Depression Treatment

The American Psychiatric Association estimates that 80 to 90 percent of all Depression can be treated. The first step is an accurate diagnosis. Along with a physical and lab tests to rule out causes such as reduced thyroid activity, a complete psychiatric history…

Is It Clinical Depression or Sadness?

Although Depression is often thought of a being an extreme state of sadness, there is a vast difference between clinical Depression and sadness. Sadness is a part of being human, a natural reaction to painful circumstances. All of us will experience sadness…

First Person Description of Major Depression

It takes the greatest effort to get out of bed in the morning.
I am tired all day, yet when night comes, sleep evades me.
I stare at the ceiling, wondering what has happened to my
life, and…

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI)

Whenever an adolescent attempts or commits suicide there is always the question of “Why?”
Parents should be aware that depressed children 18 and under are at an increased risk of suicide when prescribed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI’s). SSRI’s are a class…

Signs & Symptoms of Early Pregnancy

Morning Sickness

This lovely affliction affects many pregnant women, but by no means all. It’s estimated that only 50% of women will experience morning sickness.

It is not very well named either. Any variation of sickness is applicable. Some women are sick…

Ectopic pregnancy

Although the incidence of ectopic pregnancy has increased during the past 30 years, early diagnosis and treatment have reduced the death rate by 90 percent. The development of sensitive urine and blood pregnancy tests, along with vaginal ultrasound, result in early diagnosis. Despite improved diagnostic methods,…

What Happens in the Depressed Brain?

You’ve probably probably heard the term “neurotransmitter” before, but what does this really mean? Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers within the brain that facilitate communication between nerve cells. Let’s illustrate with serotonin. Figure 1 depicts the junction between two nerve cells.

Packets of serotonin molecules…

Antidepressant Classes

There are three basic molecules, known chemically as monoamines, which are thought to play a role in mood regulation:  norepinephrine, serotonin and dopamine.  Antidepressants are categorized by how they affect these chemicals.  The following are the major classes of antidepressants.

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors - Full Story - »»»