By David McEvoy
Clinical depression, sometimes known as unipolar depression or major depression, can be described as a type of depression where the symptoms are persistent and severe enough to warrant clinical intervention by a health professional. This is not the same as feeling fed up, down in the dumps or being moody. When someone is suffering from clinical depression, the individual's daily life is filled with sadness and despair to the point that it interferes with their ability to get on with their normal daily routines. It differs from normal depression in that although a person who feels they are depressed can have feelings of sadness, lethargy and lack interest in things that used to give them pleasure; the symptoms associated with clinical depression are much more severe.
Diagnostic Criteria
To be diagnosed with clinical depression, at least five of the following symptoms of clinical depression must have existed for longer than two weeks and with a tendency to last for between four and six months, which are also accompanied by a depressed mood or anhedonia. Anhedonia can be described as an inability to find pleasure in events that would normally be considered pleasurable, for example, social interactions, eating and sex. The symptoms must also not be related to any obvious cause such as bereavement.
• Overwhelming feelings of sadness and despair, perhaps accompanied by fear, or feeling empty. Someone who feels empty may feel devoid of emotion, numb, unable to feel anything emotionally.
• Feeling less interested or completely uninterested in nearly all daily activities and unable to find any pleasure in carrying out normal daily routines or activities that were previously enjoyed.
• Changes in appetite resulting in either an increase or decrease in weight. This could take the form of eating too much, comfort eating and cravings for carbohydrates or chocolate, or having little or no appetite and unable to face food.
• Disturbed sleep patterns. This might involve an inability to sleep (insomnia) where the person often lies awake at night, or is sleeping too much (hypersomnia) and can't get out of bed in the morning
• Feeling agitated or experiencing psychomotor retardations almost every day. Agitation can manifest itself in many ways including extreme restlessness, pacing up and down a room, wringing hands, masturbating, indulging in purposeless pursuits, or any similar type of behaviour. Psychomotor retardation is where thoughts and physical movement slow right down so everything is happening at a slower pace
• Mental or physical fatigue and a lack of energy, which could mean difficulty in finding the strength or motivation to do anything, even the simplest of tasks
• Overwhelming feelings of guilt and hopelessness, feeling worthless, lonely and isolated possibly accompanied by feelings of anxiety too
• Finding it difficult to concentrate or focus or make decisions, perhaps less able to take things in and possibly suffering from memory lapses such as forgetting appointments etc.
• Recurrent thoughts of death, but not fear of death, and suicide with or without a plan to carry this out, or an attempted suicide
• Feelings of abandonment or fear of being abandoned by loved ones
A person who is depressed may also suffer from other symptoms including:
• Low self esteem and self loathing
• Neglect of appearance and personal hygiene
• Physical aches and pains with no obvious physical cause
• Fear of going mad or ‘losing it'
• Emotional outbursts
• Feeling aggressive or irritable
• Alcohol or substance abuse
Some people may suffer from a milder form of depression known as Dysthymia before going on to develop more major depressive episodes. Dysthymia is characterised by lack of enjoyment or pleasure in life that has continued for a period of two years. The difference between this type of depression and clinical depression is in the severity of the symptoms. Sometimes, a person can suffer from Dysthymia with episodes of major depressing occurring alongside, which is known as double depression.
Possible triggers of clinical depression
Although depression can strike any one of us at any time and for no apparent reason, there are certain factors that are known to increase the risk of triggering a depressive episode and these include:
• Stressful situations or events
• Relationship problems
• Long term illness
• Having a negative or pessimistic outlook on life
• Alcohol and substance abuse
• A history of depression in the family
• Chemical imbalances in the brain
Conclusion
People who are suffering from a depressive disorder such as clinical depression may feel isolated and alone. It is important to have the support of family and friends to help them through this difficult time. The depressed person cannot just snap out of it and pressure to do so can make the depression worse. Looking at the positive side of things, clinical depression can be treated so the first step is to speak to a doctor who will be able to make a full assessment of the individual's symptoms and medical history and will be able to offer appropriate treatment options.
Depression and anxiety are serious conditions that can strike anyone at anytime. For more information about depression and self help come and visit http://www.fightingdepression.co.uk
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_McEvoy
Please note that these articles are supplied to our visitors as a courtesy. We are not responsible for their accuracy or content, nor are we responsible for or necessarily share the opinions and views of the authors.
Showing posts with label anxiety. Show all posts
Showing posts with label anxiety. Show all posts
Depression, Anxiety, Stress! What Therapy Is Best For Treatment Of These Signs And Symptoms?
By Athlyn Green
What therapy is best for depression and stress? Are prescription drugs the answer? Or can herbal remedies be a safe and effective alternative?
Conventional antidepressants treat brain neurotransmitters, helping to either boost levels or prevent reuptake of these mood-enhancing messengers. When chemical imbalances are present, emotional well being is compromised. Depression anxiety stress treatment seeks to alleviate symptoms.
These disorders seriously impact quality of life and need to be treated. While no one can say what therapy is best for depression and stress, science provides valuable insights. Any remedy should correct imbalances and restore functioning.
Natural remedies are proving increasingly popular because of reduced risks associated with their use. How would a natural supplement compare to a prescription drug as a depression anxiety stress treatment? What substances in natural remedies influence the brain and its functioning?
Siberian ginseng acts to improve the balance of important neurotransmitters (serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine). It has been shown to be effective in treating depressive disorders and inhibits monoamine in the brain, similar to a prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitor.
Omega 3 fish oil contains essential fatty acids, especially DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), known for its multiple health benefits. Neuroscientists have found evidence that omega 3 DHA produces alterations in serotonin and dopamine levels. Studies confirm that when a depletion of omega-3 fatty acids occurs, depression increases.
