Acne ? .. How to Fight

Acne is a skin condition that occurs due to the overproduction of oil by the oil glands of the skin. The oil that normally lubricates the skin gets trapped in blocked oil ducts and results in what we know as pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads on the surface of skin. Sometimes it also includes deeper skin lesions that are called cysts.

Pimples are small skin swellings that sometimes contain pus.

Blackheads are dark formations on the skin due to an accumulated mixture of oil and cells in a blocked skin pore.

Whiteheads are small flesh-or white-colored bumps due to skin pore blockage.

Cysts are closed sacs beneath the skin or deeper that contain fluid or semisolid substances.

The areas of the skin that are most susceptible to acne are those areas that contain the largest number of oil glands. For example, it is estimated that there are 2,000 oil glands per square inch on the forehead alone. The face, chest, shoulders, and back are the areas with the highest population of oil glands.

Acne commonly occurs in people between their teenage years and their 20s. However, it is not restricted to this age. Older adults and children can also have acne.

Facts About Acne

· In most people, acne will last for about three to four years and in 15% of the cases, acne can continue for eight -12 years.
· In a smaller percentage (5%), acne will last beyond age 25 and can continue up to age 40.
· In women particularly, acne may not occur until age 25.
· In 70% of the cases, women will notice a flare-up in the acne condition prior their menstrual period, perhaps due to an increase of androgens. Androgens are steroid hormones responsible for the development and maintenance of male physical characteristics.
· The more severe cases of acne tend to occur most often in men, because they produce more of the male hormones that stimulate acne formation.
· Women with a lot of body or facial hair, and those who have irregular periods, may be at increased risk of acne. These women may want to have their hormone levels evaluated by a physician.

What Causes Acne?
There are four major factors responsible for causing acne. They act together to cause the characteristic pimples, whiteheads and blackheads associated with acne. They are:

• Overactive oil glands
• Blockage of the skin pores
• Activity of normal skin bacteria
• Inflammation

Overactive Oil Glands
Oil glands are located deep in the skin. They are also known as sebaceous glands.
· Each oil gland is connected to a tiny canal that contains a hair. The canal with its contained hair is called a follicle.
· The glands produce oil (also known as sebum) that flows to the surface of the skin through these canals to lubricate the hair follicles and the surrounding skin.
· The opening of the canal with the attached hair (follicle) onto the skin is the skin pore.

The oil glands vary in size, and the larger ones are associated with visible skin pores.

The oil glands are stimulated to produce oil by hormones, specifically the male hormones called androgens (women also have these hormones, but much less of them). These hormones are produced by the testes in men and by the ovaries in women. In both sexes, androgens are also produced by the adrenal glands.

During times of stress, the adrenal glands produce increased levels of these hormones, causing even greater enlargement of the oil glands.
During puberty, the oil glands become overactive in response to hormonal changes.

Blockage Of The Skin Pores
Oily skin occurs when an overactive oil gland enlarges and overproduces oil. Acne develops when some of the pores (through which oil normally flows from the oil gland to reach the skin surface) become blocked, resulting in trapping of oil within the skin pores.

The pores are blocked by skin cells that have been shed from the lining of the skin pore and have bunched together. The cause for this clogging is not known, but it is not due to poor hygiene. A blackhead or whitehead will develop from this skin pore blockage

Activity Of Normal Skin Bacteria
Although acne is not caused by a bacterial infection, bacteria do play a role in making the situation worse. The bacterium Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes), is a normal part of the skin surface. It keeps the skin from being invaded by harmful bacteria.

When oil is trapped in the hair follicles, the normal skin bacteria P. acnes will grow in the blocked pore. The bacteria produce chemicals that alter the composition of the oil, which makes it more irritating to the skin and causes inflammation.

The bacterium Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes)

Inflammation
Inflamed skin is characterized by redness, swelling, warmth and discomfort. Inflammation of the skin occurs because the body's immune system is acting to rid itself of a foreign substance. In the case of acne, this substance is either bacteria or the irritating compounds they have produced.

These four factors contribute to blocked skin pores, which bulge outward to form:

Blackheads. These form when the pores are clogged close to the surface of the skin. Because they are exposed to the skin surface, blackheads don't usually become inflamed. Blackheads are dark due to the presence of a dark pigment. This color is not the result of dirt in the pores.

Whiteheads. These develop from a blockage deeper in a pore. Lacking a drainage path, the oil accumulates in the skin, causing small flesh-colored or white-colored bumps. Unlike blackheads, whiteheads are more likely to lead to the red inflammations known as pimples or zits.

Pustules (also known as pimples or zits) occur when the walls of the blocked follicle ruptures.

Oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria normally found on the skin surface get into the skin and irritate it, forming small areas of inflammation. Cysts are larger, red, inflamed areas deep in the skin that indicate a more extensive infection

Who Gets Acne?
Adolescents are the most commonly affected. Because of the high hormonal activity during puberty, acne affects many teenagers. Those individuals whose oil glands produce more oil tend to be affected by acne more often than those whose glands don't produce excess oil.

Heredity Can Play A Role
Statistics suggest that heredity is a strong contributing factor for acne. A family history of acne means that there probably is a genetic basis for the condition.

Does stress cause acne?
Stress can be partially responsible for acne. Hormonal changes are associated with stress, and hormones stimulate the oil glands. People who are anxious may also change their behavior towards their appearance, leading to inappropriate treatment of the acne that can worsen the condition.

Consult your family physician on methods to reduce stress. These may include:
· Exercise
· Recreational breaks
· Good sleeping habits
· Meditation
· Laughter
· Social support network
· Reduced consumption of stimulants (such as caffeine)

Does a greasy diet make acne worse?
It was long thought that fatty foods, chocolate and sugar aggravated acne. But dietary causes for acne have never been proven scientifically. So although a well-balanced healthy diet that includes plenty of water is recommended for overall good health, no special restrictions on food are imposed for preventing acne.

Detoxify your acne by eating the right food

How Is Acne Treated?
Acne responds well to treatment, especially if treated early, at the onset of the condition.

Treatment is offered to:
· Prevent possible scarring
· Deal with inflamed and painful areas
· Limit the formation of new blackheads and whiteheads
· Lessen any stress or embarrassment associated with the acne

Mild acne can be treated with over-the-counter medications. More serious acne requires treatment by a dermatologist

Mild to moderately severe acne
Very severe acne

Side effects of acne treatment

Mild To Moderately Severe Acne

Mild acne is managed well by over-the-counter preparations such as:

· Benzoyl peroxide
· Resorcinol
· Salicylic acid
· Sulfur

Most people with mild acne will see results from treatment within several months.

Topical preparation. Topical creams, gels, and lotions are medications applied directly to the skin. They may contain benzoyl peroxide, antibiotics, or retinoids, which are vitamin A acids (Retin A).

Benzoyl peroxide dries up the oil; it works by killing the bacteria P acnes.
Salicylic acid helps stop the shedding of the skin cells lining the oil glands.
Rercinol and sulfur work by breaking up the pimples.

In some people, these medications may initially irritate the face, causing some redness or burning, but this soon settles. However, if it occurs with continued use, the doctor should be seen and other medications considered.

Oral antibiotics. Antibiotics taken by mouth may be prescribed by a physician for moderate to severe acne. The most commonly prescribed oral antibiotics are tetracycline and erythromycin. Antibiotics reduces the population of P. acnes, the skin bacterium responsible for making chemicals that cause inflammation. For this reason, antibiotics will reduce the number of red and yellow pimples.

