Treatment Of Anxiety And Depression With Prescription Medications - The Pros And Cons

Have you recently been diagnosed with anxiety or depression? Have you and your doctor been considering prescription medications as treatment for anxiety and depression? The decision to use prescription drugs is largely a personal choice. It's important to weigh all of the options before deciding to use prescription medications, or avoid them all together.

Treatment for anxiety and depression can come in many forms. Often a combination of treatment options brings you the best results. For example, therapy, prescription medications, and alternative treatment options all have their positives and negatives. Again, such a combination might be the best solution for you.

The thought that a pill a day keeps anxiety and depression away may be a tempting marketing slogan. Although prescription medications can have positive results, they typically will not alleviate all symptoms associated with anxiety and depression.

What are some of the "cons?"

Realistically, prescription drugs take time. It can take four weeks or more for the medication to reach its full potential. In other words, it takes that long for the patient to feel the full effect of the medication. Furthermore, finding just the right medication, or combination of medications, is not usually accomplished on the first attempt.

The process of finding the proper dosage can be a series of trial and error before your doctor finds the treatment that works best for you.

But before taking a new medication as treatment for anxiety and depression, educate yourself about potential side effects. Antidepressant medications typically have a number of potential side effects.

And some patients find these side effects are significant enough that they stop taking the medication. Symptoms can vary from person to person. Severity can be as serious as suicidal tendencies, or as mild as dry mouth.

On the "pro" side, cognitive therapy seems to have a higher success rate for patients as treatment for anxiety and depression than medication alone on a long-term basis. For this reason, patients may choose to create a treatment plan that couples therapy and medication for even greater results.

The medication can help to provide quicker results, but the therapy will be the catalyst that brings relief on a more permanent basis. Only you and your doctor can decide together what treatment options are best for you.

When the right balance of prescription medications and other treatment options is used, patients often feel a great sense of relief, joy, and overall improvement in their lives. Proper treatment can make all the difference in the world.

There's no single right or wrong answer when it comes to the personal decision you're trying to make about your treatment for anxiety and depression. Create a plan with your doctor and recognize that it's a guideline for progress. Should you change your mind at a later time about your treatment options, that's acceptable and quite common.

And please, always speak to your doctor before beginning or ceasing a new treatment for anxiety and depression. Only you and your doctor know what's best for your specific circumstances.

Depression in Dogs - Reasons Why Dogs Can Get Depressed

Depression is a mayor health problem in people but dogs may get depressed too. There are seven key reasons for a dog to get depressed.

Depression is a symptom that something is really going wrong in the life of a dog.

Most often it is a sign that the dogs basic needs are not being met.

His needs to be in the company of those he loves maybe compromised if he loses a close companion which can be another dog or a primary human being.

Deep grief and sadness may follow such loss and the dog will need some time to get over the experience.

His vital need to be with his family maybe frustrated if he is shut away in a crate most of the time. He will suffer because he feels lonely and abandoned and thus may become depressive.

Since dogs bond with their owners at a very deep level they are affected by their owners emotional state. So much so that if his owner feels depressed and sad over a period of time his dog may also become depressed and unhappy.

Depression may be the aftermath of a traumatic life experience. If a dog has a history of neglect, abuse and abandonment he will most likely suffer from deep depression.

Depression occurs when an individual has to put up with adverse life conditions he or she can not avoid. In order to cope and survive the animal will distance himself from his environment and withdraw from it as much as possible.

Apart from those psychological reasons a dog may also show signs of depression if he is in constant pain due to an illness, as a result of nutritional deficiency or due to a malfunction of his thyroid gland.

Depression and Small Business

Sometimes it will just creep up on you and it can be self induced or maybe it can slam you upside the head. I am talking about being depressed as a small business owner. Have you ever felt like it is you against the world? Do you sometimes get the sense that no matter what you do, it will be wrong? Welcome to the world of a small business owner. You are not alone and yes, misery does love company, your company.

After a few days of success and good motivation, you get tired or lazy or just lose focus. Maybe it is caused by an account that went to the competition or a sale you knew you were going to get, and then lost. After such events you can find yourself wasting the day doing busy work or no work, and bingo, you are there, in a state of stupor and maybe you start to binge on food or drink that is not good for you. This makes you feel lousy, physically, and now you are in the cycle, sometimes known as depression.

I am not a psychologist, but I have been depressed or "out of sorts" enough to know when I am there. I don't always know how I got there and I don't always know how to get out of it and back to "normal"; but it is a real phenomenon which can affect you, those around you and the health of your business.

