Known to significantly impact the lives of one out of every six people in their lifetime, clinical depression is a health risk that is not to be ignored.
Unfortunately within the health community, medical professionals still remain uncertain as to the exact cause of depression as well as what causes it to settle in the life of one person and not the other. What causes the initial onset and what makes one person more susceptible than another? These are questions that remain unanswered at this time.
There does seem to be a hereditary disposition to depression and it is often found frequently throughout the generations of a particular family.
But there is also a loud voice within the research field that says that depression is all environmental and the appearance that depression is familial, that it is simply a farce and it actually related to the fact that the generations were raised in a depressive environment. Children watch how family members cope with stress and if they note depression being a natural response then they will have a higher tendency to react the same way.
While it is true that depression does tend to run in families, it is also seen in those who have no family history of depression. Often depression results due to issues such as illegal drugs or excessive amounts of alcohol, stress, trauma or even prescription medications. These factors have nothing to do with family genetics.
Depression is seen to run in cycles and can leave you completely and totally exhausted. You may wake up today feeling just fine and then tomorrow find yourself unable to get out of the bed. The dramatic range of emotions and the often completely debilitating affects of depression are startling.
Many healthcare providers agree with the notion that those battling depression demonstrate a chemical imbalance of Norepinephrine and Serotonin. These chemicals are the "feel good" neurotransmitters found in the central nervous system and in the brain. These neurotransmitters work to help us control feelings of happiness and well being.
Norepinephrine is thought to be a stress hormone; while Serotonin is thought to control hunger, overall moods, sleep and sexual feelings. Depression can occur when these neurotransmitters become unbalanced. As the levels of these "feel good" chemical rise and fall, then your feelings also go up and down, leaving many feeling terribly depressed.
However, the interesting notion is that some people do not seem to be a highly affected by the changes in chemical levels as do others.
So it takes us back to the question of is depression because of the environment or because of genetics. Do you have a real choice in the matter of a diagnosis of depression or do your family genes lead you down that path? This is definitely a question that still remains unanswered.
Researchers need more time to determine the true underlying cause of depression and to answer the question as to whether depression is genetic or if it is environmental.
If you have seen a family history of depression, at the very least it should put you on the alert and you should be more aware that you too may have that tendency. If you note yourself feeling more sad or blue than usual, then seek help before your depression gains too deep a toehold.
There are many options for the treatment of depression and so there is no need for you to suffer alone.
Friday, September 14, 2007
Friday, September 7, 2007
Treating Depression with Light Therapy
Information from the Mayo Clinic on Light Therapy
Treatment with light therapy:
Light therapy is a standard treatment for seasonal affective disorder. Consult your doctor to make sure you are using it effectively and that you understand the potential benefits and drawbacks.
In the dark days of fall and winter, you may turn your face to the afternoon sun, seeking out what little light filters through fading gray skies. You may throw open the blinds, leave lights on throughout your home or even head south for a vacation — anything for a little more light. Or you may even be unable to crawl out of bed in the morning.
For people with a type of depression called seasonal affective disorder (SAD), this need for light takes on greater significance. Treatment with light therapy may offer a chance to regain the happier mood and brighter outlook that you lose to seasonal affective disorder. Learn how light therapy works and understand its pros and cons.
Understanding light therapy:
In light therapy, you sit with your eyes open in front of a light box — a small, portable device that contains fluorescent bulbs or tubes. The light box emits a type and intensity of light that isn't found in normal household lighting, so simply sitting in front of a lamp in your living room won't relieve the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder. Light therapy mimics outdoor light and causes a biochemical change in your brain that lifts your mood, relieving symptoms of seasonal affective disorder.
Light therapy, also called bright light therapy or phototherapy, has been used to treat seasonal affective disorder since the early 1980s. Many mental health professionals now consider light therapy to be standard treatment for seasonal affective disorder.
However, light therapy hasn't been officially approved as a treatment by the Food and Drug Administration because of a lack of definitive evidence about its effectiveness in clinical trials. Results of some clinical trials have shown light therapy to be effective — and in some cases even more effective than antidepressants — while other research has shown that it's not effective. In addition, most studies have lasted less than six weeks.