Need To Know:
Tetracycline can cause permanent discoloration of teeth that are still forming in children. It should not be taken by children who do not yet have all their permanent teeth.
Low-dose contraceptive. In 1992, a low-dose contraceptive, Ortho Tri-Cyclen, became available for the treatment of moderate acne in women 15 years or older.
This contraceptive acts by lowering hormonal activity. This results in reducing the overactivity of the oil glands.

Ortho Tri-Cyclen is used in low doses to treat acne, with a combination of synthetic female hormones.
In clinical studies, Ortho Tri-Cyclen showed improvement of acne in more than 80% of the participants in the study who were treated with it.

Very Severe Acne
In cases where severe acne does not respond to long-term antibiotic and topical therapy, another oral medication is available. This is called isotretinoin (Accutane®) and is a synthetic derivative (made from chemicals) of vitamin A, which is essential for growth of healthy skin. It is the most effective treatment for severe acne.

After four to six months on the treatment, the acne had disappeared in up to 90% of those treated. But the acne may recur in some people, and another course of the treatment may be required.

Accutane is the most effective acne treatment because it reduces the four major factors that predispose a person to acne:

. Oil production
. Blockage of the skin pores
. The role of the skin bacteria P. acnes
. Skin inflammation

The course of treatment is four to six months of daily treatment.

Side Effects Of Acne Treatment
Topical creams can cause a mild irritation or drying of the skin.
In 95% of individuals who take oral antibiotics, there have been no reported side effects. A small percentage of people, however, will experience:

. Mild abdominal pain
. Nausea
. Diarrhea, in rare cases
. Some women may develop a yeast infection
. Tetracycline antibiotics, especially doxycycline, sometimes causes sun sensitivity, which means the individual may sunburn more easily

Should I use Accutaine?
Accutane can be extremely effective in treating acne. But it is only recommended for severe cases, because it is expensive and does have possible side effects, some of which can be serious. Therefore, one must balance carefully the advantages of its use against the disadvantages of the possible side effects. Fortunately, the side effects do go away once the medication is stopped.
Side effects include:

. Headaches
. Chapped lips
. Drying of the mucous membranes such as the eyes and nose
. Nose bleeds
. Joint pains
. Muscle aches
. Damage to an unborn baby (if the woman is pregnant)
. Elevation in the blood lipids cholesterol and triglycerides

What Will Happen If Acne Is Not Treated?
Mild acne usually resolves over time and may or may not leave some scarring.
When moderate to severe acne is not treated early enough, acne may scar the skin.

There are two types of scars that result from acne:

Hypertrophic scars are hard upraised areas of the skin surface.

Pits, or "pock marks," are depressed at various depths into the surface of the skin.

Once the scars have formed, there are options for their removal at a later time.
Pits are sometimes treated with collagen injections or removed by excision.
Dermabrasion, a "scrub brush" type of operation, is used to smooth out pit scars.
These methods are imperfect, however. Prevention with early and appropriate treatment is far more preferable.

Living With Acne

While undergoing treatment for acne, it is important to take precautions in caring for the affected skin.

. If you are a man who shaves, you should try to avoid nicking your pimples by softening your beard before shaving with soap and warm water. You may also want to try a safety razor and electric razor to decide which is most comfortable. A sharp blade and as little shaving as possible is also recommended.

. If you are a woman who wears makeup, clean the face carefully every night - with mild soap and water-to remove all traces of makeup. Be especially aware of the appearance or flare-up of acne after using a particular cosmetic, as some cosmetics have been known to aggravate acne. . Wash the skin gently with a mild cleanser (ask your doctor to recommend one) in the morning and evening and after exercise. Rinse the skin thoroughly after washing.

. Shampoo the hair daily, especially if you have oily hair.
. Using moist warm compresses on the skin may help open blocked pores.
. Some astringents work well on the pimples for reducing inflammation. They may be recommended for very oily skin, to be placed directly on the oily areas only.

In some women taking birth control pills, acne may sometimes gets worse. Tell the physician prescribing the contraceptive about this so that another type of birth control pill can be suggested. Sometimes, however, oral contraceptives can improve the acne condition.

Need To Know:
Popping pimples makes things worse. Avoid picking or squeezing a pimple. Although it might be tempting to do this, it can make things worse by leaving a scar or causing more inflammation.

Sunlight is known to help, but has limits. You may notice that sunlight seems to help reduce acne. This might be true because the UV light in the sun's rays may reduce the P. acnes bacteria and their by-products that cause the inflammation. But sunlight can also increase the number of whiteheads in some people. Also, overexposure to the sun may increase your risk of skin cancer.

Excessive washing isn't the answer. Acne cannot be removed by repeatedly washing the skin. Although it is good hygiene to keep the face clean, excessive washing can dry your skin.

What Is The Long-Term Outlook For Acne?
Most people with mild, moderate, or severe acne show improvement within six months with the appropriate treatment. However, if no improvement is observed after three months, then the treatment should be changed.
For example, a common recommendation made by doctors for oral antibiotic treatments are two doses of tablets for six months. But if no improvement is observed after three months of an oral antibiotic regimen, then the doctor may suggest switching to a different antibiotic for the remaining three months.

New procedure for Acne treatment using Blue light

What is Blue Light Acne Therapy?

The FDA has approved the use of high-intensity, narrow-band blue light to treat mild to moderate acne. This pain-free light is safe and uses no ultraviolet (UV) light or lasers. When blue light is used as a treatment for acne, it kills p. acnes, the acne-causing bacteria that can form within the sebaceous glands and cause break outs. Blue light therapy can be administered alone through several systems that are available or in combination with a topical photosensitizing solution in blue light photodynamic therapy for acne treatment.

Risks and Benefits of Blue Light Acne Treatment
In general, blue light acne treatment is a safe and non-invasive method of treating acne. Blue light therapy targets the sebaceous glands, and not the surrounding tissues, killing the bacteria that cause acne. Many patients see significant improvement in their acne after two to four weekly treatment sessions of blue light therapy.

Patients who undergo blue light photodynamic therapy typically experience better results than with blue light therapy alone. Some patients may experience swelling, redness, stinging, and burning following treatment, and rarely, some patients may be allergic to the Levulan® photosensitizing solution. It is important to keep in mind that since photodynamic therapy is a relatively new acne treatment method, long-term results and side effects have not been determined.

OUR line of Medication is Acne-Dandruff Formula

ACNE-Dandruff Formula for Acne-prone skin, is recommended by highly distinguish dermatological centers around the world. It provides effective yet gentle cleansing for skin with acne.

It is very effective, save, rapid in action, with no any side effect.
The good result start to appear immediately after using the medication, best result would take only one month of continuing medication.

MAIN INGREDIENTS. 100% PURE ORGANIC HERBS, fortified with a unique blend of:

· Neem Extract. To cure skin diseases such as boils, ulcers, eczema, and ring worm including acne and black heads affecting the face area.·
· Andrographis paniculata extract. An effective blood purifier, antibacterial, antiviral and works as antibiotic·
· Curcuma longa extract. Possesses antioxidant, tonic, blood purifying, digestive and anti-inflammatory property

SUGGESTED USE:

FOR Acne: Wash or cleanse face before use and than apply ACNE-Dandruff Formula On the affected area by using a small piece of cotton socked with the formula, Apply twice daily or once at night time, then wash it in the morning.

