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Depression: Treatments
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The findings from a new study lend further support to the "circadian phase-shift hypothesis" as the basis for winter depression... known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD). According to the phase-shift hypothesis, the authors explain, SAD is caused, at least in part, from a mismatch between circadian rhythms related to the sleep/wake cycle and rhythms more closely associated with the body's own "circadian pacemaker." For most patients with SAD, depression occurs in winter because of the late sunrise, "causing their circadian rhythms to delay with respect to clock time and with respect to the sleep/wake cycle." r. Alfred J. Lewy, from Oregon Health and Science University in Portland, tested the hypothesis by giving low-dose melatonin or placebo to 68 patients with SAD. If the phase-shift hypothesis were correct, giving melatonin in the afternoon to the typical SAD patient would cause a shift in their wake cycle to earlier in the day, resulting in an improved mood. By contrast, giving melatonin or placebo in the morning would not be expected to improve mood. The authors found that a low dose of melatonin could be given safely to the subjects and did not cause sleepiness. As anticipated, in typical SAD patients, treatment with melatonin in the afternoon worked best at alleviating their depression.
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"Depression is a significant problem among adolescents, and frequently goes under-recognized and under-treated in this age group. These data support that LEXAPRO has potential as an effective treatment option for adolescents with depression," said Ivan Gergel, M.D., Senior Vice President of Scientific Affairs and President of the Forest Research Institute.
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There are approximately 20 antidepressants currently available and approved for the treatment of depression. Antidepressants are generally classified by the chemical properties of the drug and the way in which they are thought to work. Groups of medication your doctor may refer to include: Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) or Monamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs). Some clinicians may refer to medications discovered in the last 10 to 15 years as "new" medications and those medications which have been available in the last 30 years as "older" medication. Like shoe sizes, not every medication is the right fit for every individual; a medication that worked well for a friend may not be the best match for you.
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Medication to treat depression keeps getting better. The medications available today for the treatment of depression are generally more effective and faster-acting than their predecessors, they have fewer and less disruptive side effects, and they're not habit-forming. Most fall into four groups: heterocyclics, serotonin reuptake blockers, MAO inhibitors, and lithium. And newer medications are coming on line every month. Here are some suggestions that will help your doctor find the best medication for you:
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Depression may occur only once in a person's life. Often... it occurs as repeated episodes over a lifetime, with periods free of depression in between. Or it may be a chronic condition, requiring ongoing treatment over a lifetime.
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About the Award Categories * Lifetime Achievement: Any individual whose perseverance has helped him or her overcome clinical depression and resume a fulfilling life is eligible. This person serves as an inspiration to consumers and healthcare professionals alike, offering hope that depression is treatable and obstacles to recovery can be overcome. (Award level: $15,000) * Destigmatization: Any individual whose noteworthy public efforts have helped promote the understanding of depression and reduce the shame and guilt associated with the illness. (Award level: $10,000) * Community Service: Any individual whose outstanding work creating and improving community programs fosters a supportive, caring environment for those suffering from depression. (Award level: $10,000) * Primary Care: Any healthcare professional - psychologists, physicians, social workers or nurses - whose unique approach to identifying particular needs in depression diagnosis and treatment serves as an example to others. (Award level: $10,000) * Psychiatry: Any psychiatrist who transcends the profession through community work, innovative clinical programs, teaching, new research, outstanding work with patients, or who makes a significant impact on the community or other medical disciplines.
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