Depression is a crippling disorder and a frightening one for the individual and his/her family. I recently read a book, The Closet Depressionist by Robert Sisti, which clearly conveys the demons that depression can conjure up. While I wouldn’t recommend this book for casual reading or for the young, if you want a glimpse into depression, this will give it. Here is a tidbit from his poem, The Gift of Insomnia: “A beaten man, time feels still. Days are longer, crawl to my fill. Can’t eat, can’t sleep, wrinkles grow under my eyes. Daily emotional breakdowns are my demise. Fallen deeper onto this path, a life is gone.” This depicts the overwhelming sense of despair that depression can cause.

When I struggled with anxiety I heard, “Pull yourself out of it; go for a walk, you’ll feel better.” I’m sure the same is true for the depressed person. Unfortunately, depressed people, just like those suffering from anxiety, cannot will themselves well. According to the University Health Services, Tang Center, “Cinical depression is a serious illness that lasts for weeks, months and sometimes years.”

The three most common forms of depression are: major depression, dysthymia (a lesser form of depression), and bipolar disorder (also known as manic-depressive). According to research it is has not been determined if depression has a biological component to it or the depression causes biological changes. But, either way it is treated with anti-depressants to rebalance the chemical imbalance. Anti-depressants along with some form of therapy is the standard Western medical remedy.

In Eastern medicine, specifically Chinese medicine, Dr. Henry Zhen-Hong Lee explains that depression comes from low energy in the kidneys and heart. There is also low energy and an imbalance in the neuro-transmitters. Chinese medicine attacks the root cause of the illness with acupuncture focused on the problematic organs and with individually designed herbs. This treatment increases and normalizes the low energy to the kidneys and heart and evens out the balance in the neuro-transmitters. The treatment should produce effective results within two to three months. Once the body is regulated, the acupuncture and herbs are no longer needed.

He goes on to clarify that as with any type of medicine, different practitioners have different views on causes and methods of treatments. Through years of study and practice Dr. Lee has devised his own unique understanding of this illness. When asked what his depressed patients can do at home to help themselves he advises the single most important thing to do is to avoid junk food and processed foods. Along with this, he recommends: eat healthy (natural and organic foods), do breathing exercises, and mediate. Dr. Lee is a NYS Licensed Acupuncturist and an NCCA DPL. Herbalist. He also has degrees in Eastern medicine from Traditional Chinese Medical College, and in Western medicine from the Beijing Medical College.

If you or someone you know is suffering from depression you should consult a doctor. If you’d like to learn more about depression you can visit:

University Health Services – Tang Center
http://www.uhs.berkeley.edu

The Mayo Clinic – www.mayoclinic.com/health/clinical-depression/AN01057

By: Karen Cioffi

Depression is an illness in which an alteration of brain chemicals, called neurotransmitters, has occurred. Changes in the levels of these neurotransmitters have been strongly linked to one’s mood and behavior. Anti-depressants are thought to correct some of the chemical imbalances present in a depressive illness. There are various classes of anti depressant drugs. Once medication is started it is continued for at last 3-12 months or longer. Premature cessation of the medications can cause a relapse of the syndrome. Generally these medications are slowly tapered off to allow the body to make an adjustment.

There are approximately 20 anti-depressants currently available and approved for the treatment of depression. Anti-depressants are generally classified by the chemical properties of the drug. The drugs are classified as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) or Monamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs). The tricyclics and MAOIs have been around for more than 40 years and are just as effective as the newer SSRIs. However, their use has declined because of their potent side effects. However, some patients do tolerate these medications very well and in such cases, there is no reason to change the medication to the newer ones. These anti-depressant medications can be quite unpredictable, and for some unknown reason, not all individuals have the same response. There is a lot of trial and error required in selecting the best medication for an individual.

The major types of antidepressant drugs include:

-Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). These were the first drugs used to treat depression. Besides treating the depression, the medications are excellent for neuropathic pain control and inducing sleep. Because of their side effects, the use of these drugs has declined today. Side effects include dry mouth, blurred vision, increased fatigue and sleepiness, weight gain, muscle twitching (tremors), constipation, bladder problems such as urine retention, dizziness, daytime drowsiness, increased heart rate and decreased libido.

-Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are another class of older antidepressants. These drugs are most effective in people with depression who do not respond to other treatments. However, they do have some side effects which can be life threatening. Eating foods which contain cheese, beverages like wine, and medications can interact with an MAOI. For this reason these anti-depressants are now becoming history. Serious side effects may include headache, fast heart rate, chest pain, neck stiffness, nausea and vomiting.

-Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the drugs of choice to treat depression. They work by altering the amount of a chemical in the brain called serotonin. Decreased libido including low sex drive or inability to have an orgasm are common but reversible side effects. Other problems include dizziness, headaches, nausea, insomnia and feeling jittery.

-Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are another newer form of antidepressant medicine. They treat depression by increasing availability of the brain chemicals serotonin and norepinephrine. Side effects include drowsiness, blurred vision, lightheadedness, strange dreams, constipation, fever/chills, headache, increased or decreased appetite, tremor, dry mouth and nausea.

Note: Statements in this article may not be approved by the FDA, and should not be considered as professional medical advice.

By: Kathy Burns-Millyard