herbs that are known to calm the nervous system. Natural supplements have been used successfully for depression treating and reducing symptoms by correcting brain imbalances and restoring neurotransmitter functioning.

Natural supplements are gaining in popularity as a viable method for treating depression and their use is not attenuated by side effects encountered with prescription medications.

What beneficial substances do natural remedies contain? A good quality natural supplement will include vitamins and minerals, amino acids, enzymes, specialty supplements and additional herbal extracts. Chamomile offers beneficial anxiolytic effects (anxiety reduction) and is effective in alleviating insomnia; valerian is used for mood disorders such as depression. (Clinical studies suggest a neuroprotective effect associated with valerian extracts.) Calcium and magnesium alleviate emotional and physical stress; ginkgo biloba increases oxygen content to the brain, aiding in concentration and mental acuity. It is also used for treatment of depression. These supplements are specifically formulated to address depression treating it by improving balance and restoring damaged neurotransmitters in the brain.

Side effects can largely be a thing of the past with newer medications and potent herbals. You do not have to suffer with debilitating symptoms. Treating depression has never been easier, with the many modern options available.

Athlyn Green is an avid health enthusiast with an interest in natural remedies for treatment of health disorders. She has contributed to Depression Treating , a section of http://www.beat-your-depression.com dedicated to natural treatments and prescription drug alternatives for this disorder.

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Wednesday, November 01, 2006

Tricyclic Antidepressants-Waging The War Against Depression

Athlyn Green has written 'Tricyclic Antidepressants-Waging The War Against Depression and writes "Tricyclic antidepressants are an effective tool in the war against depression. If you are suffering from this challenging disorder, your doctor may recommend one of these drugs to treat your symptoms.

You may have questions. What exactly is a tricyclic antidepressant? How does it work to treat depression? What are the benefits and risks of using one of these drugs?

Tricyclic antidepressants have been used since the 1950s. These drugs receive their name from their molecular structure, which includes three rings of atoms.

They are thought to work by inhibiting the reuptake of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine, dopamine, or serotonin by nerve cells. A tricyclic antidepressant will often be called upon in treating clinical depression..

Your doctor will decide upon one that will be appropriate for you, taking your age, your medical problems, your current medications, possible previous use of antidepressants, and your history of depressive symptoms into account.

If the one chosen does not suit, it is sometimes necessary to adjust the dose. Also, if tricyclic antidepressants do not help then another type of antidepressant may be chosen.

Side effects may be encountered and include dry mouth, constipation, sweating, slight hesitancy in passing urine, blurring of vision, and drowsiness. These effects will often diminish as your body becomes used to your tricyclic antidepressant. A lower dose can be started with, to decrease adverse effects—although this would delay beneficial clinical effects of the drug.

It is important to remember that your depression is not a condition that will go away on its own and your doctor will weigh possible side effects against tangible benefits. It is very important to get clinical depression under control and tricyclics have proven to be valuable in battling depressive symptoms.

There are different types of tricyclic antidepressants: imipramine, amitriptyline, doxepin, nortriptyline, to name a few, under different brand names: Elavil, Tofranil, Adapin, among others. Tricyclics are not tranquillizers and are not considered addictive. Most people can stop using antidepressants, reducing the dose gradually to lower the risk of any withdrawal symptoms.

Your doctor may also recommend psychotherapy in conjunction with a tricyclic antidepressant to treat your depression. Many people find that talking about their condition reduces the stigma and helps them to realize that it is not “all in their head,” that they have a legitimate health condition.

Another popular treatment approach is use of natural remedies. Natural supplements work in a fashion similar to antidepressants, relieving and alleviating symptoms. Chemical changes in the brain are at the root of depressive disorders and play a large role in well being. By correcting and restoring neurotransmitter functioning, supplements act to restore brain balance. Many find that natural supplements work as effectively as tricyclic antidepressants, without adverse side effects.

What do herbal preparations contain? Natural supplements include potent ingredients which work to calm the nervous system and treat depression effectively. A good quality natural preparation will contain vitamins and minerals, amino acids, enzymes, specialty supplements and herbal extracts. Ingredients may include chamomile, which offers beneficial anxiolytic effects (anxiety reduction); valerian (which research suggests has a neuroprotective effect), used for treating mood disorders such as depression; calcium and magnesium, included to alleviate emotional and physical stress; and ginkgo biloba, shown to increase oxygen content to the brain, aiding in concentration and mental acuity. Ginkgo biloba is also used for treatment of depression. These supplements are specifically formulated to tackle depression head-on, similar to a tricyclic antidepressant.

It is important to discuss any depression treatment with your doctor and then to take preparations as directed.

With the treatment options available in modern times, utilizing either tricyclic antidepressants or natural remedies, depression can become a distant memory. You can wage the war against depression and emerge the victor!

Athlyn Green is an avid health enthusiast with an interest in natural remedies for treatment of health disorders. She has contributed to Tricyclic Antidepressant, a section of www.beat-your-depression.com dedicated to natural treatments and prescription drug alternatives for this disorder.

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