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Major depression - April 2009
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| Major depression - April 2009
04-01-2009
Major depression
During these stressful times, our physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health is being challenged. It is important to employ a multifaceted approach to obtain and maintain Optimal Health. One area of concern is the rise in the number of people, both children and adults experiencing depression.
Major depression is characterized by a combination of symptoms that last for at least two weeks continuously, including sad and/or irritable mood (see symptom list), that interferes with the ability to work, sleep, eat, and enjoy once-pleasurable activities. Disabling episodes of depression can occur once, twice, or several times in a lifetime.
Bipolar disorder (manic depression)
Depression may also manifest in bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder encompasses both high and low moods that were formerly called manic-depressive illness or manic-depression. These conditions show a particular pattern of inheritance. Not nearly as common as the other types of depressive disorders, bipolar disorders involve cycles of mood that include at least one episode of mania and may include episodes of depression as well. Bipolar disorders are often chronic and recurring. Sometimes, the mood switches are dramatic and rapid, but most often they are gradual.
Mania often affects thinking, judgment, and social behavior in ways that cause serious problems and embarrassment. For example, indiscriminant or otherwise unsafe sexual practices or unwise business or financial decisions may be made when an individual is in a manic phase.
Manic symptoms of bipolar disorder:
Inappropriate elation
Inappropriate irritability or anger
Severe insomnia or decreased need to sleep
Grandiose notions, like having special powers or importance
Increased talking speed and/or volume
Disconnected or racing thoughts
Severely increased sexual desire and/or activity
Markedly increased energy
Poor judgment
Inappropriate social behavior
Depression is extremely common in the US and is among the ten most frequently reported medical conditions. About half the people who seek treatment for depression are not helped by psychotherapy and medication or withdraw from treatment too early. Of those who recover, more than one third relapse within eighteen months. This suggests that alternative treatment may be very helpful for people who suffer from depression.
The diagnosis of major depressive disorder is based on the patient's self-reported experiences, behavior reported by relatives or friends, and mental state. There is no laboratory test for major depression, although physicians generally request tests for physical conditions that can mimic depression, such as hypothyroidism, low vitamin B12, low Folic acid, liver conditions, and many others. The most common time of onset is between the ages of 30 and 40 years, with a later peak between 50 and 60 years. However, there has been an increase in adolescents and younger adults manifesting depression. Major depression occurs about twice as frequently in women than men, although men are at higher risk for suicide. There are 19 million American adults living under a major depressive disorder. One in 10 people will have a depressive disorder in their lifetime, and in one of 10 cases, the depression is a fatal disease as a result of suicide. Most patients are treated in the community with antidepressant medication and supportive counseling, and some may undertake psychotherapy.
Many aspects of depression are still not fully understood, and are the subject of debate and research.
Major depression is a serious illness that affects a person's family, work or school life, sleeping and eating habits, and general health.
New studies have confirmed that acupuncture can be of great benefit to some people undergoing depression. Thirty-eight subjects participated in a recent new pilot study by researchers at the University of Arizona, which confirmed that acupuncture is a promising treatment for major depression in women. They were treated with acupuncture according to the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine, each for her own specific pattern of symptoms. They were treated twice per week for one month and once per week for a second month, for a total of twelve sessions. After completion of acupuncture treatment for depression, 70% of women experienced at least a 50% reduction of symptoms, results comparable to the success rate of psychotherapy and medication.
If you think that you may be experiencing depression, it is important that you seek help from a qualified mental healthcare provider and consider acupuncture as a part of your journey on the road to recovery and optimal health.
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