FOR Dandruff: apply the lotion on the scalp and let it wet, keep there to dry over night. Next morning, rinse the hair with water and dry. Repeat every night until you feel improvement, then apply 2 times every week later.

Shack will before use. Be careful when applied around eye area.

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Only 2 weeks after our local herbal medication Acne-Dandruff application, most of the acne already resolved

Putting It All Together
Here is a summary of the important facts and information related to acne.
· Using herbal product to cure your acne is more saver and efficient way to eradicate the whiteheads, blackheads and stop any growing bacteria from doing harm to your skin. In addition, it is cheap, convenient, efficient, and end result is very promising
· Acne is a skin condition caused by overactive oil glands.
· Acne usually occurs in people during their teen and young adult years.
· High production of male hormones stimulate overproduction of oil.
· Skin bacteria can contribute to the problem by reacting with the oil.
· Whiteheads, blackheads and cysts will occur from pore blockage.
· Early treatment of acne has a high success rate.
· Topical creams of benzoyl peroxide, antibiotics, or retinoids are effective treatments for acne. But always having some side effect
· More severe acne cases require oral antibiotics or a synthetic (made from chemicals) vitamin A (essential for growth of healthy skin).

Before and after 2 month of herbal medication

Depression .. feelings of sadness !!

What Is Depression?

Depression is a disorder that involves feelings of sadness lasting for two weeks or longer, often accompanied by a loss of interest in life, hopelessness, and decreased energy. Such distressing feelings can affect one's ability to perform the usual tasks and activities of daily living.

This is considered to be clinical depression. It is very different from a temporary case of "the blues " triggered by an unhappy event or stressful situation.
Depression affects the mind, but this doesn't mean "it's all in your head." Depression is a medical illness linked to changes in the biochemistry of the brain.

Depression is not a weakness of character. Being depressed does not mean that a person is inadequate. It means the person has a medical illness that is just as real as diabetes or ulcers. Like other medical disorders, clinical depression should not be ignored or dismissed. A clinically depressed person cannot simply "snap out of it" any more than a person with an ulcer could simply will it away.

But depression is highly treatable in the vast majority of cases. Up to 90% of depressed people respond positively to one treatment or another. Sometimes psychotherapy or counseling is all that is needed, but there is also a wide array of effective antidepressant medications and other alternatives. Sometimes, the first treatment will work well. At other times, a second or even a third treatment trial is required to find the best (most effective, most easily tolerated) treatment for the individual patient.

Clinical depression is an umbrella term used to describe the most common forms of depression, which include:

Major depression, also known as melancholia or unipolar depression, can last up to a year if not treated. A person experiencing an episode of major depression will experience some physical problems, such as headaches, other aches and pains, or digestive upset, for example, in addition to emotional difficulties.

Bipolar disorder, once called manic depressive illness, causes mood swings that soar to unusual elation, and then plummet to depression. A person with severe bipolar disorder may also see or hear things that are not there or experience paranoia (an incorrect feeling that they are in danger from others).

Dysthymia is a chronic (ongoing), low-grade depression. It often begins in childhood or adolescence and may last for many years in adulthood if not treated. It is a less severe form of clinical depression, but at times it can be almost as disabling as major depression.

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a form of depression thought to be triggered by a decrease in exposure to sunlight. In the Northern Hemisphere, the condition usually occurs in late fall and winter, when daylight hours are short, and it is more common in geographical areas that have four clearly defined seasons.

Nice To Know:
Perhaps nowhere is the connection between mind, body, wellness, and illness more striking than in depression. It is clear that human emotions, including sadness, elation, and anxiousness, are governed by chemical reactions in the brain. That is only the beginning. Scientists have recently begun to unravel the complex interplay between factors that contribute to depression. Illness, heredity, psychological traits, and social environment all play a role.

Facts about depression
. Depression affects nearly 19 million Americans.
. It is the most common mental illness, yet fewer than half of depressed people seek help.
. Depression affects one in five people at some point in their life.
. It is the leading cause of suicide.
. It afflicts twice as many women as men.
. Depression affects people in all age groups.
. Depression has affected countless accomplished people throughout history, including Abraham Lincoln, Ernest Hemingway, Peter Tchaikovsky, Charles Dickens, Virginia Woolf, Mary Shelley, and Mike Wallace.
. The number of people who experience depression has increased with every generation since World War II.

Nice To Know

Facts about the form of depression known as bipolar disorder:

Bipolar disorder occurs in about one in 10 people with clinical depression.

. It usually begins before the age of 30.
. It strikes men and women equally.
. It is twice as likely as major depression to run in families.

Bipolar disorder triggers more frequent and severe episodes of illness than does major depression.
The most disabling part of bipolar disorder are the often prolonged depressive episodes.

What Are The Symptoms Of Depression?

Symptoms of depression can vary widely - and they don't always involve the sadness or weepiness that people commonly associate with it. Many people will experience intellectual or psychological changes that affect their thinking, sleep, or energy level.

In addition, different types of depression may produce additional symptoms:

1 - Major depression
2 - Bipolar disorder
3 - Dysthymia
4 - Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)

Major Depression
Experts generally agree that a person has clinical depression when he or she experiences some or all of these symptoms nearly every day for at least two weeks:

. Depressed mood
. Persistent feelings of hopelessness, guilt or worthlessness
. Fatigue or lack of energy
. Slowed behavior (the feeling of "dragging oneself around ")
. Reduction or loss of pleasure in life
. Decreased motivation
. Negative or pessimistic thinking
. Loss of interest in friends, activities, hobbies or work
. Change in eating habits; weight gain or loss
. Sleep problems, including waking up early
. Frequent crying
. Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
. Irritability
. Being anxious or worried a lot
. Thoughts of death or suicide
. Suicidal Thinking or suicide attempts

Understandably, depression can affect all aspects of a person's life (and the lives of family and close friends, too) because it puts a damper on one's overall ability to function. Clinically depressed people often becomes unable to enjoy anything, even things they once enjoyed (a condition called "anhedonic").

Most people are substantially disabled during a bout of major depression.
Others may continue to function in the sense of holding down a job and meeting other obligations - but just being alive becomes a chore.

Depression is believed to contribute to more than 70% of all suicides.
In addition to having the general symptoms of depression, a person experiencing an episode of major depression, also known as melancholia, typically has:
. Severe sleep disturbances (insomnia)
. Marked loss of appetite/weight
. Incapacity to be motivated or to experience pleasure
. Severe guilt/self-criticism

In children and adolescents, other signs of depression are often present in addition to the above symptoms. They include:
. Falling grades
. Irritability
. Conduct problems
. Social withdrawal
. Complaints of physical problems such as headaches and stomachaches
. Low energy
. Poor concentration
. Changes in eating or sleeping patterns

Need To Know:

Experts estimate that 2% of children and between 4% and 8% of teenagers suffer from depression. Most likely to be depressed are girls after the onset of puberty.

In the elderly, depression may be accompanied by a focus on physical ailments, such as stomach upset or aches and pains.

Nice To Know:

Q: My 70-year-old grandfather lives alone, has been active in his retirement community, and generally gets along fine. But lately he seems sad and has been behaving strangely, forgetting things, and not getting dressed. What could be wrong?

