Depression Symptoms and Treatments

Depression Symptoms and Treatments

Almost all of us feel low sometimes, usually because of disturbing event in our lives. But ongoing depression or suffering a period of what is known as major depression is a serious conditions, that can lead to an inability to function or may even lead to suicide. Sufferers experience not only a depressed mood but also more harmful symptoms, including lack of interest in their usual activities, extreme fatigue, sleep problems, or feeling of guilt and helplessness. They are more likely to lose touch with reality.

Major depression often goes diagnosed it is confused with the normal low feelings that may arise because of a specific life situation. Also all concern is minor but chronic depression, who known as dysthymia, which can last two years or more. Although the exact causes are unknown, researchers currently believe brain's neurotransmitters, chemicals ( particularly norepinephrine and serotonin) that modules moods.

Symptoms


With major depression you may feel four or more of the following symptoms

  1. Persistent sadness, pessimism.
  2. Feeling of worthlessness , helplessness, hopelessness or guilt.
  3. Lost of interest, pleasure in usual activities including sex.
  4. Difficulty concentrating.
  5. Insomnia or oversleep.
  6. Weight gain or loss.
  7. Fatigue or lack of energy.
  8. Anxiety, agitation, irritability.
  9. Thought of suicide or death.
  10. Slow speech, slow movement.

Symptoms in children and adolescent


  1. Insomnia, fatigue, headache, stomachache, dizziness.
  2. Apathy, social withdrawal, weight gain or loss.
  3. Drug or alcohol abuse, a drop in school performance, difficulty concentrating. 
  4. Isolation from family and friends.

Treatment


Treatment for depression varies according to the cause of the condition and its severity. Conventional methods include psychotherapy, antidepressant drugs, and electroconvulsive therapy. Alternative therapies are particularly effective for minor depression. Major or chronic depression should be treated by a psychiatrist.

Exercise


Physical activity should be a part of any therapy for depression. It improves blood flow to the brain elevates mood and relieves stress. Even if used alone, exercise can often bring startling results. Studies show that jogging for 30 minutes three times a week can be as effective as psychotherapy in treating depression. Pick an exercise is fine but the more energetic and aerobic is much better.

Yoga


Many mind/body practices are helpful with depression. Music and dance can lift the spirits and energize the body. Meditation and relaxation techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation bot stimulate and relax. Other choices include transcendental meditation and the exercise techniques of yoga.

Nutrition and Diet


Because depressive symptoms are exacerbated by nutritional deficiencies, good nutrition is important. Increase your intake of healthy foods such as whole-grain cereals, lean meats, fruits and .vegetables, fish and low fat dairy products. It is very important to avoid alcohol but also stay away from the junk food, sugar, aspartame, and caffeine which give you a sudden spurt of energy or a high feeling but then bring you down.
Recent clinical studies strongly suggest that vitamin B complex and folic acid are useful in treating depression. The antioxidant selenium (100 mcg daily) was shown to have a mood elevating effect when taken in regions where food is deficient in selenium. Many European studies show that the amino acid supplement L-tryptohan, which is the amino acid tryptophan in its synthetic form can be found in certain food such as milk, turkey chicken, fish, cooked dried beans and peas, brewer's yeast, peanut butter, nut and soybean. Eat plenty of these foods together with a carbohydrate which will ease the brain's uptake of tryptophan.