Daily Psychiatry

They think they don't need help, but reality shows that they are stuck and need help to get out. For some reason in America people work harder than other countries. For example take mothers; in other countries mothers stay home with kids and be a full time mom. In America only about 15% of moms stay at home. What does that tell you?? Lots of divorces, lots of problems, lots of heartbreakers. But when someone's moods and thoughts start to make daily life difficult, a psychiatrist can often help.

Psychiatrists are specially trained doctors who treat people with mental and emotional disorders. Their job is to help with your problems, but not solve them for you. They may suggest you the solutions but you have to figure out what is the best for you. Their job is not that hard, just listen but it is hard to get a degree or a license on it. Psychological and physical conditions are sometimes related. Some psychological disorders are associated with changes in brain chemistry, while others may be partly hereditary.

One thing that makes psychiatrists different from counselors and psychologists is that they are also medical doctors. When treating patient's psychiatrists consider biological factors as well as life events and stresses. They can order medical tests, prescribe medication, and have patients hospitalized if necessary. Psychiatrists treat many different kinds of problems. Some of the most common are depression, manic-depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and addictions. Other problems include schizophrenia and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Schizophrenics may suffer from paranoia, delusions, or hallucinations. People with obsessive-compulsive disorder feel compelled to perform time-consuming and disruptive rituals like washing their hands constantly or repeating certain phrases. To become a psychiatrist, you'll need to complete a bachelor's degree this assuming takes about four years and medical school. Most medical schools accept people from a range of academic backgrounds, including the humanities. However, completion of several key science courses is usually required. To get into medical school is very hard. Candidates have to put together all admission tests and see who has the highest score. Medical school then interviews those who were on their list.

For people to apply to medical school two years in a row before being accepted it is not uncommon. While in medical school, you pick electives preparing for psychiatry. After completing medical school, you are a doctor, but you still have to do a period of on-the-job training called a residency. The residency for psychiatrist is around four years. At the end of it, you have to pass license exam, which allows you to practice psychiatry in your state. Some psychiatrists choose to specialize in a sub-field, such as child and adolescent psychiatry or forensic psychiatry. Specialization requires an additional one to two years of training. Psychiatric work can be extremely rewarding.

When Depression is More Than a Bad Day

Blue, down, bummed out, sad, regretful, lost...

These are some of the words that come to mind when we talk about 'depression.' We've all experienced periods in our lives when we have felt saddened by events we've had no control over, disappointed by the outcome of something important to us, or deeply saddened by a loss. Usually this form of 'depression' has a fairly short life. We are able to find support and shift our view of the 'problem' enough that we eventually feel better. In the meantime we are generally functioning pretty well. We go to school, work, maintain our responsibilities, and our relationships are relatively unaffected by our "feelings." This form of depression is typically referred to as 'situational depression,' and like the name implies, is generally a short term, mild form of depression associated with a particular situation in our lives. However, there are some forms of depression that aren't easily understood or managed.

Bipolar I & Bipolar II: Also known as Manic Depressive Disorder, Bipolar I is typically characterized by episodes of extreme shifts in mood alternating from very high to very low. Alternations in mood can have a general pattern (e.g. 2 months depressed, 2 weeks manic), a seasonal pattern (e.g. depression worsens in winter months), or can be rapid cycling (e.g. mood changes daily, weekly, or monthly in rapid succession). High or elevated moods are referred to as Mania. Manic symptoms generally include an abnormally elevated mood, which may also include, feelings of elation, increased irritability, insomnia, grandiosity, rapid speech, racing thoughts, heightened sexual desires, increased energy, poor judgment, and at times inappropriate social behaviors. Depression can be mild to severe and include psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations or delusional thinking. Bipolar II includes alternating moods between Depression and symptoms of Hypomania. Hypomania is a less severe form of mania. Someone with Hypomania may experience elevations in mood without the same intensity as seen with Mania. Onset for Bipolar disorders is typically late adolescents/young adult hood (average age is 21 years old) with increases in occurrences over time. Bipolar disorders affect both men and women, and occur across all ethnicities. Family history of depression, bipolar disorders, and other mental health diagnoses is common among people with the disorder, however, there is no conclusive link between family history and the disorder. People with Bipolar disorder have an increased rate of substance abuse, which generally occurs in an effort to control or manage symptoms.

