Friday, January 2, 2009

Causes and Cures For Depression

By Linda Kacen

Depression takes many different forms. Even though many Americans suffer from depression, they don't know it or if they do, they won't admit it even to themselves.

Depression afflicts about 14 million Americans. |It is also estimated that less than a third of those affected will ever seek treatment|Fewer than 4.7 million of those, about 1/3, will seek checkup help|Unfortunately only a very small percent, less than 1/3, will go for treatment. What are the reasons? Perhaps it is because clinical depression is classified as a mental illness. That label is one people tend to avoid.

It wasn't that long ago that society shunned those unfortunate enough to be categorized with mental illness. In many cases those with slight signs of depression were locked away in state institutions for the mentally ill. Times have changed now, thank goodness. But what hasn't changed are old stereotypes. This influences many Americans to keep their illness to themselves.

Many factors contribute to depression. Diagnosis isn't simple. Many things have to be considered such as genetics, biology and even outside influences. Depression can stem from drug or alcohol abuse, or even from simple everyday stress. These elements and more can lead to depression.

So what are some of the treatments and cures available for those that are inflicted? There are many options for treatment and even cure, just as there are many causes for depression.

These options are generally considered after evaluating the individual afflicted with depression

There are many supposed cures for depression. Methods of treatment that are safe and that work to cure depression do exist.

Here are some of the factors considered when these options are examined. Has the method being considered been clinically proven to be effective in the treatment of depression?

Does it have an appropriate dose to be effective if a drug or herb? Have high quality control standards been used when accepting the method? Let's examine some of the more popular cures.

For years the typical treatment for many forms of depression has been prescription drugs and psychotherapy. SSRI, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, are prescribed to treat depression.

One of the most popular, Prozac, was first used in the United States in 1988. Many others such as Paxil, Zoloft, Lexapro, Celexa, and Luvox have followed it. All have been proven to be effective. But side effects are common, including causing more depression.

Becoming more common are natural treatments. St Johns Wort extract is one herbal cure gaining popularity quickly. It must have between three and five percent hyperforin to work.

It has been proven to work as well as Prozac with fewer side effects. As important as it is to find a cure-it is impossible to do so if those who suffer do not seek it.

If you or someone you know suffers from depression seek medical attention immediately.

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