You can purchase a light therapy box over-the-counter, which means you don't need a prescription. However, check with your doctor before trying light therapy to make sure it's appropriate for your situation.
The link between light and seasonal affective disorder:
The precise cause of seasonal affective disorder isn't known, but genetics and your age may be factors. Most evidence, though, suggests that it arises from abnormalities in how your body manages its internal (circadian) biological rhythms or matches those rhythms to the 24-hour day. In particular, the hormone melatonin is thought to play a major role in seasonal affective disorder. Melatonin helps control body temperature, hormone secretion and sleep. It's produced in a specific area of your brain during the hours of darkness.
During the low-light months of fall and winter, people with seasonal affective disorder produce more melatonin than normal — enough to cause potentially debilitating symptoms of depression. But exposure to bright light, such as that from a light box, can suppress the brain's production of melatonin, helping regulate your body's internal clock and reducing symptoms.
The benefits of light therapy:
Light therapy offers many potential benefits for people with seasonal affective disorder. It may be helpful for you if:
You don't want to take medications such as antidepressants
You can't tolerate the side effects of antidepressants
You've tried antidepressants but they haven't been effective
You want an alternative to psychotherapy
You're pregnant and concerned about the effects of antidepressants on your developing fetus
You lack insurance coverage for mental health services
Treating other disorders
Light therapy may be helpful in treating conditions other than seasonal affective disorder. However, it shouldn't be a substitute for standard treatment. And keep in mind that little research has been done using light therapy for other disorders. These other disorders may include:
Depression other than seasonal affective disorder
Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder
Postpartum depression
Some forms of insomnia
Drawbacks and side effects of light therapy
Light therapy isn't for everyone, nor is it always completely effective in reducing all of your symptoms.
Cautions
Light therapy may trigger episodes of mania in people with bipolar disorder. In addition, although rare, some people, particularly those with severe forms of depression, have reported thoughts of suicide after treatment with light therapy. Light therapy alone may not be fully effective. You still may need treatment with medications or psychotherapy.
Side effects:
Side effects from light therapy are uncommon but can happen. They include:
Eyestrain
Headache
Agitation
Nausea
Insomnia
Irritability
Fatigue
Dry mouth
Sleep disruptions
You may be able to manage these problems by reducing treatment time, moving farther from the light box, taking breaks during long sessions or changing the time of day you use light therapy. Talk to your doctor for additional help and advice.
Who shouldn't use light therapy:
Don't use light therapy without consulting your doctor first if:
Your skin is sensitive to light
You take medications that react with sunlight, such as certain antibiotics or anti-inflammatories
You have an eye condition that makes your eyes vulnerable to light damage
How to use light therapy
Although you can buy light therapy boxes over-the-counter, it's important to consult your doctor when you use one. Done improperly, light therapy won't be effective, and it could even be harmful.
Averting your eyes
In order for light therapy to work, the light from the light box must enter your eyes indirectly. You can't get the same effect by exposing your skin to the light. But don't look directly at the light box because the light can damage your eyes. The bulbs in the light box are covered with a plastic screen that helps block out potentially harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays that can cause cataracts and skin problems.
Three key elements
Light therapy is most effective when you have the proper combination of intensity, duration and timing:
Intensity. The intensity of the light box is recorded in lux, which is a measure of the amount of light you receive at a specific distance from a light source. Light boxes for light therapy usually produce between 2,500 lux and 10,000 lux, with 10,000 lux being typical. In contrast, the lighting in an average living room in the evening is less than 400 lux, while a bright sunny day may register 100,000 lux. The intensity of your light box may also determine how far you sit from it and the length of time you need to use it. The 10,000 lux light boxes usually require only 30 minutes per session, while the 2,500 lux light boxes may require up to two hours per session.
Duration. Light therapy typically involves daily sessions ranging from 30 minutes to two hours. When you first start light therapy, your doctor may recommend treatment for shorter blocks of time, such as 15 minutes. You gradually working up to longer periods.
Timing. For most people, light therapy is most effective if used in the morning, after you first wake up, rather than during the evening. Doing light therapy at night can disrupt your sleep.