A: In the elderly, depression is often accompanied by other symptoms, such as confusion, forgetfulness, and inattention to personal hygiene and appearance. These problems are sometimes mistaken for dementia, but they may be masking depression. Be sure that your grandfather receives medical attention immediately and that he is properly diagnosed and treated accordingly. In addition, general medical problems can cause depression, such as thyroid disease, endocrine disease, diseases of the central nervous system, and some cancers.

Bipolar Disorder

A person with bipolar disorder, or manic depressive illness, has severe mood swings that soar to mania, or with extreme elation, and then plummet to depression. During the depressive phase, the symptoms are the same as those of clinical depression, though the risk of suicide is higher. During the manic phase, the person may exhibit some or all of these symptoms:
. Increased energy
. Racing, disconnected thoughts
. Increased talking and physical activity
. Decreased need for sleep
. Extreme feelings of excitement, joy, agitation or irritation that may be inappropriate to a given situation
. Impulsive behavior and poor judgment; classic manic behavior includes excessive spending or rash business decisions
. Increase in impulsive sexual activity
. Odd or improper social behavior
. Grandiosity, an elevated belief in one's own importance

A person with bipolar disorder may also:
Hallucinate, seeing or hearing things that are not there
Experience paranoia, feeling they are in danger
Harbor false, unshakeable beliefs about such things as wealth, power, or "super" abilities

A person with severe mania may need to be hospitalized until his or her mood and behavior are stabilized. Mania can last up to three months if not treated. Some people exhibit hypomania, which involves milder episodes of mania.
Bipolar disorder may follow different patterns.

The person may experience normal moods in between the two extremes.
The person may plummet rapidly into depression within a few days of mania (this is called rapid cycling).

Dysthymia

A Chronic form of depression, dysthymia often begins in childhood or adolescence and typically lasts for many years into adulthood if not treated. People with dysthymia:

Feel emotionally numb; they exist in a state of perpetual, low-level melancholy, going through the motions of everyday life with very little enthusiasm or interest
Tend to be negative thinkers, usually seeing the proverbial glass as half-empty instead of half-full

Are unable to savor or enjoy anything (anhedonic), even things they once enjoyed
Often subsequently develop episodes of major depression
Because dysthymia is so chronic (ongoing), existing in this way becomes so familiar that the sufferer, family, and friends may believe it is simply the person's nature or personality. Many sufferers do not seek treatment because they do not realize they are clinically depressed. Recovery from dysthymia is often incomplete, and there is a high risk that the person may sink into major depressive episodes throughout life. When this happens, he or she is suffering from double depression.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Seasonal affective disorder is a form of depression thought to be triggered by a decrease in exposure to sunlight. Besides depressed mood and general symptoms of depression , symptoms may include:

. Cravings for sweet and starchy foods
. Weight gain
. A need for more sleep
. This type of depression may be less severe than major depression. The condition usually disappears in the spring.

What Causes Depression?
The precise cause of depression is not known, but evidence points to several factors, including:

. Heredity
. Biochemical makeup
. Psychological makeup
. Stressful life events
. Fluctuating hormone levels

Other factors such as general medical conditions and certain medications

1 - Heredity

Depression does "run in families. " People with a close relative who has had major depression or bipolar disorder are twice as likely to develop depression themselves. About one-third to one-half of depressions are thought to be largely due to genetic factors. Those most likely to have a genetic form of depression have recurrent episodes, as do one or more close relatives.

2 - Biochemical Makeup

Every human being has a unique biochemical makeup. Whether or not a person will experience depression (or other neurological disorders) depends largely on the function and chemical makeup of select neural systems in the brain.

A person's biochemistry is an intricate balancing act. Think of a choreographed ballet with a troupe of dancers performing at once. If one or more of the dancers are out of step, the whole production is thrown off balance. So it is with an individual's biochemistry.

The brain is the "master " control center that governs our lives in every conceivable way. Just as messages from the brain (in the form of electrical impulses) control our movements, other messages control our emotions.

Neurons, or nerve cells, are the most basic units in the brain. Neurons are separated by gaps called synapses.

Chemical substances called neurotransmitters carry messages or signals across these gaps to various nerve cells.
If there is a deficiency or an imbalance in certain neurotransmitters, a variety of disorders can result.
The neurotransmitters serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine are just a few of the chemical messengers believed to be responsible for moods and emotions. A disturbance in these chemical systems has a profound negative effect on mood and emotions.

3 - Psychological Makeup

It is said that a person's basic personality traits are often defined in early childhood. One defining factor is the social environment to which we are exposed. What happens to us in childhood can have a deep-rooted effect on our attitudes and behaviors in adulthood.

For instance:

Long-standing neglect or physical or mental abuse in childhood will affect one's view of the world later on, and appear to be risk factors for developing depression and other disorders.

Conditions of social deprivation, such as overcrowding and the lack of a confiding relationship with a trustworthy person, can affect the quality of one's relationships throughout life.

Stressful Life Events

A person's reactions to external factors can affect the normal level and activity of the chemical messengers in the brain, thus affecting mood and emotions. A stressful life event can plunge a person into clinical depression, especially if a person is at risk for depression due to other factors. Stressful life events include:
Prolonged medical illness

Illness or death of a loved one
Divorce
Ending a close relationship
Loss of a job
Moving to a new home
Financial or legal problems
Fluctuating Hormone Levels

In women, fluctuating hormone levels can contribute to depression. Conditions linked to hormones in women are:

. Premenstrual syndrome. Approximately 3% to 8% of women in their reproductive years are affected with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) during the week or so before their menstrual period. PMS is characterized by depressed mood, mood swings, irritability, and tension or anxiety. It lessens with the onset of the menstrual period each month.

.Depression after pregnancy. This temporary form of depression is strongly linked to hormonal fluctuations following pregnancy, but social factors may play a role in some cases. For instance, a professional woman who is suddenly faced with being home every day, essentially alone with a baby, may feel isolated and depressed.

.Depression in menopause. Menopausal depression was once attributed to middle-aged women feeling sad over the loss of their childbearing capabilities (the loss of their "youth" or "femininity"), and the loss of their grown children (the "empty nest"). There is no evidence that this is true. In fact, evidence suggests that for some women, menopause and the "empty nest" may signify a new freedom in their lives to pursue long-delayed interests and devote more time to their own needs.

However, hormonal fluctuations in menopause are real, and some women suffer mood swings, fatigue, and depression. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can lift mood and fatigue among women who are medically able and who choose to take HRT. However, the risks of HRT must also be considered.

Other Factors

Other factors that can lead to depression include:

. Alcohol or drug abuse
. Use of certain medications, such as steroids and some blood pressure medications
. Underlying general medical conditions that can cause depressive symptoms, such as hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland), chronic fatigue syndrome, and others.
. "Burnout," a depletion of mental and physical energy usually stemming from prolonged overwork and/or an overload of demands and obligations placed upon an individual

Nice To Know:

Psychological theories about the root causes of depression include:

Guilt. One theory suggests that depression, like bereavement, is a response to loss. This may include loss of a person, job, or role. In bereavement, intense feelings towards a loved one are often mixed. The adult in us will tell us not to speak ill of the deceased, but the child inside us feels sadness but also anger at having been abandoned. Freudian theory maintains that because this second reaction is socially unacceptable, we unknowingly hide it from ourselves and direct the anger inwards as guilt. This suppressed guilt is thought by some to lead to depression.

