Depression and Treatment: Antidepressant Medication

991 Words2 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: The effectiveness of antidepressants for depression essay

Depression is a manageable, medical condition, which is characterized by moods and feelings (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare [AIHW], 2013a). Depression can affect the quality of life that a person experiences and is believed to be connected to cognitive impairments (AIHW, 2013a). Symptoms of depression can be improved through medication and non-medication interventions and treatments (AIHW, 2013a). In Australia, depression still remain the second leading cause of disability Between the years 2011 and 20012, depression was one of the three most frequently managed mental health conditions (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare [AIHW], 2013b).

Our brains contain billions of neurons, which are essential for communication through the brain (Wasserman, 2011). Messages that are communicated through neurons are call neurotransmitters, which include amino acids (Wasserman, 2011). The neurotransmitters in ours brain affects our emotions, which is why it is connected to depression (Wasserman, 2011). These neurotransmitters include noradrenaline, dopamine and serotonin (Wasserman, 2011). Noradrenaline regulates anxiety and mood levels, which may lead to depression when a person is experiencing stress (Wasserman, 2011). Dopamine is involved in mental activity (Wasserman, 2011). When there is low dopaminergic activity, and individual may find it difficult to feel as if they are getting pleasure out of life (Wasserman, 2011). When there is too much dopaminergic activity, individuals get excited and want change in everything in their lives (Wasserman, 2011). Serotonin affects hormone secretion, which affects an individual’s moods (Wasserman, 2011). When an individual does not have enough serotonin, they get aggressive and compet...

... middle of paper ...

.../WorkArea/DownloadAsset.aspx?id=60129544771

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2013b). Mental Health Services in brief. Cat. No. HSE

141. Canberra: AIHW. Retrieved from https://www.aihw.gov.au/WorkArea/DownloadAsset.aspx?id=60129544723

Coleman, L.H. (2012). Depression: A Guide for the Newly Diagnosed. The New Harbinger Guides for the Newly Diagnosed Series, (pp. 178). Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications. Retreived from http://link.library.curtin.edu.au/p?pid=CUR_ALMA51102590320001951

Nolen-Hoeksema, S. & Hilt, L.M. (2013). Handbook of Depression in Adolescents (pp. 727). Hoboken: Taylor and Francis. Retrieved from http://link.library.curtin.edu.au/p?pid=CUR_ALMA51105776920001951

Wasserman, D. (2011). (2nd Ed.). Depression. The Facts. Oxford: OUP Oxford. Retrived from

http://link.library.curtin.edu.au/p?pid=CUR_ALMA51111809660001951

Show More
Related

  • Disorders and Treatments for Depression

    1435 Words  | 3 Pages

    Williamson, J. S. (2008). Depression. Phi Kappa Phi Forum, 88(1), 18-18, 24. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com.library.capella.edu/docview/235187495?accountid=27965

    Read More

  • The Overachievers: The Secret Lives of Driven Kids

    894 Words  | 2 Pages

    Lewinsohn, P.M., Hops, H., Roberts, R.E., Seeley, J.R. & Andrews, J.A. (1993). Adolescent psychopathology: I. Prevalence and incident of depression and other dsm-iii-r disorders in high school students. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 102(1), 133-144.

    Read More

  • Research Proposal On Antidepressants

    1051 Words  | 3 Pages

    Introduction: For my research project I would like to explore the effectiveness of antidepressant drugs. Antidepressant drugs are used are used to treat major depression and other conditions, some of which include anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, chronic pain and other disorders. Around the world antidepressants are used to cure these types of mental illnesses. It is argued by both medical professionals and other people whether or not they believe that antidepressants work. According to Mayo Clinic one in ten Americans take an antidepressant. Today, antidepressants have became the most common way around the world to treat major depression

    Read More

  • The PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire) to Detect and Measure Depression

    1037 Words  | 3 Pages

    Depression is a mood disorder affecting the way an individual feels, thinks, behaves and can affect social and occupational functioning (Canadian Medical Association CMA, 2013). Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), 2002 reports approximately 8% of Canadian adults will experience major depression at some time in their lives and that it is the leading cause of years lived with disability worldwide. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) was chosen for this critique to improve knowledge and understanding of this tool for practicing and new clinicians working in Primary Care. The goal is to increase confidence in utilizing the PHQ-9, increase diagnostic and monitoring accuracy, and ultimately to improve health outcomes.

    Read More

  • The Monoamine Theory: The Biological Theory Of Depression

    835 Words  | 2 Pages

    First proposed by Schildkraut in 1965, was one of the main biological theories explaining depression, currently known as the ‘Monoamine Theory’. This theory suggests that depression is caused by dysfunction of the monoamine transmitters in the brain, resulting in a shortage of monoamines including 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and noradrenaline. ‘It is based on the ability of known antidepressants drugs to facilitate monoaminergic transmission, and of drugs such as reserpine to cause depression.’ (Rang and Dale’s Pharmacology) The hypothesis originated from the clinical connection between the drug used to alleviate symptoms and the neurological effects these drugs have on monoamine transmitters in the brain. This pharmacological evidence somewhat supports the monoamine theory but also contains several inconsistencies. The search for more direct evidence, including the investigation of the monoamine metabolism of depressives has become futile as inconsistent results are obtained and causes are not narrowed to depression. Supporting the theory is the amount of 5 HT detected by its metabolites in cerebrospinal fluid, urine and plasma...

