Gov't. of India Press Release on Depression

[Guest guest]

Hmmmmmmm, let's change a few words here and see what we come up with. I'm going to insert the word "treatment" - LOL

Treatment for Depressive Illness, also referred to as Affective or Mood Disorder, attacks millions and is often fatal; yet few people are being properly treated or

even diagnosed. The costs of this treatment, both in terms of human suffering

and economic loss, are staggering. It is among the most common and

destructive of illnesses prevalent even in developed countries like the

United States today. In addition to major depression, many people suffer

from manic-depressive illness (bipolar disorder) which is characterized by

radical mood swings from severe depression to exaggerated, inappropriate

elation.

In terms of human suffering, the consequences of treated depression are

beyond measure. They include loss of self-esteem, "self-medication" with

alcohol and drugs, family and career disruption, chronic disability and, in

many cases, death. Suicide is now the second leading cause of death among

children and adolescents.

That was a very cheeky piece of propaganda.

Blind Reason

a novel of espionage and pharmaceutical intrigue

Think your antidepressant is safe? Think again.

[Guest guest]

Brilliant,the truth and nothing but the truth,''LOLOLOL''

They are experts at sucking people in.I guess your not allowed to feel happy or sad anymore that is what it boils down to.If you feel any of these feeling then you are breaking the law they need to be drugged away.So you can feel more normal whatever the hell normal is. Ros

[Guest guest]

Gee, I wonder who wrote this for them?

DEPRESSION - A BIOCHEMICAL ILLNESS

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15:50 IST Jan. 2, 2004

Everyone experiences variations in mood - transitory blues, disappointments,

the normal grief that accompanies the loss of someone you love. But a severe

or prolonged depression that interferes with the ability to function, feel

pleasure, or maintain interest is not a mere case of the blues. It is an

illness. Researchers have demonstrated that it results from biochemical

imbalances in the brain.

More than 80 per cent of those suffering from Depressive Illness can be

treated successfully with modern medications. These medications are not

habit-forming, do not produce a " high " , and are not abused. Sometimes, after

or concurrent with this treatment, therapy or counselling is desirable.

Depressive Illness, also referred to as Affective or Mood Disorder, attacks

millions and is often fatal; yet few people are being properly treated or

even diagnosed. The costs of this neglect, both in terms of human suffering

and economic loss, are staggering. It is among the most common and

destructive of illnesses prevalent even in developed countries like the

United States today. In addition to major depression, many people suffer

from manic-depressive illness (bipolar disorder) which is characterized by

radical mood swings from severe depression to exaggerated, inappropriate

elation.

In terms of human suffering, the consequences of untreated depression are

beyond measure. They include loss of self-esteem, " self-medication " with

alcohol and drugs, family and career disruption, chronic disability and, in

many cases, death. Suicide is now the second leading cause of death among

children and adolescents.

Estimates of the cost range from 15 to 35 billion dollars a year and

encompass the loss of time and productivity, personnel replacement, medical

care, and loss of life. Not only affected individuals, but their families,

friends, employers, colleagues, and the community-at-large share in these

costs. Despite the severity, magnitude, and cost of this problem,

expenditures on public information, professional education, and research are

minuscule in comparison with the efforts made on behalf of other, oftentimes

less prevalent, disorders.

Even among those suffering from Depressive Illness, most do not know they

have a treatable illness. They blame themselves and are blamed by others.

This leads to the alienation of family and friends who, if they knew of the

illness, would be likely to offer support and help find effective treatment.

Cause

There are probably several causes of Depressive Illness and several

different types of depression. Recent research shows that depression runs in

families. The most severe form, bipolar disorder, is most likely inherited.

Certain environmental situations, such as stress or breakup of important

attachments, may precipitate depression, especially in vulnerable persons.

Research is underway to understand the interaction of genes and environment,

and precisely what is inherited.

Symptoms

The symptoms of Depressive Illness can easily be recognised among those

affected and in those closest to them, once they are told what to look for.

A checklist of symptoms of Depressive Illness include loss of energy and

interest, diminished ability to enjoy oneself, decreased - or increased -

sleeping or appetite, difficulty in concentrating, indecisiveness, slowed or

fuzzy thinking, exaggerated feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or anxiety,

feelings of worthlessness and recurring thoughts about death and suicide.

If most of these symptoms last for two weeks or more, you probably have

Depressive Illness. Sometimes depression alternates with " mania " and is

called Manic-Depressive Illness. Manic Depression causes mood swings

creating periods with the symptoms such as a high energy level with

decreased need for sleep, unwarranted or exaggerated belief in one's own

ability, extreme irritability, rapid and unpredictable emotional change,

impulsive and thoughtless activity with a high risk of damaging consequences

like stock speculations and sudden love affairs.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Studies have revealed that of those individuals who do eventually seek help,

only a fraction seek out a specialist in the diagnosis and treatment of

Depressive Illness.

When Depressive Illness is diagnosed, minor tranquilizers and sleeping pills

are prescribed twice as often as the right medication; and even when the

right medication is prescribed, dosages are frequently lower than those

needed to achieve an adequate level of therapeutic benefit. One must keep

away from nonspecialists insuch a sensitive matter.

The principal medications used in treating Depressive Illness are cyclic

antidepressant. Only patients with a Depressive Illness will experience a

positive response, which may take upto six weeks.

For proper diagnosis of Depressive Illness and administration of

antidepressant medication, physicians expert in diagnosis and biochemical

therapy must be consulted. Medical monitoring should be a mandatory part of

all treatment. In fact, over 80 per cent of those treated with these

medications respond favourably, and most are able to resume normal activity.

Many find psychotherapy or counselling useful as well.

Make Life Easier

One must recognize that there may be certain times of the day when one feels

better and that can be used to one's advantage. One must break large tasks

into smaller ones and after setting priorities, the tasks should be

completed one by one. Besides, one must avoid taking on too much

responsibility and setting overly difficult goals. One must try not to

expect too much from oneself so as to lessen any feeling of failure one may

have.

Activities such as exercise, attending sports or cultural events or

participating in a religious or social event can help one feel better. It is

important not to overdo it; feeling better takes time.

One must avoid alcohol and non-prescribed drugs. This kind of

self-medication may provide a temporary " high " , but in the end intensifies

depression.

If affected with depressive disorders, one may feel exhausted, worthless,

helpless and hopeless. One may feel like giving up. It is important to

realize that these symptoms and negative thinking are part of depression.

When treatment begins to take effect, the negative thinking fades away.(PIB

Features)