| Now and then everybody feels down. Ten percent of Americans are estimated to suffer from a depressive disorder. This category of mental diseases includes major depression. The main symptoms of major depression are as follows:- Feeling emotionally numb- Feeling upset or empty- Feeling slowed down or feeling displeased and unable to sit still- Losing or gaining weight- Thoughts about death or suicide- Trouble thinking, recalling things or concentrating- Trouble sleeping, particularly in the early morning or waiting to sleep all the time- Feeling numb emotionallyDepression is thought to be related to chemical imbalances in the brain that makes it hard for cells to communicate with one another.Depression can result from stressful times, such as the death of someone you love, a divorce or downsizing. But it can also develop unexpectedly. Certain medicines, drugs and alcohol, or chronic illnesses, such as diabetes or coronary problems, can trigger depression.Depression can be treated with medications, or special type of counseling called psychotherapy, or with both. Antidepressants are medicines used to help people suffering from depression.Antidepressants work by raising the activity of certain chemicals in the brain known as neurotransmitters. Antidepressants help people with depression by making the chemicals more available to the brain.Commonly, antidepressants are used leastways for 6 to 12 months.They can better your mood, sleep, appetite and concentration. It may take a few weeks to see the results. Antidepressants are divided into several classes. You and your general practitioner may have to try a few before finding what works best for you.Sometimes medicines bring on unexpected side effects. They may range from person to person and from medication to medication. For instance, when you first begin your antidepressant you may feel exhausted, have trouble sleeping or have upset stomach. These side effects ordinarily go away after a short time.Even after 12 months of treatment, there is still about a 10% chance of depression returning as soon as treatment is over. Some people take antidepressants for several years. |
Article Details