Once you have slipped into this state of "who knows where you are", you must not stay there long and you need to find a way out, as soon as possible. There are probably as many ways to get out of this depressed condition as there are to becoming depressed. Somehow you have to break out of the cycle. It may not easy and sometimes it takes longer than you hope, but you can get yourself out.

I am not a big fan of drugs, and I am not really talking about clinical depression, so please don't get me wrong. That is a much different subject and better left to the professionals. What I am talking about, is being in low spirits, out of sorts, just not yourself, in a bit of a fog and those kinds of feelings.

My suggestions to get out of the cycle and back on top of the world are several, but certainly not a complete list. What gets you out today, may not work next month, etc. So here goes.

Go for a walk or a run. Take a baseball bat and hit a tree until you can't swing it any longer. Take a nap. Watch your favorite movie. Eat a wonderful meal at a great restaurant. Take a drive. Spend time with your best friend. Confide in your lawyer or accountant or business partner or school teacher or clergy or someone you don't even know. Volunteer at a shelter or help a neighbor with a project. Sit down by yourself and ponder where you are, where you want to go and how you are going to get there.

The list can go on and on but the idea is this; find a way to break the cycle of your little tantrum and get back to business. Your business needs you, as do your employees and customers. You can do it. I have. Good luck.

Use Effective Herbs to Reduce Depression Naturally

Depression is a common psychological disorder of the emotional balance of the person. It is thought that depression may begin because of biochemical cerebration disorder, which is inherited. People who are sick with serious somatic diseases, have a long as well very stressful time or ones who are after psychological trauma is at the risk to get ill easier.

Depression occurs more for women than for men. For example, postnatal or menopause depression may occur sometimes.

This disease has clear symptoms. The first signs are a sad, melancholic mood which lasts for long and lack of energy, also pessimism. Nothing brings happiness and joy to that person. All the things which were important and delightful before, do not seem to have a meaning anymore. The other symptom is sleep disorders; patient either may over sleep or have difficulties to fall asleep at all. Eating disorders also are a serious sign of depression. Patient cannot concentrate, feels worried most of the time, thinks about death and suicide. Have in mind, if these symptoms or a few of them lasts for more than two weeks; you should visit your doctor.

Useful herbs: First of all, if you feel the signs of depression, visit your doctor. It is a serious disease and needs to be treated in a right way, so do not wait. Usually, depression is cured with various therapies and medicines (antidepressants). Sometimes it may get into a habit, so probably you will not be able to take them for long. If you want to try something more natural, herbal remedies are the right solution, which may brighten your mood or resume the treatment.

1. Black Hellebore: It is also known as Christmas rose. Juice and rhizome are poisonous in very big quantities, so you need to use it wisely, in very little amounts. It will improve the mood and also control the mania which sometimes occurs as a symptom of one of the types of depression.

2. Ginger: If you want to feel better, try ginger as it works like an antidepressant. It has been used for long and helped many people. Just be careful, cause big amounts of ginger may cause a heartburn.

3. Siberian Ginseng: It improves the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain, which are very important. Siberian ginseng is believed to improve immune system. Also it is beneficial because it improves concentration. Other things, people who are sick with diabetes can balance their sugar levels in the blood.

4. Ginkgo Biloba: Try to use this herb, it is very useful. Ginkgo biloba improves concentration, and memory. It relieves negative mood and feelings like anger, sadness, guilt, anxiety, irritation, etc. Other good things is that this herb improves blood flow in the whole body and makes a person active.

Other valuable herbs are borage, purslane, rosemary, clove, basil and others. Also try to use them for the best results.

In order not to get sick with depression; do not abuse alcohol, eat healthy food, be sure your diet is well-balanced, get enough sleep, avoid stress, be active and communicative, do the things you like, spend enough time in the open air.

5 Common Signs of Thyroid Problems

The thyroid gland plays an important role in our body. It is important that we take the time to learn how take good care of it to prevent it from suffering from any form of disease. But how will we know if there is already a problem with our thyroid? What are the signs or symptoms that are visible for us to see if our gland has a problem?

There are a variety of symptoms that we can experience that can be related to disease in our gland. But there are five common signs or symptoms that can give you clues on problems with your thyroid gland

1. Fatigue - the most common symptoms for problems with the thyroid gland is fatigue. Since the gland regulates our energy level, there is a chance that it is acting up when we always feel tired or lack energy. Thyroid diseases that have fatigue as a symptom are Hypothyroidism, Thyroid Nodules, Hashimoto's Disease, and Postpartum Thyroiditis.

