depression
Many people suffer from a disease that affects them day in and day out. Sadly, many do not believe that this disease is even serious, but if it is left untreated or if it is improperly treated, it could be fatal. What is this disease? It is depression. Dr. Ainsworth states that "depression is not a sign of character weakness; it is a total body illness" (x). Everyone experiences sadness occasionally, but depression will persist for a period of two or more weeks. According to The Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine, depression is "a mental illness characterized by a profound and persistent feeling of sadness of despair and/or a loss of interest in things that were once pleasurable" (Olendorf 924). There are many symptoms that accompany depression, both mental and physical. Some of these symptoms include things such as:* Insomnia( sleeplessness) or hypersomnia (constant sleeping) * Feelings of worthlessness or guilt * Recurrent thoughts of suicide or death * Stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, or constipation * Dizziness, numbness, or memory problems (Ainsworth 10; Olendorf 926).
If left untreated, depression can be very serious. Depression is the leading cause of suicide in the United States (Anders 489). There is a myth that depression will go away by itself, but depression does not come and go on its on. It is very important to seek help. There are many treatments that seem to be rather effective. The most effective treatment is a combination or therapy and antidepressants (Ainsworth 106, 78). The most popular type of therapy is psychosocial therapy, which focuses on "personal and interpersonal issues behind depression." Antidepressants cure 80-90% of the symptoms caused by depression (Olendorf 927). The two most popular types of antidepressants are SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) such as Prozac and Zoloft. These reduce the effects of depression by increasing serotonin (a chemical that is has control of aggression) in the brain. As with any medication, there are side effects, which include anxiety, diarrhea, drowsiness, headache, sweating, nausea, poor sexual functioning, and insomnia. There is a less expensive alternative, TCAs (tricyclic antidepressants.) These are not prescribed as often, though, because they have greater side effects such as persistent dry mouth, sedation, dizziness, and irregular heartbeat. Because of the irregular heartbeat that may occur, these medications are not prescribed to the elderly very often. Also, if a bottle of TCAs is taken at one time it is lethal, so it is not prescribed to those who are suicidal. There is one last type of therapy called electroconvulsant therapy. This consists of a series of el
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Approximate Word count = 1078
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)
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