Cyclothymia: Similar to Bipolar Disorders, Cyclothymia is a chronic mood disorder characterized by numerous periods of depression and hypomanic symptoms. Cyclothymia differs from Bipolar in that symptoms are typically experienced without reprieve for at least two years.

Dysthymia: A person with Dysthymia will experience a low mood for more days than not for a period of at least two years. Low mood may include feelings of hopelessness, impaired cognitive functioning.( e.g. hard time concentrating, hard time in making decisions ), loss of appetite or overeating, low energy or fatigue, low self-esteem, and problems with sleep. (too much or too little sleep).

Major Depression: The severe form of Dysthymia, Major Depression can become disabling if not treated properly. Major depression is typically characterized by the same symptoms as Dysthymia with the added intensity as well as loss of motivation, loss of pleasure in things, feelings of worthlessness and guilt, recurrent thoughts of death or suicide.

Contributing Factors: Although there are no conclusive causes of Depression there are many contributing factors that play a role in the severity, duration, and frequency of the symptoms of depression. Contributing factors can also play a large role in overall treatment approach. A common factor in symptoms of depression is loss. Whether it's the loss of a loved one, a job, a beloved pet, moving to a new home, getting married, getting divorced; any major change/loss/transition can trigger symptoms of depression or worsen existing symptoms or disorders. The use of substances (drugs and alcohol) can affect mood significantly. Some people with childhood depression may begin using substances early on in an effort to control their moods/feelings. Conversely, some people who use substances may experience symptoms of depression as a result of the drugs natural effects on the brain and bodies functioning. It is very common for people who experience symptoms of depression to have a known family history of mental health issues. However, not all people who experience depression will have a family member with the same symptoms. Sometimes a person with depression may have a family history of anxiety or substance abuse. Typically people who experience symptoms of depression have poor coping skills; meaning that when events occur that trigger feelings of depression the person is often unable to access resources that support them. For example a person who experiences a negative event may withdraw from others and isolate. The more they isolate the more the symptoms of depression increase. Without support that helps the person cope with their feelings, over time the person may become reclusive and have difficulty leaving their homes. Sleep problems are a significant issue in all types of depression. Both in that lack of sleep can be a trigger for depression and symptoms of depression can lead to excessive sleepiness or general poor sleep hygiene. If you have problems with sleep it's important to rule out medical causes such as sleep apnea or mild seizure disorders. Poor nutrition is another important factor in mental health. Again working both as a result and a possible contributing factor to depression. People who are depressed tend to either overeat or under-eat. Typically eating comfort foods or imbalanced meals, or conversely not getting enough nutrients to support a healthy mind and body. Medical conditions including hormone irregularities (also postpartum), certain autoimmune disorders, certain neurological disorders, chronic pain disorders, and any other chronic health issues can contribute to symptoms of depression.

Ages & Stages: For certain disorders there are typical ages of onset. However it's important to note that general types of depression can present in A-typical ways at different age levels. In the most general terms for example, childhood depression may present as an overanxious child, a child who is clingy, has problems sleeping, seems hyperactive, or has more irritability than one might expect. Children with depression may not seem 'sad' but might have problems with concentration at school. They may be easily distracted and have difficulty following tasks. These symptoms can be similar ADHD. In adolescents depression may present with increased irritability, agitation, defiance, withdrawal/isolation, substance use, lack of motivation, lack of focus, loss of interest in things, frequent headaches, body aches, or general reports of not feeling well. In adulthood symptoms present in the most typical manner as described in the above definitions. In the elderly, depression is very common. In addition to the possibility of numerous medical conditions and treatments the elderly are often faced with loss and isolation. The elderly will typically present with depression that reflects great sadness and grief.

