What is Depression?
Every individual experiences feelings of worthlessness, sadness, and negativity. It is when these feelings spiral out of control and consume the individual to an extent that his/her normal life is disrupted, that depression arises. Depression is a serious medical condition and can significantly weaken the individual both physically and mentally.
What are the causes and risk factors of depression?
In medical terms, depression is due to a decreased amount of certain chemicals in the brain.
Depression has a genetic basis, i.e. depression may run in family. It can also be triggered by an event such as the loss of a loved one, losing a job, etc. There are some hormonal problems like decreased thyroid levels that can also lead to depression.
Depression can also follow after the diagnosis of a serious illness and leads to impaired treatment of the disease. It is accompanied by the feeling of not getting well and hence ignoring the medication and the other activities that have been advised by the doctor.
Risk factors
Traumatic past, abuse, neglect
Loss of a loved one
Serious medical conditions like Parkinson's disease, etc.
Also Read: How to Prevent Depression in Elderly
What are the symptoms of depression?
Persisting feeling of sadness, anxiety
Low self-esteem
Feeling worthless
Pessimistic mindset
Decreased appetite
Difficulty in sleeping
Oversleeping
Inability to concentrate
Talking, walking slowly
Constantly feeling tired
Loss of interest in activities that were previously enjoyable
Decreased sexual desire
Weight loss
Headache
Abdominal cramps
Having ideas about death, contemplating suicide
What are the investigations for depression?
As such there are no investigations for depression. If the symptoms listed above continue for more than two weeks, the person is diagnosed with depression. Investigations advised by the doctor can be -
Thyroid function tests
Cortisol levels in the blood
What is the treatment of depression?
The treatment is both
Anti-suicide drugs are the most commonly used pharmaceuticals that are prescribed for the treatment of schizophrenia and other mood disorders. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved these medications in 1970. They are usually called antipsychotic medications. Although they are very helpful in controlling both the mania and depression, this medicine can prove to be very dangerous if taken in high doses even without an anesthetic. These medications are meant for temporary use only, therefore, care should be taken when using it so as not to cause any harmful side effects on the patient's health. Hence, people who have other illnesses should avoid using these medications.
Antidepressants such as Clomipramine and Anafranil (Anafranil or Elavil) are some of the most commonly prescribed medications in the treatment for acute and chronic pain. They are effective in relieving the patient's discomfort and can also help him to come up with his life. However, there are reported cases where patients have experienced severe side effects such as confusion, hallucinations, drowsiness, dizziness, agitation, insomnia, and pupil contraction. Some patients may also experience headache, upset stomach, nausea, and diarrhea. Although these medications are very effective, they also have a number of side effects on the patient's health such as irregular heartbeat, blurred vision, and chest pain.
Medications such as Carbamazepine, Lamotrigine, and Phenytoin are also known anti-suicide drugs. These medications act in a different way from other types of drugs. They work by altering the protein structures of neurons in the brain. Because of this, the patient's level of consciousness also differs from the patient who takes conventional antidepressant medications.
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Ayurveda is a system of medicine that has its origination roots in the Indian subcontinent. It uses natural healing practices to cure clinical conditions such as sinusitis, cough, depression, and insomnia. Ayurveda therapies have been integrated in general wellness and in some cases in medical use worldwide. In addition, ayurvedic ingredients are extensively used in personal care products and health supplements along with drugs.
Ideal Weight Gain during Pregnancy
If you were underweight before pregnancy 13-18 Kg
If you had normal weight before pregnancy 11-16 Kg
If you were overweight before pregnancy 7-11 Kg
If you were obese before pregnancy 7 Kg
If you are carrying twins 16-20 Kg