    Read More

  • Depression and Antidepressants

    2869 Words  | 6 Pages

    Through my extensive research on depression I have learned a lot of new things. I have learned about the many forms of depression and treatment for depression. I have also learned a little about what is believed to go on chemically in the brain of a clinically depressed person. I was also able to partially determine what sort of role genetics, chemicals and personal influences in the brain. Though I was unable to determine exactly how environmental and personal stress can cause a chemical imbalance in a person, I was even able to speculate about this issue and determine some theories of my own on why and how this may happen.

    Read More

  • Major Teen Depression and Its Growing Issue in Society

    1368 Words  | 3 Pages

    People constantly overlook the severity of depression, more importantly, major teen depression, which presents a legitimate obstacle in society. The intensity of teen depression results from society’s general lack of acknowledgement of the rising affair. In 2012, “28.5% of teens were depressed” and 15.8% of teens contemplated the option of suicide (Vidourek 1 par. 1), due to their major depression going unnoticed or untreated for. Even teenagers themselves often ignore their depression or remain in denial because neither them nor anyone else recognizes the signs. “A sudden change in behavior is a main sign of someone being depressed, which could lead to having suicidal thoughts,” stated Pam Farkas, a clinical social worker in California (Aguilar 1 par. 8). The warning signs and risk factors of teen depression include behavioral issues, social withdrawal, and inadequate interest in activities (Adolescents and Clinical Depression 2 par. 3), yet the unawareness of these signs does not allow professional medical attention to intercede. Deaths, illnesses, rejection, relationship issues, and disappointment present passages down the negative path of teen depression, but treatments, such as psychotherapy, intervention programs, and antidepressants express ways to subdue this major problem. Knowledge of the increasing dilemma needs to circulate, in order to promote stable teen lives in the present and future world. Understanding major teen depression, the events and incidents that lead to depression, and how to overcome the problem will lead to a decrease in major teen depression and its growing issue in society.

    Read More

  • Depression

    626 Words  | 2 Pages

    Evidence suggests that depression is associated with high levels of morbidity and mortality and adversely affects the quality of life and social functioning (Katona, 1994). Some of these patients do not move about much, and with depression added to this premise, the transition from what these patients were used to, to a completely new environment is usually traumatic.

    Read More

  • Depressive Disorders

    1689 Words  | 4 Pages

    “Major depressive disorder is one of the most common mental disorders in the United States. Each year about 6.7% of U.S adults experience major depressive disorder. Women are 70 % more likely than men to experience depression during their lifetime” (“Depression”). “Depression is an important public-health problem and one of the leading causes of disease burden worldwide. Depression is often co-morbid with other chr...

    Read More

  • Major Depressive Disorder

    1197 Words  | 3 Pages

    Depression is an illness within itself that affects the “whole body”. (Staywell,1998) The body, feelings, thoughts, and behavior are all immensely altered when someone is depressed. It is not a sign of personal weakness, or a condition that can be wished or willed away. For some people depression is just temporary, but for others it can last for weeks, months and even years.

    Read More

  • Depression And Mental Disorders

    2129 Words  | 5 Pages

    Depression is one of the most widespread mental disorders globally, affecting more that 350 million people of all ages. It is characterized by disturbed sleep, loss of appetite, sadness, poor concentration and feelings of guilt. There are various types of depression which are long lasting, and other types which are constantly reoccurring (World Health Organisation , 2012). Severe symptoms of depression that inhibit the ability to work, sleep and eat is categorised as major depression, this form of depression can occur once in a lifetime, however in some circumstances it may occur more often. Persistent depressive disorder can last up to 2 years; symptoms may resemble major depression along with episodes of less severe symptoms. Psychotic depression is a form of severe depression when a person begins to hallucinate and have delusions. Postpartum depression is experienced by women after birth, physical and hormonal changes can lead to depression. Seasonal affective depression (SAD) usually occurs during winter due to less sunlight. Another major type of depression is bipolar disorder which is categorized as changes in mood, for instance extreme high moods to extreme low moods (National Institute of Mental Health, 2011). The prevalence of depression was analysed in 8449 individuals aged between 15 and 40, results showed that depression was commonly found in white males and females than in black and Mexican male and females (Stephanie et al, 2005).

    Read More

  • Mental Health Care Assessment

    1319 Words  | 3 Pages

    Simpson, C. (2007) ‘Mental Health part3: Assessment and Treatment of Depression’ British Journal of Healthcare assistants. pp 167-171.

    Read More

  • Argumentative Essay On Mental Health

    1187 Words  | 3 Pages

    Mental and behavioural disorders (expressed in disability adjusted life years, or DALY'S) represented 11% of the total disease burden in 1990, and this is likely to rise to 15% by 2020. Five of the 10 leading causes of disability worldwide in 1990 were mental or behavioural disorders. Depression was the fourth largest contributor to the disease burden in 1990 and is expected to rank second after ischaemic heart disease by 2020. It is estimated that one in four people will develop one or more mental or behavioural disorders in their life-time and that one in four families has one member suffering from a mental or behavioural disorder (Murray et al., 1996; WHO,

    Read More

  • Academic Stress Causes Teenage Depression

    999 Words  | 2 Pages

    Empfield, M., Bakalar, N. (2001). Understanding Teenage Depression: A Guide to Diagnosis, Treatment and Management, Holt Paperbacks, New York.

    Read More

  • The Effects of Depression

    822 Words  | 2 Pages

    Depression is one of the most common psychological problems. Each year over 17 million Americans experience a period of clinical depression. Thus, depression affects nearly everyone through personal experiences or through depression in a family member or friend.

    Read More

More about Depression and Treatment: Antidepressant Medication

Open Document