Treatments: In treating depression it is important to know what type of depression one is dealing with; as well as taking into account possible contributing factors, the age and typical developmental stage a person might be before taking the next step. Licensed counselors, psychologists, and psychiatrists are all qualified to make a mental health diagnosis. If the patient is a child or elderly person the evaluation should be completed by a person who specializes in those developmental stages. Counselors are typically equipped to provide therapeutic guidance for people with depression. In counseling one may learn new ways of seeing their problems, may develop improved coping skills, and may find relief in having some outside supports. Psychologists generally provide testing and assessments that can more accurately determine types and severity of mental health problems. In some states Psychologists may prescribe medications and provide counseling. Psychiatrists rarely provide counseling. Their role is to treat mental health symptoms medically - usually with psychotropic medications. A general rule of thumb in treating all forms of mental health issues include an increase in physical activity and improvement in nutritional health. There are also numerous alternative treatments; including acupuncture, amino acid/nutritional therapies, mediation, energy work such as Reiki, EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique), body work, and N.E. T. (Neuro-Emotional Technique).

If you, or someone you know is experiencing persistent or serious symptoms of depression there is help. Please consider getting a mental health evaluation and rule out any possible medical causes. Untreated depression can lead to long term health problems, substance abuse issues, and a life of pain. There is help and it is possible to heal from depression.

Lisa K. Jackson, MA, LPCC, NCC, CEP, CWK

Not All Whiplash Claims Will Lead To A Compensation - Here Is Why

What is whiplash? It's an injury to the soft tissue by jolting the head either backward (hypertension) or forward (hyperflexion), extending the neck suddenly. The pain can be immediate, or sometimes take a few days. If your head was turned to the side when injured, the injury can be worse.

The most common reason for whiplash claims is due to an accident on the road. Nearly 20% of people involved in road accidents sustain whiplash. The vehicle doesn't have to be driving fast to cause whiplash. In a survey performed in 2006, apparently it depends on your head and body's distance from the back/head rest. The closer the better as far as whiplash is concerned.

You can still make a whiplash claim even after other injuries occur such as a head injury as well as repetitive, long-term neck damage. There's no set time on whiplash recovery. It could take a long time. And if you've missed work, then you should be compensated for lost wages.

How do you know if you have whiplash? Well, through x-ray, but also by symptoms such as neck, arm, shoulder pain, dizziness, headache and even loss of memory, depression, ringing ears and trouble concentrating. See your doctor if you are unsure. Any doctors' bills accumulated due to your whiplash needs to be filed with your claim.

A National Accident Helpline exists where you can file a claim online, or chat with a professional if you have any questions.

What you need to know when filing a whiplash claim, and hence, keeping your claim from being denied:

• Do not fake an injury or an accident


• Don't overwork your body - it is important to rest, as whiplash can be quite painful if strained. Also, you may be accused of worsening the injury.


• Do not admit any liability - do not apologize or admit that you may have been at fault. If the other person was injured, you may be in a lot of trouble.


• Don't grab a witness that was not at the scene of the accident. His or her story may not match up with yours. Then, your claim will be immediately denied.

It is hard to calculate a figure when talking about whiplash claims. Here's what you need to know:

• Know your injury's severity - this goes along with lost wages. The severity often decides how slow or fast the claim will move.


• Were you at fault-you need to know this


• Where was the accident located - good to know to find out the city, state or even countries rules for whiplash compensation.


• Your quality of life after the injury


• Your attorney's experience - especially if he or she specializes in whiplash claims, can make or break the claim.

Menopause Depression Symptoms - Understanding And Overcoming Menopause Depression

Menopause can cause depression because of a hormonal imbalance in the system which causes a chemical reaction in the brain. Many menopausal women complain of merely going through the motions of living, and having lost their enthusiasm for anything they used to do. All of us experience sadness or depressed feelings once in a while, but if you become constantly mired in the symptoms, it's time to do something about it.