Finding time:
Light therapy requires time and consistency. Some people quit because they don't want to spend a lot of time sitting by a light box. But light therapy doesn't have to be boring. You can set your light box on a table or desk in your home or in your office. You can read, use a computer, write, watch television, talk on the phone or eat while undergoing light therapy. Some light boxes are even available as visors that you can wear. Because light therapy seems to work best in the early morning, you may need to wake up earlier than you normally would to match treatment with biological rhythms. You may find that difficult to do, especially if depression leaves you feeling lethargic. Your doctor can help you find a schedule that works for you.
What to expect from light therapy:
The general recommendation for most people with seasonal affective disorder is to begin treatment with light therapy in the early fall, as soon as the earliest symptoms start. Be on the alert for such symptoms as difficulty waking, daytime sleepiness and carbohydrate cravings. Treatment generally continues until spring, when outdoor light alone is sufficient to sustain a good mood and higher energy.
Some people experience seasonal affective disorder in the summer. And others who typically have winter depression may notice symptoms during prolonged periods of cloudy or rainy weather during other seasons. You and your doctor can adjust your light box treatment based on the timing and duration of your symptoms.
Sticking with it:
With appropriate light therapy, you may start to feel better within several days. In some cases, though, it can take two or more weeks. Sticking to a consistent daily routine of light therapy sessions can help ensure that you maintain those benefits over time. If you interrupt light therapy during the winter months or stop too soon in the spring when you think you're improving, your symptoms could return.
Apollo Health GoLite P1 Blue Spectrum Light Therapy Device
NatureBright SunTouch Plus Light and Ion Therapy Lamp
Treatment with light therapy:
Light therapy is a standard treatment for seasonal affective disorder. Consult your doctor to make sure you are using it effectively and that you understand the potential benefits and drawbacks.
In the dark days of fall and winter, you may turn your face to the afternoon sun, seeking out what little light filters through fading gray skies. You may throw open the blinds, leave lights on throughout your home or even head south for a vacation — anything for a little more light. Or you may even be unable to crawl out of bed in the morning.
For people with a type of depression called seasonal affective disorder (SAD), this need for light takes on greater significance. Treatment with light therapy may offer a chance to regain the happier mood and brighter outlook that you lose to seasonal affective disorder. Learn how light therapy works and understand its pros and cons.
Understanding light therapy:
In light therapy, you sit with your eyes open in front of a light box — a small, portable device that contains fluorescent bulbs or tubes. The light box emits a type and intensity of light that isn't found in normal household lighting, so simply sitting in front of a lamp in your living room won't relieve the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder. Light therapy mimics outdoor light and causes a biochemical change in your brain that lifts your mood, relieving symptoms of seasonal affective disorder.
Light therapy, also called bright light therapy or phototherapy, has been used to treat seasonal affective disorder since the early 1980s. Many mental health professionals now consider light therapy to be standard treatment for seasonal affective disorder.
However, light therapy hasn't been officially approved as a treatment by the Food and Drug Administration because of a lack of definitive evidence about its effectiveness in clinical trials. Results of some clinical trials have shown light therapy to be effective — and in some cases even more effective than antidepressants — while other research has shown that it's not effective. In addition, most studies have lasted less than six weeks.
You can purchase a light therapy box over-the-counter, which means you don't need a prescription. However, check with your doctor before trying light therapy to make sure it's appropriate for your situation.
The link between light and seasonal affective disorder:
The precise cause of seasonal affective disorder isn't known, but genetics and your age may be factors. Most evidence, though, suggests that it arises from abnormalities in how your body manages its internal (circadian) biological rhythms or matches those rhythms to the 24-hour day. In particular, the hormone melatonin is thought to play a major role in seasonal affective disorder. Melatonin helps control body temperature, hormone secretion and sleep. It's produced in a specific area of your brain during the hours of darkness.
During the low-light months of fall and winter, people with seasonal affective disorder produce more melatonin than normal — enough to cause potentially debilitating symptoms of depression. But exposure to bright light, such as that from a light box, can suppress the brain's production of melatonin, helping regulate your body's internal clock and reducing symptoms.