Pessimism. Another theory suggests that some people have a habitually pessimistic view of themselves, the world, and the future. Such people tend to form false conclusions about their experiences. For example, a man greets a woman friend across a busy street. When she does not respond, he concludes that she no longer wishes to know him because he is not likeable. He fails to consider other reasons behind the incident - maybe she didn't even notice him with the crowded sidewalk and the noisy traffic. Repeated experiences of this sort, when interpreted in this negative way, can foster or maintain depression.

Who Gets Depressed?

Depression afflicts approximately 19 million Americans, from children to the elderly, in all walks of life. It reportedly afflicts twice as many women as men (although some observers speculate that this could be because fewer men admit they need treatment).

Among those prone to depression are people:
With close relatives who have had depression, especially recurrent depressive episodes or who have bipolar disorder
Who have had depression before
With low self-esteem or self-loathing
With chronic medical disorders, including thyroid disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure
Who take certain medications, including oral contraceptives, steroids, and some medications for high blood pressure
With a loved one who is seriously ill
Who are alcoholic or drug-abusing
Who are withdrawing from alcohol or drug addiction
Who are going through stressful or traumatic life events
When depression first occurs in those over age 60, it:
May be a predictor of Alzheimer's disease
May be caused by an undiagnosed general medical disorder before the symptoms of the disorder become evident
May be a side effect of many drugs that are commonly prescribed for the elderly

How Can I Tell If I Need Treatment For Depression?

We all feel blue sometimes, and it is normal to be sad in reaction to an event that is unhappy, stressful, or traumatic. Grief will follow the illness or death of a loved one, the loss of a close relationship, or termination from a job. Financial or legal problems can cause anxiety and depressed mood.
These normal reactions to such situations are termed reactive mood disturbance or adjustment disorder . The difference between someone experiencing a reactive mood disturbance and someone who is clinically depressed is:
Someone with a reactive mood disturbance will soon be able to place things in perspective and move on with other areas of life.
A person who is clinically depressed is unable to get past the grief or disappointment - and sometimes the grief is for non-specific or vaguely defined reasons.

Clinical depression can be compared to a veil that clouds and dulls one's entire view of the world. A depressed person may not recognize when a clinical problem is present. It is easy to explain away the symptoms by blaming them on stress or adverse events.
And even when stress or events are the trigger, understanding the cause is not always enough to lift the depression. Simply taking a vacation will not "cure" clinical depression, because the root of the problem will still be present upon one's return.

It is sensible to ask a close friend or relative to give an honest opinion about how they think the individual is doing. Professional help may be needed if:
There is agreement that the person is not functioning well
Many of the symptoms of major depression have been present for at least two weeks

Suicidal thinking is prominent

Need To Know:

What to do if a person is feeling suicidal
Dial 911 or a friend or family member immediately.
Ask the directory-assistance operator (or consult the phonebook) for local 24-hour mental health hotlines and other sources of support.

How Is Depression Diagnosed?
Since many general medical illnesses can cause the same symptoms, a thorough medical evaluation is essential, especially if the first depression occurs after the age of 40. The first step is to seek treatment from a qualified professional whom you trust. You may choose to consult:

Your family physician or internist
A psychiatrist, a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating mental illness; psychiatrists are able to prescribe prescription medications and to diagnose general medical conditions
A psychologist, who is a therapist with a PhD in psychology and/or a related discipline, or a therapist with a master's degree
A licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), who is a counselor with a master's degree in counseling
A marital, family, and child counselor (MFCC)
A psychiatric social worker or psychiatric nurse or nurse practitioner
A certified alcohol- and substance-abuse counselor, when depression is linked to alcoholism or drug addiction

Psychologists, counselors and social workers cannot write prescriptions, but they often work in association with a psychiatrist or general medical practitioner when medications are recommended.

It is important to seek treatment from a professional whom you trust. If the professional has a manner that seems indifferent, or intimidating to you in any way, seek a different professional.

The clinician will take a careful history, asking about:
How the symptoms developed, how long they have been present, how severe they are, and if they have ever been treated before
Past and current medical conditions
Alcohol and drug use
Family medical history
Family psychiatric history, especially as pertains to blood relatives who have or who have had depression
Whether suicide has ever been considered or attempted

How Is Depression Treated?

Depending on the type and severity of depression, treatment may involve:
Psychotherapy (counseling), which is the treatment of mental and emotional disorders by psychologic techniques and counseling
Antidepressant medications which can restore proper chemical balance in the brain
Other treatments such as light therapy and electroconvulsive therapy

Treatment is successful in 80% to 90% of clinically depressed people.
In mild to moderate depression, psychotherapy may be all that is needed.
Regular exercise is also beneficial for helping to uplift mood in milder forms of depression.

If symptoms don't improve in a couple of months, and certainly in more severe cases of depression, medication may be needed.
If there is a risk of suicide, medication or hospitalization may be necessary right away.

For some people, the best and most lasting results are obtained with a combination of psychotherapy and antidepressant medication.
To be considered recovered, one must be in remission - that is, depressive symptoms must not be present - for four to six months. The person should have returned to his or her usual ways of thinking, feeling, and behaving.

How Can Psychotherapy Help?
Psychotherapy is the treatment of mental and emotional disorders by psychologic techniques and counseling. Psychotherapists can include:
Psychiatrists
Licensed psychologists
Psychiatric nurses or nurse practitioners
Psychiatric social workers
Individuals trained in counseling

Various methods of psychotherapy can help depression, including:
· Cognitive therapy
· Interpersonal therapy
· Situational counseling
· Group therapy

Cognitive Therapy
The word "cognitive " pertains to the mental processes of comprehension, judgment, memory, and reasoning. Cognitive therapy (also known as cognitive behavioral therapy) is based on the premise that people become or remain depressed because they are drawing distorted, negative conclusions about situations and people with whom they interact.

Cognitive therapy helps a person become aware of how distorted thinking is self-defeating and can lead to depression. The person learns to recognize thought patterns and change attitudes and behavior accordingly.

Common types of distorted thinking among depressed people include:

Over generalizing ("all men are ignorant")
All-or-nothing thinking (perceiving something as happening "always" or "never")
Seeing only the negatives (the glass half-empty instead of half-full)
Jumping to conclusions (without knowing all the facts or giving the other person a chance to explain)

Overanalyzing (brooding, thinking too much about something)
Blaming oneself for things beyond one's control ("If I'd been a better child, my parents wouldn't have gotten divorced.")

The first step in cognitive therapy is to identify how and when one leaps to the wrong conclusions and to catch oneself in the act. The person is often encouraged to keep a diary of how he or she is thinking and feeling throughout the day, and of what is going on in his/her life. A chart divided into columns can be helpful. Under each column, the person typically lists:

The situation

Negative thoughts (about the situation)
Feelings (resulting from the negative thoughts)
Rational thoughts (upon considering all sides of the situation)
Feelings now (that one has realized it isn't that bad, that there are alternatives)
The second step is to discuss with the therapist alternative ways of drawing conclusions.

An example is the situation of the man who feels shunned when his greeting is not returned:

The person must take a very proactive role in cognitive therapy and be willing to work at it. A person who does so may feel empowered with the knowledge that in many everyday situations, we can choose how we react and how we feel. This empowerment can help dispel feelings of depression.

