Thursday, September 26, 2013

Clinical Depression and Brain Functions


Clinical depression is real. It is a very common illness that afflicts thousands of people. Unfortunately, many do not take it seriously.

Remember that having clinical depression is not the same as feeling sad or grieving. It is not a character flaw or a sign of weakness. It is an illness, and it can be fatal. Clinical depression in men is considered a silent killer. It is one of the top reasons why men commit suicide.

Clinical depression and brain chemicals

It was originally believed that clinical depression was actually caused by a chemically imbalanced brain. Studies showed that by altering monoamine neurotransmitter levels, depressive symptoms started to show. Antidepressant drugs like serotonin and norepinephrine have been developed to help medicate depression. These drugs increase the level of neurotransmitters. Very little material is available about how the antidepressant drugs remedy the condition, but it has been proved that this medication is able to relieve some of the symptoms of depression effectively.

It is believed that clinical depression is in the genes, which are hereditary. Some medical illnesses, including cardiovascular pathologies, hepatitis, mononucleosis, hypothyroidism, and organic brain damage may also cause this condition.

Low self-esteem or a distorted outlook on life can also lead to depression. Traumatic experiences as a child like the death of a parent, abandonment or rejection, neglect, chronic illness, or sexual abuse can all contribute to depression. There are more conditions that can trigger this mental illness.

Other treatments for clinical depression can by as simple as counseling from a psychiatrist or from friends and family, or undergoing psychotherapy in graver cases. Outside of medical treatments, the biggest help for a person suffering from clinical depression is constant love and care.

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