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Depression: Treating Depression
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CHERRY HILL, N.J., Oct. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Understanding and Treating Depression in Multiple Sclerosis is the most recent publication produced by the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA). The booklet serves as a resource on depression for both patients and families affected by multiple sclerosis (MS). Author Allison Shadday, LCSW, who has MS, provides an in-depth understanding of depression in MS and focuses on such topics as the hidden symptoms of depression; warning signs; treatment options; and tips for fighting the effects of depression.
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Depression is often chronic, with episodes of recurrence and improvement. Approximately one-third of patients with a single episode of major depression will have another episode within 1 year after discontinuing treatment, and more than 50% will have a recurrence at some point in their lives. Depression is more likely to recur if the first episode was severe or prolonged, or if there have been recurrences. To date, even newer antidepressants have failed to achieve permanent remission in most patients with major depression, although the standard medications are very effective in treating and preventing acute episodes.
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Depression can affect anyone. Once identified, most people diagnosed with depression are successfully treated. Unfortunately, depression is not always diagnosed, because many of the symptoms mimic physical illness, such as sleep and appetite disturbances. Recognizing depression is the first step in treating it.
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Understanding and Treating Depression in Multiple Sclerosis is made possible through the funding support of The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey. The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey promotes health, well-being, and quality of life in New Jersey's communities. Priority areas include health and the arts.
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Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are now the first-line treatment of major depression. They work by increasing levels of serotonin in the brain. SSRIs include fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), paroxetine (Paxil, Asimia, Seroxat), fluvoxamine (Luvox), citalopram (Celexa, Cipramil), and escitalopram (Lexapro, Cipralex). There are no significant differences among SSRI brands in effectiveness for treating major depressive disorder, although individual drugs may have different side effects or benefits for specific patients. At this time, fluoxetine is the only one of these drugs to be approved for children over age 7 and adolescents.
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Copies of Understanding and Treating Depression in Multiple Sclerosis, as well as all of MSAA's publications, are currently available by contacting MSAA at (800) 532-7667, or by logging onto MSAA's website (http://www.msassociation.org/) and selecting "Publications." All of MSAA's publications may be ordered free of charge.
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