Interpersonal Therapy
Interpersonal therapy examines one's relationships and interactions with others. This form of therapy helps a person recognize how the quality of his or her relationships can play a part in depression.

Among the goals are to:
Honestly identify one's needs in a relationship
Examine healthy and unhealthy behaviors that one practices to get those needs met
Improve communication and behavior in relationships
Learn new ways to cope with stress and other problems
Situational Counseling
Situational counseling involves seeing a professional who specializes in the area that is linked to the depression. For example:
If the depression is associated with a death, it can be helpful to seek a counselor who specializes in bereavement.
If the depression is associated with alcohol or drug abuse, it can be helpful to seek a counselor who specializes in addiction.
If the person is suffering from a chronic illness or has a loved one with a chronic illness, there are counselors and support groups for many such situations (cancer and AIDS support groups, for instance). A local hospital or clinic may be able to provide a referral.

Group Therapy
A psychologist or trained counselor guides a small group of people in discussions of problems and how they are handled. Group counseling can be effective because:

It shows the person that he or she is not alone
It helps the person realize that many people share similar problems
Learning from one's peers can be a powerful step on the road to recovery

Need To Know:
How long to continue psychotherapy is a highly personal decision. At the beginning, a person may see the therapist once a week or more often if necessary. Most people taper off to once a week or biweekly thereafter. If therapy does not relieve the depression after 10 or 12 weeks, another option (such as medication) should be added.

Nice To Know:
Q: Is entering psychoanalysis a good way to quickly get over depression?

A: Not necessarily. When we think of Sigmund Freud (the "grandfather" of psychoanalysis), we think of traditional psychoanalysis, or analytic psychotherapy. We picture the patient lying on a couch while talking, sometimes not even facing the therapist. The therapist often says little. This style of therapy rests on the principle that what develops reflects the pattern of earlier relationships, and that because the therapist is relatively passive, various emotions may freely emerge and may then be identified as the source of current problems. This type of therapy is not aimed primarily at relieving symptoms of depression, but rather at helping people learn more about themselves and how their past has contributed to the present. Any benefits from this type of analysis can take years. If one is depressed and in need of help now, it is advisable to seek treatment with a therapist who specializes in one of the newer approaches.

How Can Medication Help?
Not everyone with depression needs medication. Your doctor will conduct a thorough assessment to determine, based on your level of depression, whether medication is needed and which type would work best.

Different types of antidepressants are available, and they are designed to restore proper chemical balance in the brain. Most individuals benefit most from a combination of medication and psychotherapy.

Today's antidepressants are not addictive and are highly successful. In one study, up to 90% of people with major depression improved after taking the right antidepressant drug in the right amount.

One of the most important things to realize when taking antidepressant medications is that it is not like taking a painkiller for a headache. If you take a painkiller, the pain goes away shortly. Antidepressants, however, must build up gradually in the bloodstream to reach an optimal, stabilized level. It can take three to six weeks for any antidepressant to offer relief. In the early stages, sometimes antidepressants can make one feel worse before feeling better, because most of these medications have side effects.

If a person is already depressed, it can be difficult to cope with side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, dry mouth, constipation, and sexual side effects. While none are dangerous, they can be bothersome and may be intolerable to some people.

Need To Know:
While the list of possible side effects from antidepressants can be lengthy, the important thing to remember is that they are possible side effects, and an individual will rarely (if ever) experience more than a few. Each person must weigh the inconvenience of side effects with the inconvenience of depression, which, without treatment, can hinder one's entire life.

No two individuals will respond the same way to an antidepressant, and so the person and doctor must embark on a course of trial-and-error to find the right dosage.
A dose that is too low may not offer relief.
A dose that is too high may make side effects too pronounced.

When the right dose and/or combination is found, side effects can fade and a person's mood and depressive symptoms can lift like a curtain rising on the world. This is the time when the person may benefit most from working with a good psychotherapist (while staying on the medication).

Taking an antidepressant alone, without psychotherapy, may suppress depressive symptoms biologically - but may not address the psychological part of it. Learning (through psychotherapy or counseling) how one's behavior or thought patterns contribute to depression can be very important in preventing a relapse.

Need To Know:
A lack of compliance - when an individual fails to take the medication as prescribed - is the biggest reason for failure. So it is crucial, if you are treated with medication, to take the medication every day as prescribed, and to be patient.

After a short time, most side effects usually disappear or lessen to an acceptable level.
If they do not, the doctor can prescribe a different medication or a combination of medications.

It is common for a person to remain on an antidepressant for six to nine months or even longer, to prevent a relapse of depression.

Long-term medication, sometimes referred to as maintenance medication, may be needed for chronic depressions such as dysthymia and to prevent relapses in recurrent major depression.

While antidepressants are not addictive or habit-forming, unpleasant withdrawal symptoms can occur if they are halted abruptly. Discontinuing a medication should be done in gradually decreasing dosages and in consultation with the prescribing physician.

There are several different types of antidepressant medications:

. Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
. Tricyclics
. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
. Heterocyclics

Newer drugs

Mood-stabilizing drugs
Selective Serotonin Re-Uptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are usually the first types of medications prescribed for depression. They work by increasing the serotoninlevels in the brain. Serotonin is one of the chemical messengers in the brain responsible for moods and emotions.

These medications include:
Citalopram (Cylexa)
Fluoxetine (Prozac)
Paroxetine (Paxil)
Sertraline (Zoloft)

Some people believe SSRIs have been to depression what antibiotics once were to bacterial infections - "miracle drugs. " Most individuals respond very well to SSRIs. Because they target serotonin activity selectively, they have fewer side effects than the other more broad-acting medications, tricyclics and MAOIs.
One of the biggest problems with SSRIs is that they may cause sexual dysfunction - loss of interest in sex and/or difficulty achieving orgasm - in up to 20% of people.

Milder side effects that some people experience may include insomnia (common), nausea, diarrhea or loose stools, headache, nervousness, anxiety, mild shaking, and drowsiness (uncommon).

Tricyclics
Tricyclics, which have been used since the 1950s, had been the standard treatment for depression before SSRIs were introduced. Tricyclics include:

Imipramine (Tofranil, Janimine)
Amitriptyline (Elavil, Endep)
Desipramine (Norpramin)
Nortriptyline (Pamelor, Aventyl)
Protriptyline (Vivactil)
Trimipramine (Surmontil)
Doxepin (Sinequan)
Amoxapine (Asendin)
Clomipramine (Anafranil)

Tricyclics are available in generic form, which is less expensive than brand-name drugs.

Tricyclics are effective for depression, but their biggest drawbacks are their side effects. Most users experience some side effects, which may include drowsiness, constipation, dry mouth, blurred vision, weight gain, difficulty in urinating, sexual dysfunction, insomnia, disturbances in heart rhythm, anxiety, shaking, and orthostatic hypotension (a sudden drop in blood pressure when standing, which causes dizziness). People with certain heart conditions should not use tricyclics.

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are usually tried when other antidepressants have been ineffective. Some MAOIs are available in a patch form as an alternative to pills.

They include:

Tranylcypromine (Parnate)
Phenelzine (Nardil)

MAOIs have been around for decades and also are available in generic form. They elevate mood by blocking the actions of a chemical in the brain (monoamine oxidase), which normally breaks down the neurotransmitters that stimulate the brain.

