Thursday 21 March 2013

Know the Signs of Depression and Save Patients from Its Worst Outcomes!

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Though depression is very common, many people are not aware of how to know if someone is suffering from it. By the time it is diagnosed, the damage is done! It is known that suicidal attempts are very common in these patients. The patient’s family and friends realize that he or she was struggling with difficulties in life and was deep into depression, only when that patient takes a drastic step. Knowing the early signs of this disease can help people in detecting a patient who may be experiencing this problem.

What is depression?

It is a psychological disorder characterized by recurring episodes of all-encompassing low moods, often accompanied by loss of pleasure in normally enjoyable activities and low self-esteem.







What are the causes of this illness?

  • Many researchers believe that this disease is caused by chemical changes occurring in the brain.

  • The most common age of onset of this disease is between 20 and 30 years, having a later peak at the age of about 40 years.

  • It is more common in women than in men.

  • Depression may occur from generations to generations in some families, indicating the role of hereditary factors in the development of this disease.

  • Alcoholism and illicit drug abuse are frequently associated with this disease. These factors can dramatically worsen the course of this illness.

  • Certain stressful circumstances in life such as loss of a loved one, job loss, failing in exams and divorce can also trigger this problem.

What are the symptoms of this ailment?

  • Irritability
  • Agitation
  • Becoming socially withdrawn
  • Reduced or increased appetite
  • Lack of energy
  • Weight loss or gain
  • Self-hate
  • Feelings of worthlessness
  • Thoughts of suicide
  • Reduced sex drive
  • Guilt
  • Sleeplessness or excessive sleepiness

What may help?

  • Do not drink alcohol
  • Do not use illegal drugs
  • Get more exercise to stay physically active and fit
  • Try to be around people who are positive and caring
  • Seek out activities that give pleasure
  • Get involved in group activities
  • Maintain good sleeping habits
  • Talk to someone who can be trusted

How to control it?

Patients suffering from depression may be advised to use Duloxetine for managing it successfully. This drug is also used for the management of anxiety disorders, peripheral neuropathy and fibromyalgia. It works by affecting some chemicals in the nervous system that may become unbalanced, causing depression.

Dosage instructions:

The usual prescribed dosage of Duloxetine is 20 mg, 2 times in a day. It can be increased to 30 mg, twice daily, if the response is not as expected. Patients should consult a physician for more information about this medicine and its dosage.

By some estimates, approximately 10% of people in the United States suffer from depression and about 3.4% of them commit suicide. Now, that’s an alarming figure! Depressed patients also have a shorter life expectancy than normal individuals. Early diagnosis of this disease and treatment with Duloxetine can help save many lives.