|
what is it?
Everyone feels down in the dumps from time to time and people often label these feelings as depression. True depression, however, is an extreme emotional state dominated by feelings of worthlessness, loneliness and despair. Other symptoms include:
- Loss of interest in things that normally interest you (including food and sex)
- Fatigue and loss of energy
- Dry mouth, indigestion
- Weight loss
- Sleep disturbance (often waking up early and being unable to drop back to sleep)
- Mood swings
- Thoughts of suicide.
what causes it?
Depression may be sparked off by external events such as a divorce, bereavement and other situations in which there is an experience of loss. Some people seem to be especially prone to depression. The condition can also be associated with other illnesses such as anaemia, viral infections, thyroid problems, vitamin deficiencies and hormonal upsets during the premenstrual period, after childbirth and sometimes at the menopause. Often however there is no apparent cause. Depression may also run in families and people with some personality traits such as anxiety, pessimism, perfectionism also seem to be more prone to the condition. Some doctors think depression is sparked off by a disturbance of brain chemicals, especially serotonin.
how complementary therapies may help
Complementary therapies may be effective in mild to moderate depression — that is where symptoms are not disabling and you can still function. Severe depression, however, can be a dangerous and potentially fatal condition. The good news is that it is treatable so if you suspect you may be depressed seek medical advice.
Each therapy has been coded from 1 to 5 depending on the amount of scientific evidence there is for its effectiveness. The higher the number the stronger the evidence, so 5 = definitely, 4 = probably, 3 = possibly, 2 = opinion, and 1 = rumour. (There is more detail about these in the 'does it work?' section of 'before you start'.)
Having said this, the codes aren't meant to be cast in stone or to put you off trying a particular therapy or therapies if you feel they might be helpful to you.
Go to therapies for a full description of each individual treatment, plus information on how to find practitioners.
herbal medicine
(code 4)
A number of different herbs may be prescribed depending on your particular symptoms. One of the most popular herbal treatments today is St John's Wort. The treatment has been shown in studies to be as effective as conventional anti-depressant medication although it appears not to be effective for severe depression. The herb should not be taken if you are taking any other anti-depressant medication because they may react with each other.
Another herb, ginkgo biloba, has been found to have possible anti-depressive effects in people over 50. The herb increases blood flow and has anti-oxidant properties. It's thought it may increase receptors for the brain chemical serotonin, which is involved in depression.
acupuncture
(code 3)
Studies carried out in China suggest that electroacupuncture can be effective in the treatment of depression. However, more research is needed before this finding can be relied upon.
relaxation and breathing
(code 3)
Learning how to relax can help alleviate the anxiety that some people who are depressed experience.
You might like to check out the feature on cognitive behaviour therapy in the mind magazine.
yoga
(code 3)
Yoga may help as part of an organised programme of stress management. In one clinical study carried out in India, the practice of yoga compared favourably with antidepressants in the treatment of depression.
massage
(code 2)
Massage is a supremely relaxing therapy and recent research suggests that it may be able to alleviate anxiety. However it is impossible to say with any certainty whether it can actually help relieve depression. In one study of children and adolescents who were depressed, a daily massage for five days helped alleviate anxiety and sleep problems, and improve levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
creative therapies
(code 2)
Exercise is one of the best mood lifters and music also has a powerful effect on the emotions. Dance movement therapy may be especially effective and in two small trials the therapy proved promising as a potential treatment for patients in hospital with depression. A graduated exercise programme has been shown to be as effective as anti-depressants in moderate depression.
You might like to check out our feature on art therapies in the mind magazine.
» help and info
If you have further questions, why not search the extensive bank of answers provided by our trained advisors? Check out just ask.
For details of other organisations, websites and publications go to our get help directory.
(July 2002)
|