Possible side effects include constipation, dry mouth, drowsiness or insomnia, nervousness, anxiety, jerking of the muscles, dizziness on standing, weight gain, sexual dysfunction, and problems urinating. Because they can cause birth defects, pregnant women should not take MAOIs. MAOIs also can interact badly with other drugs and with certain foods.

Need To Know:
If you are taking MAOIs
People taking MAOIs must avoid foods that are high in a substance called tyramine, because the interaction can cause severe high blood pressure (hypertension) and headaches.

Foods and liquids to avoid include aged cheeses (ricotta, yogurt, cottage cheese, cream and processed cheeses are safe); fermented or aged foods (corned beef, salami, fermented sausage, pepperoni, summer sausage, pickled herring); spoiled fruit, banana peel (fresh bananas are safe); aged liver (chicken, beef or pork); liverwurst, broad bean pods, meat or yeast extracts, sauerkraut, red wine, sherry, vermouth, cognac, beer and ale.

In rare instances, other foods also may cause high blood pressure when taken with MAOIs. These include chocolate, anchovies, caviar, coffee, colas, figs, mushrooms, beets, rhubarb, curry powder, junket, Worcestershire, soy sauce, licorice, and snails. These latter foods may be eaten in small amounts.

People on MAOIs must also avoid:
Decongestants
Cold, allergy and sinus medications (including pseudoephedrine and phenylpropanolamine)
Asthma inhalants (pure steroid inhalants are safe)
Amphetamines
Preparations containing methylphenidate, ephedrine, cyclopentamine, metaraminol, and phenylephrine.
Other medications that pose moderate risks include antihistamines, narcotics (codeine is safe), local anesthetics with epinephrine, levodopa, and dopamine.
Clearly, anyone taking MAOIs needs to read food and medication labels very carefully. Always consult with your physician before starting new medicaion or taking over-the-counter medication as well as herbal medications such as St. John's Wort.

Heterocyclics
Like SSRIs, heterocyclic drugs target specific chemical messengers in the brain that regulate mood. T

hey include:
Amoxipine (Asendin)
Maprotiline (Ludiomil)
Trazodone (Desyrel)

Common side effects of Asendin include dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, and drowsiness. Ludiomil may cause these effects, plus drowsiness, dizziness, and nervousness. Desyrel has been associated with all of the above, as well as fatigue, nausea, vomiting, insomnia, and headache.

Newer Drugs
Some of the newer drugs developed to treat depression include:

Bupropion-SR or XL (Wellbutrin and Zyban, used for smoking cessation)
Venlafaxine-XR (Effexor)
Nefazodone (Serzone)
Mirtazapine (Remeron)

These types of medications work selectively on certain neurotransmitters. Their side effects vary; for example:

Side effects of Wellbutrin may include insomnia, nervousness, or dizziness,
People with a history of seizures should not take bupropion.
Effexor may cause sedation or insomnia, sexual dysfunction, or loss of appetite.
Nefazodone may cause sedation.
Mirtazapine may cause sedation or weight gain.

Mood-Stabilizing Drugs

The most commonly used mood-stabilizing drug is lithium carbonate, available under the brand names Lithonate, Eskalith, Lithobid , and Lithotabs . Lithium carbonate is the most commonly prescribed medication for bipolar disorder, and it may be used in conjunction with another antidepressant.

Too high a dose can cause lithium poisoning. Therefore blood levels must be monitored regularly by the physician.

Side effects that may occur on low doses include stomach upset, frequent urination, hand tremor, mild thirst, and nausea.
Too-high doses may cause diarrhea, drowsiness, lack of coordination, muscular weakness, and vomiting.

Lithium levels can be affected by dehydration, fluctuating salt levels in the body, or diuretic medications used to treat high blood pressure.
Other Treatments For Depression

In addition to psychotherapy and medication, other treatments for depression include:

- Over-the-counter alternatives
- Phototherapy for seasonal affective disorder
- Electroconvulsive therapy
- Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) therapy

Over-The-Counter Alternatives
Two ov er-the-counter preparations may be helpful for mild to moderate depression.

St. John's Wort is an herbal remedy whose mild antidepressant action has been reported by numerous physicians. It is widely prescribed in Europe for mild to moderate depression. A recent definitive U.S. clinical trial did not find it to be efficacious, however.

Most people tolerate it well, but reported side effects include sensitivity to sun, gastrointestinal problems, and allergic reactions. The formula should contain at least 0.3% hypericin, the active ingredient in St. John's Wort.

SAM-e (S-adenosylmethionine) is a natural component of living cells involved in many of the body's mechanisms. Over-the-counter formulas are derived from yeast. SAM-e is said to have very few side effects. Its efficacy remains controversial.

Need To Know:
Both of these remedies have been used successfully for many years in Europe. Neither is considered a drug, so they are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Take care to choose a standardized formula.

Most importantly, always consult with your physician before trying either of these over-the-counter remedies. They should not be combined with prescription antidepressants. In cases of major depression, they should not be used to replace prescription medication.

Nice To Know:

Q: Can aerobic exercise help relieve depression?

A: Aerobic exercise, done on a regular basis, can help ease symptoms of mild to moderate depression. It is believed that regular aerobic exercise stimulates the body's production of endorphins, which are natural painkillers that produce a calming effect on the central nervous system. To reap these benefits, one must engage in continuous aerobic activity for a minimum of 20 minutes, three times a week.

Examples of aerobic exercise include brisk walking, jogging or running, bicycling, swimming, dancing, rowing, and playing racquet sports. Sometimes the mere act of getting out - whether for a brisk walk or a focused session at the gym - can have a revitalizing effect. However, before embarking on any exercise program, always consult with your physician. There may be medical reasons why certain exercises are advisable, while others are not.

Light Therapy For Seasonal Affective Disorder
It is said that exposure to natural sunlight is the cure for seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Some people with mild to moderate SAD do very well with phototherapy, also known as light therapy. Here is how it works:

Therapeutic light boxes wired with full-spectrum bulbs are used. Unlike regular household incandescent or fluorescent bulbs, full-spectrum bulbs recreate the full spectrum of colors in sunlight.

While the light simply appears as white to the naked eye, the brain recognizes the full spectrum. A therapeutic light box must provide at least 2,000 to 10,000 lux (a measure of light).
A person with SAD sits within three feet of the box for 30 to 60 minutes every morning. The person can read or watch TV as long as the retina of the eye is exposed to the light.

Electroconvulsive Therapy
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is commonly called shock therapy because a low-voltage electric current is used to cause a seizure. It is the seizure, not the shock, that is therapeutic. ECT is most often reserved for:

People whose depression is so severe that they are at risk for suicide
People who do not respond to antidepressant medications
Those who are unable to take medication, such as pregnant women or people with other medical problems

The methods of conducting ECT have been refined over the years. Today, the success rate of ECT in people suffering from mood disorders is more than 90%.

Need To Know:
ECT was introduced in the 1930s, and in those days it was performed in a somewhat primitive manner. Images from Hollywood have perhaps fostered an unnecessary fear of ECT. In the film "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest," for example, a patient is administered ECT by cold, institutional personnel. In reality, however, modern ECT is administered in a safe, humane, and painless manner.

ECT is performed on an outpatient basis, and hospitalization is not necessary.
First, the patient is given a muscle relaxant.
Electrodes are fastened with conducting cream to the skin.
The patient is then placed under general anesthesia and is asleep while a current is applied.

