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Depression is a mental state characterised by feelings of sadness,
despair and discouragement. Depression ranges from normal and temporary
periods of unhappiness to severe disorders. It can manifest itself in
many different ways, including low self-esteem, guilt, insecurity, loneliness
and can cause disturbances to sleeping and eating patterns. The gradations
of depression vary immensely.
Aside from the psychological aspects there are believed to be physiological
causes of depression. A chemical in the brain called serotonin effects
depression. This is because it controls the neurotransmitters in our
brain, known as endorphins that control our moods. Studies have shown
that a large proportion of adults who suffer from depression are first
affected as teenagers.
The characteristics of depression are similar in teenagers as in adults,
but teenagers may exhibit the symptoms differently. Irritable or aggressive
behaviour, feelings of self-hatred and isolation, problems relating
to peers and academic difficulties may all be signs of depression in
young people.
In adolescents, depression can be common because of the stress involved
in dealing with rapid physical and emotional changes and in developing
a different relationship with parents. It is quite normal for anyone
to suffer from temporary periods of unhappiness. This may follow the
death of someone close to you, splitting up with your girlfriend or
boyfriend, or may occur for no reason at all. But identifying when it
is becoming more serious and prolonged is important.
Some of the main symptoms of depression may include:
- Feeling unhappy or experiencing low self-esteem most of the day,
most days
- A lack of enthusiasm for activities that used to interest you
- A big change in your weight or appetite
- Problems sleeping, or alternatively, feeling the need to sleep
all the time during the day
- Feeling listless and tired all the time
- Feeling that you have no energy
- Feeling guilty for no specific reason
- Feeling intensely self-critical
- Not being able to concentrate or think clearly
- Thinking frequently often about suicide or death
Treatment
To go back to the 'beginning': the treatment was drastic. The symptoms
were thought to emanate from the brain, this was correct but the action
taken was drastic. A 'trephine', a surgical instrument, was used to
drill a hole in the skull to 'let out' the malignant spirits. It can
be understood that when the patient knew what was ahead of him, quite
a number would have made a dramatic recovery.
In the modern era, electro convulsive therapy was used. This meant
that in an anaesthetised patient, an electric current was passed through
the brain. This treatment usually had to be repeated at intervals. Very
rarely used nowadays, if at all, a very clear explanation is required
as to why.
Medication in the form of Tricyclic preparations (Amitryptilline),
Monoamine Oxidese Acid inhibitors (NOA's) eg Triptrofen which unfortunately
react with cheese, pickles or broad bean pods, have been prescribed
with varying results. We are now on to the 'fluoxetine HCI' group in
the form of Prozac. One thing is certain, there are many more to follow.
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