2. Weight Change - weight gain or weight loss can also be associated with thyroid problem. Our metabolism is also regulated by our gland, so any sudden gain or loss in weight can be attributed to a problem with it. The thyroid disease that are associated with this symptom are Hypothyroidism, Thyroid Nodules, Hashimoto's dDsease, Graves' Disease, and Silent Thyroiditis.

3. Depression and anxiety - Feeling depressed or having an anxiety disorder are also symptoms of thyroid disorder. Depression is usually a sign of Hypothyroidism, Thyroid Nodules, Hashimoto's Disease, and Postpartum Thyroiditis. On the other hand, anxiety is a sign of Hyperthyroidism, Thyroid Nodules, Hashimoto's Disease, Graves' Disease and Silent Thyroiditis.

4. Cholesterol Issues - cholesterol issues that is not responsive to diet, exercise, or medication is a symptom of the problem. Having high cholesterol is associated with Hypothyroidism, Thyroid Nodules, Hashimoto's Disease, and Postpartum Thyroiditis. While having low cholesterol is associated with Hyperthyroidism, Thyroid Nodules, Hashimoto's Disease, Graves' Disease and Silent Thyroiditis.

5. Neck Discomfort or Enlargement - swelling or discomfort of the neck, hoarse voice, having a hard time swallowing, and enlarged thyroid are also signs of problems. Having this symptom can be a sign for Thyroid Cancer, Goiter, Thyroid Nodules, and all varieties of thyroditis (Hashimoto, De Quervain, Silent, Reidel and Postpartum).

These are just some of the most common symptoms that you're experiencing problems with your thyroid gland. If you experience any or all of these signs, it is important that you get yourself checked with a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.

How to Help the Elderly With Depression

As our parents age, we watch them lose their health, their friends and abilities. We may wonder or think that our aging parents or an elderly friend may be depressed but you may not be sure and if they were depressed, what would you do?

After writing several articles and a book on depression in the elderly, I wanted to bring this very important issue out into the light. To often are our senior adults not diagnosed when depression occurs, let alone corrective measures taken.

The following will give you the key facts and ideas on ways to identify the possible causes and treatments of depression, so your aging parent can again live a quality life.

Risk Factors for Depression in the Elderly:

Being female
Having a family history of depression
Being unmarried, especially widowed
Lack of supportive social network - family, friends, caregivers
Stressful life events - such as moving, loss of someone, etc.
Physical conditions like; stroke, hypertension, diabetes, cancer, and dementia
Certain medicines or combinations of medications
Fear of death
Damage to body image. This can be an actual physical loss such as a foot due to diabetes or loss of eye sight. But often it is the personal view of not being able to get around easily anymore, hand shaking making doing things difficult, loss of strength, loss of being perceived as attractive or handsome. Changes in skin, hair color, loss of teeth, loss of hearing, loss of some memory or conversational skill.
Past suicide attempt
Substance abuse
Previous history of depression
Living alone
Social isolation
Lack of interest in personal care (skipping meals, forgetting medications, neglecting personal hygiene)

Possible Causes of Depression:

Life changes, such as death of a spouse, moving from their home to another place, etc.
Being alone and without a strong support system
Medical problems
Losses: loss of independence, loss of mobility, health, career, can no longer do a hobby once enjoyed or other interest.
Loneliness and isolation from dwindling social circle due to deaths or relocations.
Decrease mobility due to illness or loss of driving privileges.
Reduced sense of purpose - a person still needs to feel that they are contributing and needed.
Health problems such as illness or disability, chronic and severe pain, cognitive decline, damage to the body image due to surgery or disease.
Fears - fear of death or dying, anxiety over financial problems (real or perceived) or health issues.
Medications can trigger or exacerbate depression.
Death of a long term spouse or partner is severely traumatic.
Frustration with memory loss
Changes within the family - it could be the death of a sister or brother, a child, an adult child, etc.
Moving to a new home and not adapting to it.
Drugs and substance abuse - this is more of problem than most people realize.
Frequent stomachaches or headaches.
Tired and sluggish - tired of feeling like this.

