Saturday, February 7, 2009

A Short Review of Cures For Depression

By Russell Kemerling

There are many varied types of depression. Many Americans are affected by depression and they don't even know it or they are not willing to accept it. Studies estimate that at least 14 million Americans suffer from depression. Fewer than 4.7 million of those, about 1/3, will seek medical help.

What are the reasons? Maybe it's due to the fact that mental illness is considered a mental illness. That label is one people tend to avoid. People who suffered from mental illness were, at one time in history, ridiculed by society. When depression became apparent in people they were often sent away to clinics for the mentally ill. Times have changed now, thank goodness. However, old stereotypes have not. Many Americans keep their problem to themselves, motivated by this.

Depression is caused by many factors. It isn't easy to diagnose. You have to take into consideration the chemical imbalances in the brain, genetics, biology and even the environment surrounding the individual. Drug abusers and alcoholics can develop depression, but so can people just dealing with every day life situations and stress. Depression can come from all of these elements.

So what are some of the treatments and cures available for those that are inflicted? There are many options for treatment and even cure, just as there are many causes for depression. These options are generally considered after evaluating the individual afflicted with depression.

There are many supposed cures for depression. There are methods of treatment available that are safe and work efficiently towards a cure for depression. A doctor looks at a number of factors to determine which combination of options to apply. Is there evidence to show that the option works to treat depression? Does it have an appropriate dose to be effective if a drug or herb? Has the method been accepted in accordance with high quality control standards? Some of the most popular treatments deserve a look.

Prescription drugs and psychotherapy, combined, has been a common treatment for many forms of depression. Prescription anti-depressants like SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are often prescribed as a treatment for depression. In 1988 Prozac was first used and today it is one of the most popular. Paxil, Zoloft, Lexapro, Celexa, and Luvox are just some of those that followed it. All have been proven to be effective.

But side effects are common, including causing more depression. That's the reason natural treatments are gaining popularity. A popular herbal cure is St. Johns Wort extract. In order to work it must contain between 3 and 5 % hyperforin. Studies and actual cases show it to be as effective as Prozac but with fewer side effects. As important as it is to find a cure-it is impossible to do so if those who suffer do not seek it. Seek medical care at once if you or a loved one suffer from depression.

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