Archive for the ‘Treating Depression’ Category

How is depression detected and treated?

Sunday, June 1st, 2008

Depression, even the most severe cases, is a highly treatable disorder. As with many illnesses, the earlier that treatment can begin, the more effective it is and the greater the likelihood that recurrence can be prevented. The first step to getting appropriate treatment is to visit a doctor. Certain medications, and ...

Alternative Treatments

Saturday, May 10th, 2008

A number of herbs, minerals, supplements, and alternative medicines have been promoted as remedies for depression. Always consult with your doctor before using any alternative treatment. Like any medication, some herbs, minerals, and other supplements can interact with drugs or foods and produce side effects. Just because something is natural ...

How antidepressants work

Thursday, May 8th, 2008

When certain chemicals in the brain (such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine) are out of balance, depression can occur. Antidepressants improve the symptoms of depression by bringing these chemicals back into balance. Because different types of antidepressants are designed to work differently, side effects associated with each type of depression ...

Common Side Effects of Antidepressants

Monday, May 5th, 2008

In order to decide on the best treatment for your depression, your doctor will consider a variety of factors including symptoms, any other medical conditions you have or medications you take, and any potential side effects that a new antidepressant may cause. Specific side effects vary based on the type of ...

Adjusting to a new depression medication

Saturday, May 3rd, 2008

When you start a new antidepressant medication, keep in mind that your body needs a little time to adjust. Patients are often instructed to start a new medication at a low dosage; the doctor then adjusts the dosage until reaching a level he or she feels will work best for ...

Antidepressant Medications

Thursday, May 1st, 2008

More than 14 million Americans, or more than 6 percent of adults, experience depression in any given year. Despite these statistics, depression is not a normal part of life, regardless of your age, sex, or health status. The good news is that depression is very treatable. Most patients, even those with ...