Depression

Everyone experiences some unhappiness, often as a result of a change, either in the form of a setback or a loss, or simply, as Freud said, "everyday misery." The painful feelings that accompany these events are usually appropriate, necessary, and transitory, and can even present an opportunity for personal growth. However, when depression persists and impairs daily life, it may be an indication of a depressive disorder. Severity, duration, and the presence of other symptoms are the factors that distinguish normal sadness from a depressive disorder.
Depression has been alluded to by a variety of names in both medical and popular literature for thousands of years.

Depression is one of the most common psychiatric disorders. Symptoms of depression are often subtle and unrecognized both by patients and physicians. The brain contains a network of interconnected nerve cells called neurons. The junction between the neurons is called the synaptic junction. The transmission of impulses from one neuron to another is facilitated by chemicals called neuro-transmitters. The impulse triggers the release of neurotransmitters from one neuron, which cross the synaptic junction and attach themselves to the receptors in the adjacent neuron sending the message through. Later the neurotransmitter returns to the initial neuron via the reuptake channel. One of the causes of depression is believed to be the depletion of the amine neurotransmitters, serotonin and norepinephrine. The anti depressant drugs increase the availability of neurotransmitters at the synaptic junction by blocking the reuptake channel.

Symptoms of depression

The symptoms of psychotic depression are a combination of symptoms of depression and psychosis. This condition occurs when a depressed person loses touch with reality and hallucinates or experiences delusions.
The content of these delusions and hallucinations can be consistent with depression. For example, some people hear voices criticizing them, telling them that they are inadequate or evil, or telling them that they don't deserve to live and should kill themselves. Psychotic depression requires immediate medical attention to prevent self-harm or harm to others.

Causes of depression

The causes of depression are not fully known. Most likely a combination of genetic, biologic, and environmental factors are at work.

Treatment of depression

Depression is a treatable illness, with many therapeutic options available. Increasingly, professionals are viewing major depression as a chronic illness (the condition nearly always returns when treatment is stopped). Therefore, medical intervention and help must be ongoing.

Antidepressant Drugs

Once you've been diagnosed with depression, your doctor may prescribe a specific drug regimen. Every person is different, so your treatment will be tailored to your needs. Below you'll find a list of antidepressants that may be prescribed to treat depression:
Abilify, Anafranil, Ashwagandha, Atarax, Buspar, Celexa, Cymbalta, Desyrel, Effexor, Emsam, Geodon, Haldol, Lexapro, Loxitane, Luvox, Pamelor, Paxil, Prozac, Remeron, Risperdal, Sarafem, Seroquel, Sinequan, Tofranil, Wellbutrin SR, Zoloft, Zyban, Zyprexa.