Treatment for Depression in the Elderly:

Self-help Options May Include (a family member, friend or caregiver can help):

o Getting out into the world - Try not to stay cooped up at home all day. Go to the park, take a trip to the hairdresser, or have lunch with a friend.
o Connecting to others - Limit the time you're alone. If you can't get out to socialize, invite loved ones to visit you, or keep in touch over the phone or email.
o Participating in activities you enjoy - Pursue whatever hobbies or pastimes bring or used to bring you joy.
o Volunteering your time - Helping others is one of the best ways to feel better about yourself and regain perspective.
o Taking care of a pet - Get a pet to keep you company.
o Learning a new skill - Pick something that you've always wanted to learn, or that sparks your imagination and creativity.
o Enjoying jokes and stories - Laughter provides a mood boost, so swap humorous stories and jokes with your loved ones, watch a comedy, or read a funny book.
o Maintaining a healthy diet - Avoid eating too much sugar and junk food. Choose healthy foods that provide nourishment and energy, and take a daily multivitamin.
o Exercising - Even if you're ill, frail, or disabled, there are many safe exercises you can do to build your strength and boost your mood-even from a chair or wheelchair
o Emotional support with patience and compassion. Don't criticize feelings that are expressed.
o Someone to go to doctor appointment with and to help advocate.
o Someone to make sure appointments are kept, that medications are taken, that doctor's recommendations are followed and that a healthy diet is consumed.

Traditional Medical Treatment Options (not all inclusive and seek professional advice):

* Prescription medications, such as SSRIs
* Cognitive Counseling
* Support Groups
* Supportive Counseling; includes religious and peer counseling
* Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

Natural Treatment Options (not all inclusive and seek professional advice):

- St. John's Wart - cannot be taken with anti-depressants
- 5-HTP - cannot be taken with anti-depressants
- SAMe - can be taken alone or with anti-depressants to lower the dosage required.
- Increase Omega-3 in diet
- Take a quality multi-vitamin
- Self-talk programs that are listened to in the back ground and can be used to help in a variety of areas beside depression. They help you 'talk' to yourself in a more positive manner. You can even listen to them while you sleep.
- Keep a Mood Diary and look at what and when you have moments of depression or symptoms of sadness and why.
- Magnetic Therapy
- Acupuncture
- Aroma Therapy
- Color Therapy
- Homeopathy
- Health Touch and Therapeutic Touch
- Different types of Energy Medicine

If you suspect your loved one is depressed and would benefit from some form of treatment, see a professional to evaluate the severity of the depression and to make sure it is depression and not a medical reason causing depression and to determine which is the best form of treatment. There are several senior adult information websites that can give you some information but The Practical Expert is the only coaching specialist on elderly parent issues. Getting some assistance, from whatever professional source, can make the process of dealing with a depressed elderly person easier, less time consuming and be more likely to bring about a positive outcome.

Depression in the elderly is severely under diagnosed and useful information is not that readily available to help caregivers and family members in order to be helpful. That has now changed, just because you have read this article, you can now help a senior adult live a fuller life.

(As with all health products and making any changes to your usual health care regiment, check with your doctor first. Natural supplement products and statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The provided information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.)

Manic Depression Bipolar Disorder - Interesting and Helpful Facts About the Manic Signs

I looked up mania in the dictionary and I didn't like what I saw. You can look it up too when you have the chance - it's right after madness and just before stupidity. Specifically, one dictionary I looked at referred to it as "A mood disorder; an affective disorder in which the victim tends to respond excessively and sometimes violently".

It is easy to read about bipolar disorder and learn how it is called the manic-depressive illness that levers you between phases of mania and depression at all kinds of indeterminate intervals. Sometimes you get the chance to function normally in between; sometimes you don't. However, I don't know if you have ever actually met someone in that condition before - someone who was actually being manic or depressive at a time when you were speaking with them. It is not a pleasant experience, I tell you. I'd like us to look at the mania for a moment.

Mania is obsession, and excessive and intense interest in someone or something, some kind of enthusiasm. But that is putting it mildly. Mania in the psychotic form is actually a psychiatric disorder characterized by excessive physical activity, rapidly changing ideas, and impulsive behavior. I'll help you understand: when you are manic, you are excited and enthusiastic, but you are never able to touch down on any one interest for any reasonable length of time.

Also, mania is an abnormal mental state that is characterized by an elevated irritable mood that is touched by self-importance, racing thoughts and hyperactivity. Did I mention a feeling of intoxication with you and with life? Or, are you manipulating people, spending money indiscriminately and pursuing sexual adventure to almost no end? And that is only the tip of the iceberg.