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by Eric Hansen, DO
Depression will affect one-third of adults in the United
States at some time during their lives, with three times
as many women affected as men. There are many theories
about the causes of depression. Genetic reasons exist,
although a responsible gene has not been identified in
humans. There are strong correlations in risk of developing
depression, and your family history. The risk of depression
is two to three times higher if a first-degree relative
(mother, father) has been affected.
Depression is associated with a deficiency of chemicals
in the brain called neurotransmitters, specifically norepinephrine
and serotonin. A balance of these chemicals is essential
for good mental health. There are believed to be several
reasons that these chemicals become out of balance (i.e.
deficient). |
There is the possibility that genetically
a person reaches a certain point in their "life clock"
where they start to have a decline in the production of
these chemicals. Or, the brain does not keep these chemicals
around as long as in a non-depressed individual.
Depression may also be related to chronic illnesses that
effect the body's ability to manufacture these chemicals.
Diseases such as coronary artery disease, stroke, cancer,
Parkinson's disease, thyroid disease and diabetes mellitus
are good examples.
Another cause may be an acute event that throws the brain
into a form of "overload," such as the death
of a loved one or other major life-changing or mood-altering
event.
Last, but not least, there is a correlation between the
chronic use of medications that may influence a person's
risk of developing depression. Examples of these drugs
include, but are not limited to, sleeping pills, oral
contraceptives, steroids, codeine and alcohol.
Symptoms for a person who is depressed may include any
of the following; insomnia, fatigue, increased or decreased
appetite, poor concentration, anxiety, restlessness or
slowed actions, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, and
spontaneous crying for no apparent reason. More severely,
a person may have thoughts of death or suicide. Sometimes,
the only symptoms may be "just not feeling right,"
or not being able to feel happy, even when you can't think
of a reason not to be.
There is no specific laboratory study that can be done
to test for depression. Only your physician can truly
diagnose the disease. It is important to talk to your
physician if any of these symptoms seem to describe you
or your feelings. There are many forms of treatment for
depression. Medications have made dramatic advancements
in recent years.
Specifically, Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
(SSRI) prevent the premature destruction of important
chemicals in the brain, allowing them to stay at the levels
required to prevent many symptoms of depression. Again,
only your physician can determine if you are truly suffering
from depression or if these medications are right for
you. It is important to discuss with your doctor the potential
side effects you may experience while on these medications.
The use of psychotherapy has also been very beneficial
in the treatment of depression, especially in conjunction
with the use of antidepressant medications.
Once again, depression is a very common occurrence in
today's day and age. It probably always has been, but
physicians are just getting better at diagnosing it and
patients are becoming more aware of their own health issues.
If any of these issues sound familiar, don't hesitate
to bring up concerns with your physician at your next
visit.
Dr. Hansen is a family physician who grew up in Southern
California, completed his medical education at Western
University and his training on the East Coast. He believes
in integrating the patient's self-healing abilities into
his treatment plan. Dr. Hansen is friendly and caring
and he treats patients from pediatrics to geriatrics.
You may contact his office at (760) 947-0727. |