The hormonal imbalance causing your depression during menopause is absolutely a physical occurrence and can be controlled by providing your body with what it needs to restore balance and end the feelings of sadness. Menopause depression is often diagnosed as clinical depression and treated with antidepressants. This type of medication does help lessen menopause depression symptoms, but it isn't getting to the root cause of the depression - hormonal imbalance.

To restore balance to your system naturally, you can begin a regimen of essential nutrients and vitamin supplements based on your symptoms. Diet and exercise are very important ingredients in this formula to success when dealing with menopause depression symptoms. Exercise helps support healthy neurotransmitter and mental functions and a healthy diet is vital to your overall health and well-being.

A program that deals with natural supplements can help restore your body with estrogen and progesterone without having to resort to the possibly harmful side effects of Hormone Replacement Therapy. A great, tailored program to fit your needs would include endocrine support based on balancing estrogen and progesterone.

During menopause, it's a good idea to factor in mental support to help fight depression. Learn how to reduce stress and anxiety in your life and support yourself by taking time to do something just for you. slow down a bit from your normal pace and meditate by listening to music you love, reading that book that you never seem to get around to - or anything that helps you relax.

It's also a good time to face those unresolved problems that keep you agitated. Is there a relationship in your life that you're not pleased with? Develop a plan to deal with it. Are you unhappy in your job or chosen career path? Make plans now to change it. Dealing with niggling problems in your life in a positive way will help you feel good about yourself.

Menopause is a time in your life when dealing with "toxic stress" becomes mandatory. Toxic stress can cause menopause depression symptoms and occurs in women who have excess demands place on them at a time when they should be slowing down. This type of stress could include difficulties at work, running a home efficiently and sometimes the added factor of dealing with aging parents.

Manic Depression - How to Recognize it?

Manic depression is a common psychiatric disorder of the modern world. It causes a number of major changes and disruptions in physical health and lifestyle of a person. Manic depression is more popularly known as Bipolar disorder.

Mood swings is a very common characteristic of person suffering from bipolar disorder. People with Bipolar disorder can be sad and hopeless but sometimes they are on the top of the world. In Bipolar disorder mood of a person swings between 2 opposite poles - extreme happiness and extreme sadness.

Persons with Bipolar disorder generally face a mixed state. It means that they can face the symptoms of both mania and depression. Manic depression manifests cycles of mood swings. In between these cycles affected persons lead their life very normally. Manic depression can lead to financial, marital and family problems. It can generate suicidal thoughts too. It can also lead to aggressive behavior in a person. In order to treat their problem some people turn to drugs and alcohol abuse.

Generally signs of manic depression start appearing in late twenties. That's why sometimes it is considered as normal teenage behavior. At the age of 25-40, symptoms become obvious and can be recognized easily.

There is no racial boundary for this disease. Both men and women can suffer from depression. Depression is a long term disease. But it can be treated with early diagnosis and proper treatment.

If you or your loved one is going through some of the above symptoms then it is a smart idea to visit a Psychiatrist as Early as possible.

What Withdrawal Symptoms Depression Patients may have when Discontinuing the Latest SSRI Drug

WITHDRAWAL symptoms have posed one problem common to almost all potent anti-depressants. The newsest of such drugs, Lexapro, is no exception. Though Lexapro's side-effects during treatment are usually mild and manageable, its withdrawal symptoms can be severe, particularly if treatment is stopped abruptly instead of tapering off.

Withdrawal symptoms can occur even if a dosage is missed since the body 'assumes' that the treatment has been withdrawn. Withdrawal symptoms have been seen to occur within eight hours of a missed dosage, regardless of the quantity of the dosage.

While Lexapro fares better than most other anti-depressants in the intensity of withdrawal symptoms, there are a few drugs whose withdrawal symptoms are even milder than Lexapro's though slower in their therapeutic action.

