...Since the 1980’s the use of antidepressants in the United States has skyrocketed, increasing by 400%(Derrow, Paula). Approximately 10.4% of Americans are being prescribed some type of antidepressant today(Derrow, Paula). These numbers are causing many to wonder whether antidepressants are overprescribed or if the rise in antidepressant use is justified. To answer this question we have to consider many factors such as if the people who need them are receiving them, what the side effects are like, and if the antidepressants being prescribed are working effectively. Antidepressants are not overprescribed. They have worked wonders for many people and have allowed them to live again. One of the most important things to know about antidepressants is whether or not they work. In many cases of severe depression antidepressants have often made a big difference in patients’ recovery processes(Hall-Flavin, Daniel K.). Antidepressants...
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...the major things people turn to is antidepressants. Antidepressants are used to treat and reduce some of the symptoms that come with depression. While they do not heal the depression completely, they can give a patient temporary relief from their symptoms. While antidepressants work for some...
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...religion and positive thinking. Some African Americans believe that negative behavior causes and influences mental disorders, and that the only way to treat these disorders is through religious guidance and/or positive behavior. However, studies illustrate that antidepressants usually help 70% of the people that utilize them. With that in mind, the question of whether medical treatment is effective or not is considered. Studies positively suggest that the utilization of the different forms of treatment...
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...Depression Treatment: The Natural Way There is a lot of controversy about appropriate treatments for depression. Today antidepressants are among the most prescribed medications in the world. Despite their popularity, research has suggested that antidepressant medications may not be as successful as people had imagined in counteracting depression (Johnson & Kirsch, 2008, p. 1). Extensive research and studies show that natural remedies are better than antidepressants for treating depression because there are fewer side effects, more health benefits and according to most studies, antidepressants are no more effective than placebos. Although there are many natural remedies for treating the symptoms of depression, this paper will focus on St. John’s Wort, omega-3 fatty acids, SAM-e and exercise. These four natural remedies are the most widely used and studied alternatives to treating depression. Side Effects According to Dr. Hyla Cass (2007) and a study done in 1998, prescription medication puts more than one million people in the hospital every year. The study also states that prescription medication kills more than one hundred thousand people per year. Doctor Cass (2007) states that there are almost no deaths from herbal use and that the side effects from herbs are usually mild. One report says that for every one million people prescribed antidepressants in a year, 30.1 of them will die from an overdose. Doctor Cass (2007) quotes Norman Farnsworth, Ph.D., (as cited in Cass...
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...depression remain under debate. Depression is commonly treated with antidepressant medication that aims to normalize brain function, often through the uptake of neurotransmitters such as serotonin (Moncrieff, 2010). Research has supported the use of this type of medication with results that indicate prolonged use of antidepressants can reduce the chances of relapse (Kim, Lee, Paik, & Kim, 2011). Many deduce that because medication targets and treats physical abnormalities related to depression, biology must be the main contributor. Against this rational however, much research that exists today declares a balance of biology and external factors as contributors to depression (Cole, McGuffin, & Farmer, 2008). In contrast to discoveries of this nature, a study conducted in Taiwan concludes that many depression sufferers perceive the cause of their depression to be social and cultural factors, making little mention to biology (Fu & Paraboo, 2009). Although medication has proven successful in many cases for alleviating depressive symptoms, considerable amounts of research have determined that external factors such as personal misfortunes or stress, cultural and societal influences, such as social norms, and socioeconomics can impact the onset of depression (Kendler, Karkowski, & Prescott, 1999). This ongoing and complex argument of the extent to which external factors contribute to depression will be discussed in this essay, with the aim of proving that biology is not the core contributor...
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...tests that were performed to help relieve patient’s symptoms. Before I heard her answer on treatments for patients with depression, I originally thought that there are cognitive test performed. However, this was no the case. According to Mrs. Holsten, woman with depression are treated with medications only. These drugs are classified as “selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors” and “tricyclic antidepressants”. According to Mrs. Holsten, SSRI’s work by increasing the levels of a brain chemical called serotonin, which plays a key role in mood. The body naturally produces serotonin and keeps it at a certain level, but SSRIs increase that level by blocking inhibiting the reabsorption reuptake of serotonin. Common SSRI prescribed by therapists are Celexa, Lexapro, and Zoloft. On contrast, Tricyclic antidepressants work by blocking the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine, brain chemicals that are related to mood. By blocking the reabsorption of these chemicals, cyclic antidepressants increase the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine. This helps elevate mood. Common Tricyclic antidepressants prescribed by therapist are Amitriptyline and Doxepin. Having at hand this information is important because these types of medications work in a similar way, but target different areas of the...