The benefits of light therapy:
Light therapy offers many potential benefits for people with seasonal affective disorder. It may be helpful for you if:
You don't want to take medications such as antidepressants
You can't tolerate the side effects of antidepressants
You've tried antidepressants but they haven't been effective
You want an alternative to psychotherapy
You're pregnant and concerned about the effects of antidepressants on your developing fetus
You lack insurance coverage for mental health services
Treating other disorders
Light therapy may be helpful in treating conditions other than seasonal affective disorder. However, it shouldn't be a substitute for standard treatment. And keep in mind that little research has been done using light therapy for other disorders. These other disorders may include:
Depression other than seasonal affective disorder
Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder
Postpartum depression
Some forms of insomnia
Drawbacks and side effects of light therapy
Light therapy isn't for everyone, nor is it always completely effective in reducing all of your symptoms.
Cautions
Light therapy may trigger episodes of mania in people with bipolar disorder. In addition, although rare, some people, particularly those with severe forms of depression, have reported thoughts of suicide after treatment with light therapy. Light therapy alone may not be fully effective. You still may need treatment with medications or psychotherapy.
Side effects:
Side effects from light therapy are uncommon but can happen. They include:
Eyestrain
Headache
Agitation
Nausea
Insomnia
Irritability
Fatigue
Dry mouth
Sleep disruptions
You may be able to manage these problems by reducing treatment time, moving farther from the light box, taking breaks during long sessions or changing the time of day you use light therapy. Talk to your doctor for additional help and advice.
Who shouldn't use light therapy:
Don't use light therapy without consulting your doctor first if:
Your skin is sensitive to light
You take medications that react with sunlight, such as certain antibiotics or anti-inflammatories
You have an eye condition that makes your eyes vulnerable to light damage
How to use light therapy
Although you can buy light therapy boxes over-the-counter, it's important to consult your doctor when you use one. Done improperly, light therapy won't be effective, and it could even be harmful.
Averting your eyes
In order for light therapy to work, the light from the light box must enter your eyes indirectly. You can't get the same effect by exposing your skin to the light. But don't look directly at the light box because the light can damage your eyes. The bulbs in the light box are covered with a plastic screen that helps block out potentially harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays that can cause cataracts and skin problems.
Three key elements
Light therapy is most effective when you have the proper combination of intensity, duration and timing:
Intensity. The intensity of the light box is recorded in lux, which is a measure of the amount of light you receive at a specific distance from a light source. Light boxes for light therapy usually produce between 2,500 lux and 10,000 lux, with 10,000 lux being typical. In contrast, the lighting in an average living room in the evening is less than 400 lux, while a bright sunny day may register 100,000 lux. The intensity of your light box may also determine how far you sit from it and the length of time you need to use it. The 10,000 lux light boxes usually require only 30 minutes per session, while the 2,500 lux light boxes may require up to two hours per session.
Duration. Light therapy typically involves daily sessions ranging from 30 minutes to two hours. When you first start light therapy, your doctor may recommend treatment for shorter blocks of time, such as 15 minutes. You gradually working up to longer periods.
Timing. For most people, light therapy is most effective if used in the morning, after you first wake up, rather than during the evening. Doing light therapy at night can disrupt your sleep.
Finding time:
Light therapy requires time and consistency. Some people quit because they don't want to spend a lot of time sitting by a light box. But light therapy doesn't have to be boring. You can set your light box on a table or desk in your home or in your office. You can read, use a computer, write, watch television, talk on the phone or eat while undergoing light therapy. Some light boxes are even available as visors that you can wear. Because light therapy seems to work best in the early morning, you may need to wake up earlier than you normally would to match treatment with biological rhythms. You may find that difficult to do, especially if depression leaves you feeling lethargic. Your doctor can help you find a schedule that works for you.
What to expect from light therapy:
The general recommendation for most people with seasonal affective disorder is to begin treatment with light therapy in the early fall, as soon as the earliest symptoms start. Be on the alert for such symptoms as difficulty waking, daytime sleepiness and carbohydrate cravings. Treatment generally continues until spring, when outdoor light alone is sufficient to sustain a good mood and higher energy.
