In any given year, 9.5 percent of the population suffers from a depressive illness. Depressive illnesses often interfere with normal functioning and cause pain and suffering not only to those who have the disorder, but to those who care about them, as well.
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Mental Health and Depression |
Not everyone who is depressed or manic experiences the same symptoms. Some people experience a few symptoms, some many, and the severity of the symptoms varies with the individual.
Some symptoms of Depression include persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood; feelings of hopelessness, pessimism; feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness; loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities, including sex; decreased energy, fatigue; difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions; insomnia, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping; appetite and/or weight loss or overeating and weight gain; thoughts of death or suicide; suicide attempts; restlessness, irritability; and persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain.
Some symptoms of Mania are abnormal or excessive elation; unusual irritability; decreased need for sleep; grandiose notions; increased talking; racing thoughts; increased sexual desire; markedly increased energy; poor judgment; and inappropriate social behavior.
Some types of depression run in families, particularly bipolar disorder. Apparently, though, additional factors, possibly stresses at home, work, or school, are involved in its onset, as well. Whether inherited or not, major depressive disorder is often associated with changes in brain structures function. People who have low self-esteem are also prone to depression.
Certain medications as well as some medical conditions such as a viral infection can cause the same symptoms as depression, and a doctor should rule out these possibilities through examination, interview, and lab tests. If a physical cause for the depression is ruled out, a psychological evaluation should be done.
A good diagnostic testing will include a complete history of symptoms, whether the patient had them before and, if so, whether the symptoms were treated, and what treatment was given. The doctor should ask about alcohol and drug use, and if the patient has thoughts about death or suicide. The doctor will also ask questions about whether other family members have had a depressive illness and, if treated, what treatments they may have received and which were effective.
Depending on the patient's diagnosis, and how severe the symptoms are, the therapist may prescribe medication and/or one of the several forms of psychotherapy that have proven effective for depression.
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Ativan, known also as Lorazepam, is a Benzodiazepine that belongs to the group of medicines called central nervous system (CNS) depressants. Ativan is used as an Amnestic, Antianxiety Agent, Anticonvulsant, Antiemetic in Cancer Chemotherapy, Antipanic Age more...
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Bupropion is an antidepressant medication. This medicine is used to treat major depressive disorder and seasonal affective disorder.
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Citalopram is an antidepressant in a group of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Citalopram affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause depression.
Citalopram is used to treat depression.
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Diazepam, one of a group of drugs known as Benzodiazepines, is a Central Nervous System (CNS) depressant. Diazepam is used as an Amnestic, an Anitanxiety Agent, Anticonvulsant, an Antipanic and Antitremor Agent, a Sedative, and Muscle Relaxant. It is used more...
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Lorazepam is one of a group of drugs known as Benzodiazepines that are Central Nervous System (CNS) depressants. Lorazepam is used to relieve anxiety, and to treat panic disorder.
Be sure to tell your doctor of any allergies you have whether it is to m more...
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Paxil is used to treat mental depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
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Xanax is one of a group of medicines known as Benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines are Central Nervous System (CNS) depressants that are used as antianxiety and antipanic agents, but are also used as antitremor medicines and as a sedative. Xanax may also be more...
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Clonazepam, known also as Klonopin, is one of a group of drugs known as Benzodiazepines that are Central Nervous System (CNS) depressants. Clonazepam is used to relieve anxiety, and to treat panic disorder.
Be sure to tell your doctor of any allergies more...
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Valium, may also be called Diazepam, and is one of the Benzodiazepine group of medicines. These are Central Nervous System (CNS) depressants and are used to relieve anxiety. Valium is also used to help relax muscles or relieve muscle spasm. Valium injecti more...
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Fluoxetine is used as treatment for major depressive disorder, treatment of binge-eating and vomiting in patients with moderate-to-severe bulimia nervosa; obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD); premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD); panic disorder with or more...
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