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...Prior to the adoption of SSRIs, a family of drugs called Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) were prescribed to people with mood disorders. A meta study by Rossi, Barraco, and Donda (2004) found that Fluoxetine was as effective as TCAs while having more benign side effects and therefore a lower rate of discontinuation. However, it will be noted further down in this essay that a contradictory position exists. The reason why Prozac and similar drugs are so popular, might not have so much to do with how effective they are, which there is substantial doubt about, but in the perception of the public that they are effective. This belief is due to the heavy marketing behind drugs in general and antidepressants in...
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...Depression caused by serotonin dis-regulation Depression is the most prevalent psychiatric disorder and according to World Health Organization approximately 350 million people are suffering from it. Depression affects all people regardless of age, race and socioeconomic group. It is the main cause of disability in the world ( ). Depression is different from simple mood change. It alters the way depressed people eat, sleep, feel about themselves and their attitude towards others. Long lasting depression often is a life-threatening disorder that in extreme cases can lead to suicide (Kanner 2012). It has a neurobiological basis and is associated with functional and structural brain abnormalities. In this essay will be discussed and evaluated...
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...Treatment Issue Regarding the Possible Efficacy of Psilocybin on Depression Jennifer Pepper The Chicago School of Professional Psychology MM627 Clinical Psychopathology Tonya Bennett, Ph.D. Summer 2014 - Final Paper Treatment Issue Regarding the Possible Efficacy of Psilocybin on Depression For thousands of years, humans have been using psychedelic plants all over the world for healing purposes. Despite this fact, in 1971, these medicines were classified as schedule I drugs. Schedule I drugs are defined as drugs with a high potential for abuse or drugs that have no recognized medical uses. After 40 years of almost-total prohibition, psychologists, psychiatrists and neuroscientists are reassessing the role of psychedelic drugs. This research paper will focus on the classical serotonergic psychedelic called psilocybin or the so-called ‘magic mushroom’ and it’s clinical potential in the treatment of various psychiatric disorders. First, it is important to recognize certain facts about psilocybin that may be unknown due to misperceptions about the plant. Psilocybin is not known to cause damage to the brain or any other organs in the body and is regarded as non-addictive (Nichols, 2004; as cited in Krebs & Johansen, 2013). In fact, studies have found that psilocybin may lead to neurogenesis, or the regrowth of brain cells (Catlow et al., 2013). Psilocybin can cause sustained positive changes in attitudes, mood and behavior, and a recent study suggests it may be helpful...
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...Treatment of Bipolar Disorder - 1 Running Head: TREATMENT OF A MOOD DISORDER Treatment of Bipolar Disorder Frances Watson Psychology 201, Summer 2009 Professor Kiely July 17, 2009 Paper submitted to Prof. Kiely for Psychology 201, 8/17/2010 Treatment of Bipolar Disorder - 2 Abstract This essay will be reviewing the ways in which persons with the mood disorder bipolar disorder are given treatment for their illness. The stages of treatment, components, and results of treating bipolar disorder, or BD, will be explored. Bipolar treatment varies between children and adolescents and adults, therefore the various treatments are unique and not specified in this essay. A brief description of the symptoms, the disorder itself, and ways in which it is diagnosed will also be discussed. We will be focusing on Bipolar I Disorder for the purposes of this paper. Paper submitted to Prof. Kiely for Psychology 201, 8/17/2010 Treatment of Bipolar Disorder - 3 Introduction Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, is a mood disorder that causes shifts in mood from mania to depression. During times of mania, one feels as if they are on a “high” and experience a high level of energy, racing thoughts, are easily distracted, and have a decreased need for sleep. During times of depression, one feels a decreased level of energy and activity, as well as low-self esteem. Various sources indicate variable types of bipolar disorder, but the main ones are: ♦ Bipolar I Disorder:...