The body undergoes mild convulsions for a short period of time. The procedure is carefully monitored by the doctor, anesthesiologist, and nurse.
Usually a series of treatments is required to lift severe depression. Some people receive six treatments every two to five days, while others may need more treatments over several months.

ECT causes little stress to the body, and most people tolerate it well. The risks of the procedure are associated with the use of general anesthesia. People may feel groggy from the muscle relaxant, and it may take a few hours to recover from the anesthesia. Some may experience temporary memory loss or confusion. Sometimes partial, mild memory loss may persist.
Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) therapy

This intervention is approved for use in Canada and Europe for those treatment-resistant depressions that will require long term therapy. It is under FDA review in the U.S. Treatment entails day surgery in which a stimulator (about the size of a small stopwatch) is implanted in the left side of the chest and wired to the left vagus nerve. VNS has already been used for treatment-refractory epilepsy in Europe and the U.S. The device delivers intermittent (30 seconds on, 5 minutes off) stimulation to the left vagus nerve. This treatment is typically added to ongoing antidepressant medications.

VNS seems to gradually reduce depressive symptoms over time in treatment-resistant chronic or recurrent depressions. It may change the neurochemistry involved in depression or regulate brain circuits that control mood, motivation, sleep, appetite, etc.

How To Prevent A Relapse

While recovering from depression:

- Take it one day at a time.
- Don't expect too much too soon.
- Set realistic, doable daily goals.
- Take part in activities that make you feel better.
- Do not underestimate the power of laughter. It's hard to feel depressed when you're laughing.
- Seek out people who are supportive and helpful.
- Stick to your treatment plan; for example, take your medication as prescribed and keep your psychotherapy appointments.
- Sometimes the early phase of counseling can be difficult as the person recalls sad or frustrating experiences. The person must give the therapeutic process a chance to help one deal with such situations. This is one key to taking charge of one's emotional health.

How To Information:

People at risk for depression, and those who are depressed, should avoid :
Alcohol and drugs. These may temporarily numb one's emotional pain, but they will depress the nervous system well into the next day. Alcohol and drugs can also interact badly with some antidepressant medications.

Negative situations and judgmental or demanding people who bring one down. Avoid "friends" who are mainly interested in negative gossip and in hearing about one's problems. Such people usually become disinterested in hearing about one's successes.

Isolation. Don't withdraw from others, no matter how tempting. Get out among people, even if it means going for a walk in the park or attending a museum exhibit.

Brooding. If one gets on a negative train of thought, practice distraction techniques to derail the train. One simple technique is to inwardly (or, if possible, vocally) shout "STOP!" to oneself, or to physically bang one's fist on a solid object, such as a table, while shouting "STOP!" Replace the thoughts with positive or more productive ones. Learn the art of meditation, which can clear the mind of useless thoughts and foster inner calm. There are many self-help tapes and books on meditation and other relaxation and distraction techniques, such as creative visualization or guided imagery.

Who Is At Risk For Recurring Depression?

Any individuals who have experienced clinical depression are at risk of relapses throughout life. At higher risk for recurring depression are:

- Individuals who have suffered at least two episodes of depression (they are at higher risk for another bout within five years)
- People with dysthymia
- People with bipolar disorder

How Can Friends And Family Help?

. If a loved one is depressed, don't tell the person to just "snap out of it." It's not that simple.
. Be supportive and listen to complaints without being judgmental.
. Depression is a biological illness. Learn about the facts and the myths.
. If someone is so depressed that he or she is not functioning normally, assist that person in getting to a doctor and in keeping appointments. Remind them to take their medication on schedule.
. Encourage the depressed person to participate in enjoyable activities, but don't "push" or pressure the person.
. Consider family therapy or a family support group if the person's depression is associated with factors affecting the whole family.
. Pay attention to remarks about suicide. Encourage the person to report these feelings to his or her therapist or doctor.

Are There New Treatments On The Horizon?

New treatments for depression that are on the horizon include:

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). This is a painless, experimental treatment for stimulating the brain without the use of electrodes, anesthesia, or surgical techniques. Basically, in a series of treatments, a clinician passes a powerful electromagnet over the skull, mainly targeting the left side of the forehead. Certain magnetic fields are thought to stimulate neurons, although exactly why is not yet known. TMS does not cause the memory loss associated with ECT, and other than brief headache, there are no reported side effects. This treatment is under investigation and is considered very promising.

Cingulotomy . This is a form of brain surgery performed to alleviate chronic pain. It has shown promising results for easing depression in some people when all other treatments have failed. Neurosurgeons apply heat or cold to interrupt the cingulate gyrus, which is a bundle of nerve fibers in the brain's frontal lobe. Memory and intelligence are not affected.

Vagus nerve stimulation . Surgery is used to implant a small generator, about the size of a pocket watch, into the chest. Wires snake up into the neck to periodically stimulate the vagus nerve, which runs into the base of the brain. Vagus nerve stimulators have been used to reduce epileptic seizures, and they also show potential for severe depression.

Newer drugs. Pharmaceutical companies also are on a continual quest to develop antidepressant medications that work in different ways. For instance, it is believed that agents that inhibit substance P, a brain chemical associated with mood disturbance, may show potential.

Is there any other herbs can help depressive illness patients

Western medicine believes that Depression is a chemical imbalance in the brain. Medications are often used for treatment and in some cases more than one medication is prescribed to change neuro-chemicals.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) believes the root cause of depression and anxiety stems from heart problems that is caused by the restriction in the chest area. Brain chemistry issues are symptoms of the heart according to many of the Chinese healers.

Traditional Chinese Medicine - TCM uses herbs as Western Medicine, though their view of the root cause of depressive disorders differs. Chinese herbs are used to treat a variety of health conditions including Depression.
Alone, Chinese herbs have a mild effect on the condition being treated. When they are blended with other herbs the effect is very strong. Below are some of the Chinese herbs.

Chai hau is also called Bupleurum and is a surface relieving herb. It is used to treat colds. Its effects are strengthened when mint is added.

He Huan pi also known as He Huan Hua. It is extracted from the bark and flowers of the Mimosa tree (albezzia). It nourishes the heart. Combined with Dan Shan (Salvia Miltorrhiza) it is really potent.
Other Chinese herbs for Depression are Poria (fu shen), red dates (hung zao) and wheat berries (fu xaio).

Both Western and Eastern cultures use herbs for healing as has been done over centuries. Herbs are effective healing treatments no matter the culture. Chinese herbs for Depression are included in the long list of effective healing herbs.
We have found a pure natural depression supplement that can also help with anxiety and overall general well being.

Putting It All Together
Here is a summary of the important facts and information related to depression.
Depression is a medical illness linked to changes in the biochemistry of the brain.
. Depression affects the mind, but this doesn't mean "it's all in your head."
. Depression is not a weakness of character.
. A clinically depressed person cannot simply "snap out of it" any more than a person with an ulcer could simply will it away.
. Depression is highly treatable in the vast majority of cases.
. Sometimes psychotherapy or counseling is all that is needed.
. There is also a wide array of effective antidepressant medications and alternatives.
. There is some herbs can help depressive illness patients to over come their problems

Yin, Yang, the five elements and the processes of Cleansing, Replenishing, Strengthening and Balancing.