5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) increases serotonin levels, which is important to regulation of endocrine and brain activity essential to emotional well being. 5-HTP is a close relative of tryptophan and part of the process that leads to serotonin production. Scientists, examining research from around the world, have concluded that 5-HTP has real antidepressant properties.
SAM-e is used to treat moderate to severe depressive symptoms. European research has shown it to be as effective or exceeding conventional medication, acting on the brain in a fashion similar to antidepressant drugs but generally free of troublesome effects.
A good quality nutritional remedy will include vitamins and minerals, amino acids and enzymes, herbal extracts and specialty supplements. These will be formulated in a specific manner to scientifically treat illness and support essential nutritional, hormonal, and chemical balances.
When asking what therapy is best for depression and stress , part of the answer lies in making sure you are consuming and absorbing needed proteins and essential fatty acids in your diet. Underlying nutritional deficiencies can lead to depression. Nutritional supplementation provides essential ingredients needed to support optimal emotional and physical functioning, providing preventative protection to guard against these maladies.
Natural depression anxiety stress treatment works by strengthening weak signals, raising levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain and improves processing of these signals by the neurons.
As can be seen, your nutritional state can have a serious impact on brain functioning—in fact, some scientists believe that a diet compromised in essential nutrients can lead to serious brain diseases.
Conventional drugs or alternative remedies offer important treatment options when trying to determine what therapy is best for depression and stress. It is helpful to understand how these act upon the brain by providing needed components to achieve normal functioning.
It is important to discuss use of any depression anxiety stress treatment with your doctor—especially if you are taking medications for other health-related conditions. He can advise you as to what may be the best approach for you.
A practitioner knowledgeable in the field of botanical medicine can be a valuable partner in the healing process, offering insights into why natural remedies can be safe and effective when making a decision as to what therapy is best for depression and stress.
Athlyn Green is an avid health enthusiast with an interest in natural remedies for treatment of health disorders. She has contributed to Depression Anxiety Stress Treatment, a section of http://www.beat-your-depression.com dedicated to natural treatments and prescription drug alternatives for this disorder.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Athlyn_Green
Please note that these articles are supplied to our visitors as a courtesy. We are not responsible for their accuracy or content, nor are we responsible for or necessarily share the opinions and views of the authors.
What therapy is best for depression and stress? Are prescription drugs the answer? Or can herbal remedies be a safe and effective alternative?
Conventional antidepressants treat brain neurotransmitters, helping to either boost levels or prevent reuptake of these mood-enhancing messengers. When chemical imbalances are present, emotional well being is compromised. Depression anxiety stress treatment seeks to alleviate symptoms.
These disorders seriously impact quality of life and need to be treated. While no one can say what therapy is best for depression and stress, science provides valuable insights. Any remedy should correct imbalances and restore functioning.
Natural remedies are proving increasingly popular because of reduced risks associated with their use. How would a natural supplement compare to a prescription drug as a depression anxiety stress treatment? What substances in natural remedies influence the brain and its functioning?
Siberian ginseng acts to improve the balance of important neurotransmitters (serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine). It has been shown to be effective in treating depressive disorders and inhibits monoamine in the brain, similar to a prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitor.
Omega 3 fish oil contains essential fatty acids, especially DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), known for its multiple health benefits. Neuroscientists have found evidence that omega 3 DHA produces alterations in serotonin and dopamine levels. Studies confirm that when a depletion of omega-3 fatty acids occurs, depression increases.
5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) increases serotonin levels, which is important to regulation of endocrine and brain activity essential to emotional well being. 5-HTP is a close relative of tryptophan and part of the process that leads to serotonin production. Scientists, examining research from around the world, have concluded that 5-HTP has real antidepressant properties.
SAM-e is used to treat moderate to severe depressive symptoms. European research has shown it to be as effective or exceeding conventional medication, acting on the brain in a fashion similar to antidepressant drugs but generally free of troublesome effects.
A good quality nutritional remedy will include vitamins and minerals, amino acids and enzymes, herbal extracts and specialty supplements. These will be formulated in a specific manner to scientifically treat illness and support essential nutritional, hormonal, and chemical balances.
When asking what therapy is best for depression and stress , part of the answer lies in making sure you are consuming and absorbing needed proteins and essential fatty acids in your diet. Underlying nutritional deficiencies can lead to depression. Nutritional supplementation provides essential ingredients needed to support optimal emotional and physical functioning, providing preventative protection to guard against these maladies.
Natural depression anxiety stress treatment works by strengthening weak signals, raising levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain and improves processing of these signals by the neurons.
As can be seen, your nutritional state can have a serious impact on brain functioning—in fact, some scientists believe that a diet compromised in essential nutrients can lead to serious brain diseases.
Conventional drugs or alternative remedies offer important treatment options when trying to determine what therapy is best for depression and stress. It is helpful to understand how these act upon the brain by providing needed components to achieve normal functioning.
It is important to discuss use of any depression anxiety stress treatment with your doctor—especially if you are taking medications for other health-related conditions. He can advise you as to what may be the best approach for you.
A practitioner knowledgeable in the field of botanical medicine can be a valuable partner in the healing process, offering insights into why natural remedies can be safe and effective when making a decision as to what therapy is best for depression and stress.
Athlyn Green is an avid health enthusiast with an interest in natural remedies for treatment of health disorders. She has contributed to Depression Anxiety Stress Treatment, a section of http://www.beat-your-depression.com dedicated to natural treatments and prescription drug alternatives for this disorder.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Athlyn_Green
Please note that these articles are supplied to our visitors as a courtesy. We are not responsible for their accuracy or content, nor are we responsible for or necessarily share the opinions and views of the authors.
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