Some people experience seasonal affective disorder in the summer. And others who typically have winter depression may notice symptoms during prolonged periods of cloudy or rainy weather during other seasons. You and your doctor can adjust your light box treatment based on the timing and duration of your symptoms.
Sticking with it:
With appropriate light therapy, you may start to feel better within several days. In some cases, though, it can take two or more weeks. Sticking to a consistent daily routine of light therapy sessions can help ensure that you maintain those benefits over time. If you interrupt light therapy during the winter months or stop too soon in the spring when you think you're improving, your symptoms could return.
Apollo Health GoLite P1 Blue Spectrum Light Therapy Device
NatureBright SunTouch Plus Light and Ion Therapy Lamp
Monday, September 3, 2007
Depression and Medications
Finding the right treatment for depression can take a long time and is a trial and error process. If you really think about it, depression medications can be a little scary. The list of side effects can be overwhelming and down right frightening. Many of the anti-depressants even carry an FDA warning: "Anti-depressants increased the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior (suicidality) in short-term studies in children and adolescents with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric disorders. Anyone considering the use of [Drug Name] or any other anti-depressant in a child or adolescent must balance this risk with the clinical need. Patients who are started on therapy should be observed closely for clinical worsening, suicidality, or unusual changes in behavior."
Some people are really against use of medications and would prefer to try cognitive therapy and/or natural methods to relieve their depression. Below are some books I have found that may be worthwhile to check out if you are apprehensive about antidepressants:
Undoing Depression
Why Am I Still Depressed? Recognizing and Managing the Ups and Downs of Bipolar II and Soft Bipolar Disorder
Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy
Depression-Free, Naturally: 7 Weeks to Eliminating Anxiety, Despair, Fatigue, and Anger from Your Life
Healing Anxiety and Depression
Depressed and Anxious: The Dialectical Behavior Therapy Workbook for Overcoming Depression & Anxiety
This next book is actually written by a retired clinical counselor and discusses ways to deal with depression.
Stop Your Depression Now
This e-book discusses ways to get rid of anxiety, stress and depression via natural means. A lot of people are against using antidepressants or other medications for their disorders and would prefer to try natural methods to get relief.
Conquer Stress, Depression and Anxiety Naturally in Just 90 Days
Some people are really against use of medications and would prefer to try cognitive therapy and/or natural methods to relieve their depression. Below are some books I have found that may be worthwhile to check out if you are apprehensive about antidepressants:
Undoing Depression
Why Am I Still Depressed? Recognizing and Managing the Ups and Downs of Bipolar II and Soft Bipolar Disorder
Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy
Depression-Free, Naturally: 7 Weeks to Eliminating Anxiety, Despair, Fatigue, and Anger from Your Life
Healing Anxiety and Depression
Depressed and Anxious: The Dialectical Behavior Therapy Workbook for Overcoming Depression & Anxiety
This next book is actually written by a retired clinical counselor and discusses ways to deal with depression.
Stop Your Depression Now
This e-book discusses ways to get rid of anxiety, stress and depression via natural means. A lot of people are against using antidepressants or other medications for their disorders and would prefer to try natural methods to get relief.
Conquer Stress, Depression and Anxiety Naturally in Just 90 Days
Reactive and Grief Related Depression
Signs and Symptoms:
Include feelings of despair, helplessness and fatigue following a significant event, change or loss; uncharacteristic feelings of worthlessness, guilt, irritability, and uneasiness; withdrawal from relationships and decreased sex drive; lack of concentration and reduced motivation; change in eating and/or sleeping patterns; when related to grief, vague and acute feelings of sorrow, shock, disbelief, anger, protest, and despair that persist long after the actual loss.
Include feelings of despair, helplessness and fatigue following a significant event, change or loss; uncharacteristic feelings of worthlessness, guilt, irritability, and uneasiness; withdrawal from relationships and decreased sex drive; lack of concentration and reduced motivation; change in eating and/or sleeping patterns; when related to grief, vague and acute feelings of sorrow, shock, disbelief, anger, protest, and despair that persist long after the actual loss.
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