Anti Depression Medication and Treatment

2007-03-08 10:33:40

( Pharmeceutical-Medical )



Experiencing long bouts of sadness and helplessness could be a sign of depression. Depression can affect your daily activities, your health and your relationship towards other people. Different people react to depression in different ways: some are able to cope with it, and are still able to go on with their daily tasks; while others are unable to communicate and even consider suicide in order to end their misery.

Depression can be caused by the side effects of taking certain medication, hormonal or chemical imbalances, certain illnesses, pre-menstrual syndrome, postnatal stress, menopause and certain stressful events in one’s life. In the human body, it is in fact the imbalance of the brain’s neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals that cause you to become depressed.

Depression is often difficult to detect, but its symptoms can include irritability, difficulty in sleeping, trouble in concentrating, weight gain or loss, memory loss, poor appetite, difficulty in doing daily tasks, feelings of guilt, sadness or hopelessness and being a slow thinker.

People who experience mild to moderate depression can seek the help of a professional therapist. In severe cases, anti depression medication can be prescribed, aside from seeking professional help. In cases that involve a threat of suicide or physical harm, hospitalization may be necessary. The most effective way to treat depression is through the combination of taking anti depression medication and attending psychological or psychiatric sessions.

Before anti depression meds are prescribed to you, a thorough physical exam and lab tests are performed to ensure that your depression is not caused by an illness. Oral and written tests are also taken by the affected person to help the health professional determine the severity of one’s depression.

There are many anti depression medications available in the market. Its effects depend on the individual consuming it. It usually takes anywhere from several weeks to months before one can feel the full effects of the medication prescribed. Like any other medication, anti depression medication also has its side effects; thus, regular visits to your health professional while under medication, is strongly advised. The health professional will review your body’s reaction to the prescribed medication; if the reaction is negative, other medication is considered.

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) can also be performed to those experiencing severe depression, or when psychotherapy and anti depression medications have not helped an individual. This type of therapy is applied to persons who experience hallucinations, delusions or have thoughts in committing suicide.

In an ECT session, the patient is put to sleep through anesthesia. An electrical current is sent through the brain the cells used in causing your depression. ECT sessions must be repeated several times in order for the therapy to work.

Depression can recur at anytime and the intake of medication longer than the period prescribed by your health professional, eating a well balanced diet, getting enough sleep daily, developing a regular exercise routine can be helpful in treating depression.


All rights Reserved © Tradenet Services srl
Do not duplicate or redistribute in any form.