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...Depression: Unipolar and Bipolar Vanessa Clark PSY/270 July 7, 2013 Dr. Stephanie Sencil-White, PsyD, PhD, LCSW, DCSW Depression: Unipolar and Bipolar There comes a time in one’s life where they may have the signs and symptoms of a person suffering from depression. Depression is a mood disorder that can affect anyone of any age at some point in their life, but usually occurs after a traumatic event. Unipolar disorder and bipolar disorder are two depression disorders that will be discussed throughout this essay. The differences of unipolar and bipolar disorder, the signs and symptoms, causes, and treatments of these two disorders will also be discussed so that others can seek the help they need if they notice the signs and symptoms happening in their life. Unipolar disorder and bipolar disorder are both considered to be a form of depression, yet there are differences that can assist a psychiatrist in determining which disorder a patient may have. Unipolar disorder affects your mood, your daily living, and causes an all-time depressive state. Where unipolar disorder consists of depressive (low) symptoms, bipolar disorder consist of cycles of mania (high) and depressive (low) symptoms (Bipolar Central, 2004-2013). Bipolar disorder is said to be characterized by extreme changes in mood and can lead to risky behavior, damaged relationships, careers, and even suicidal tendencies. According to “Bipolar Central” (2004-2013), unipolar disorder is characterized by severe debilitating...
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...Introduction Bipolar disorder represents a serious medical condition with a high rate of patients and a high degree of mortality (Kring, Davison, Neale & Johnson, 2005). The DSM-5 recognised three forms of disorder: bipolar 1 disorder, bipolar 2 disorder and cyclothymic disorder (Kring et.al). Manic symptoms are the defining features of each of these disorders, with varying frequencies and intensity (Perlis, Miyahara, Marangell, Wisniewski, Ostacher, DelBello & STEP-BD Investigators, 2004). These disorders are labelled bipolar because the patients experiencing mania will also experience depression during their lifetime. During the manic episodes, patients will act and think in ways which are not their typical selves. In this essay an evaluation...
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...In Angell’s paper she explains how psychoactive drugs are less effective than placebos, and why we still use these drugs despite knowing that placebos work more efficiently than the actual drug. Angell also talks about what the causes of mental illness. “the popular theory that mental illness is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain… But the main problem with this theory is that after decades of trying to prove it, researchers have still come up empty-handed” (8, 10). Angell is stating that mental illness isn’t caused by a chemical imbalance, although many of the drugs used to fight these illnesses cause your brain to balance these chemicals.In her essay Angell uses information from Irving Kirsch’s book The Emperor’s New Drugs, that claims...
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...INTRODUCTION: TOPIC SENTENCE: HYPOTHESIS: The influence of chronic medical conditions on adolescents has a great significance on the psychological development however the efforts of heath care professionals can promote a healthy psychological development. OUTLINE OF ESSAY :The first part of this essay will be demonstrating the theories and psychological concepts that relate Discuss the impact of chronic medical conditions on adolescents (12-18yo) and identify ways of promoting resilience or positive development (1300 min-1500 max words to the influence of chronic illness upon the adolescent. Following this the exploration of the positive attributes the health practitioner has on the psychological development. FIRST PART: THE INFLUENCE OF ILLNESS ON THE WELLBEING OF THE ADOLESCENT CAN BE EXPLORED THROUGH THEORIES TOPIC SENTENCE: > It is first important to consider that the influence of the chronic illness on the adolescence depends on the severity of the illness. For this essay the chronic illness considered will be of mild-high severity. The onset of the chronic illness will also be considered, this essay will be identifying with early onset. > PIAGETS FORMAL OPERATIONS - Ability to move from "what is" to "might be" and "could be" Piaget identified through the theory of formal operations (cognitive theory) that the adolescent become equip with the ability to think beyond the "Concrete Operational Stage" of development. Within this stage of "Formal...
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...Essay “Why should we have sex? 20 Good Healthy Reasons” by Stefan Anitei persuades the reader to believe that sex is good for people’s health by providing facts and use of economical language and statistics. Sex is beneficial for both the heart and the blood circulation, especially in the brain. While having sex, the heart rate goes from 70 beats per minute to 150, which is a good workout for your heart. Having sex three times a week decreases the risk of heart attacks by 50 percent. These already seem to have a good reason to have sex. Having sex is beneficial for your health. Having sex may sound like it’s a dirty thing to do. Well that’s not always true. Sweating while having sex cleanse the skin pores, making the skin brighter and decreasing the risk of dermatitis. Sex can keep you fit, burning extra pounds! Sex is very good for your physical health. Sex burns a lot more calories than one would have thought of. Sex eliminates a lot of stress. How about having sex instead of smoking a cigarette? Sounds a lot more fun than just smoking for 5 minutes, that’s for sure! Not only is it a stress less act but it’s also an antidepressant for women. As crazy as it sounds, sex prevents cancer! The lord created sex. He made it the source of new life. To reproduce. Not only is it for reproducing, it is for our health. Being healthy means having a longer lifespan. Therefore sex being fun and...
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