More than 50 different symptoms have been reported with antidepressant withdrawal. These include:

• Dizziness


• Nausea,


• Fatigue,


• Headache,


• Gait instability and


• Insomnia

Why withdrawal symptoms: Withdrawal symptoms are considered normal with antidepressants that have a short half-life. A half-life is the amount of time it takes for half the quantity of drug to clear from your body. Drugs such as Effexor, tricyclics, MAOIs and many other SSRIs including Lexapro are cleared relatively quickly from the body, hence they cause withdrawal symptoms. But, Prozac causes the least amount of withdrawal symptoms because it has a long half-life of two to four days. Important information about withdrawal symptoms of anti-depressants: Not all Lexapro users suffer severe withdrawal symptoms. Those who do, suffer it for a week to two months. In contrast:

• 
  Effexor withdrawal symptoms are seen in almost 80% of users and the symptoms quite often last more than two months.

• 
  Paxil withdrawal symptoms are seen in over 50% of users.
  

• 
  Deprex is a natural alternative for treatment of depression. It is slower to act, but it does act and that too without the side-effects or withdrawal symptoms seen with Lexapro and other anti-depressants.
  

• 
  Prozac causes the least amount of withdrawal symptoms due to its long half-life of two to four days.
  

• 
  Serzone, Wellbutrin and Remeron are the newer anti-depressants and rarely give rise to withdrawal symptoms.
  

Lexapro withdrawal symptoms are usually tolerable if the treatment is tapered off instead of being abruptly stopped. Always get a tapering program from your doctor instead of devising one yourself.

Relieving Depression from the Inside

Everybody gets down or feels blue from time to time. It's a natural thing. But others get truly and seriously depressed - unable to cope with day-to-day life or to live their lives in anything resembling a normal fashion.

Depression comes in many forms, and affects more than 18 million American adults each year. Over a million preschoolers have currently been diagnosed as clinically depressed. 15% of most developed countries suffer from severe depression, and 30% of women suffer from depression - and 41% of those won't seek treatment. In fact, 80% of the people who are now suffering from any form of depression are not currently being treated. Many simply don't recognize the signs.

Experts report that depression will be the second biggest killer in the United States by the year 2020 and 15% of people with depression currently commit suicide each year.

While the condition of depression has received more awareness and understanding, the treatment for depression hasn't improved very much. There have been many new drugs introduced to the market place to treat depression, but he side affects are often worse or more serious than the depression! In fact, there seem to be just as many lawsuits against the makers of these drugs as there are drugs!

While everybody agrees that depression must be treated, the method of treatment has not been entirely agreed upon. Only recently has it been acknowledged that depression causes more than mental pain - it also causes physical pain. Some experts believe depression should be treated with medication. Other's lean towards therapy and counseling. Some believe that sufferers need both medication and counseling.

In spite of all of this, more and more people are suffering from depression each year. The problem is not going away - it's getting bigger and there are still no viable solutions in sight.

What many people, including health care professionals, rarely stop to consider is what is causing the depression. Instead of focusing on the cause, they only want to find relief. Unfortunately, finding the cause is often part of finding relief, especially when it comes to depression.

Some depression is caused by life events, and this type of depression usually passes untreated - because it's natural. For instance, when there is a death in the family, the surviving members of that family may experience a period of depression and grief. When one loses a job, they may be down until they find a new job. Again, this is depression that is perfectly natural and normal, as long as the feelings of depression don't linger on or become too severe.

Other types of depression are caused by chemical imbalances in the brain. Too much or too little production of serotonin in the brain causes one to feel depressed. People who work the graveyard shift often experience depression simply because they are not getting enough sunshine - which produces serotonin.

What many people don't realize is that toxins in the body can also cause depression. Those toxins make you not feel well - or not feel 'quite right.' You obviously aren't sick, and you have no reason to feel depressed - but you aren't sleeping well, your energy isn't what it should be, and you may even have aches and pains. No matter what you do, those feelings persist. Depression is imminent!

Antioxidants, which detoxify the body and cleanse the cells, have proven to also be natural anti-depressants - with no side effects.

Severe depression should be treated by a doctor. Even mild depression may need treatment. But consider using an antioxidant as well to see how you feel, and also get the counseling that should be recommended to see what the underlying cause of your depression is.