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- What is depression?
- Symptoms of depression
- Causes of depression
- Prevention of depression
- Risk factors for depression
- Complications of depression
- When to see a doctor about depression
- Diagnosis of depression
- Conventional treatment of depression
- Alternative/complementary treatment of depression
- Living with depression
- Caring for someone with depression
Depression may be unpreventable in certain circumstances:
- Genetics - some forms of depression seem to have a genetic link (due to a number of linked genes), which means certain family members will be affected by depression. Even though there is a genetic link, researchers think that the faulty genes need to be triggered by either an external event (environmental factor) or another factor to cause the depression to start. Just having the faulty genes does not seem to be enough in most cases to cause the depression
- Neurotransmitter problems - if the neurotransmitters in the brain are not in proper balance, this means the brain chemistry is not healthy and normal, which could lead to depression. The main neurotransmitter which is affected is serotonin, which is normally too low in people with depression. Serotonin is responsible for regulating mood, as well as appetite and sleep. It is not known at present what causes the serotonin levels to drop in people with depression
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There may be ways to prevent depression from occurring or reduce severity and duration of symptoms:
- Early recognition of symptoms - depression is a really treatable condition especially when symptoms have just started and are quite mild and not too severe. It is advisable to understand the symptoms of depression so that if you feel that you may be experiencing them you see your doctor to be properly diagnosed and to be given advice on the best treatment options, which may allay worsening of symptoms (which can be quite debilitating) and any possible complications. You can even discuss alternative options to medication with your doctor at this stage, as early symptoms of depression tend to respond quite well to alternative/complementary treatment options
- Healthy diet - if a person eats foods that are in the recommended diet guidelines, this may help prevent depression in some cases by providing the nutrients which are required to synthesise the important neurotransmitters (serotonin, dopamine, GABA) which are responsible for regulating mood, appetite, sleep and other functions. If these neurotransmitters are unbalanced, or too low, depression can be the result. While in some people this may be genetic, for the majority, it is not, so a healthy diet may prevent imbalances in the neurotransmitters and ultimately may prevent depression (or at least may prevent it from being severe)
- Social interactions - social isolation, loneliness and being away from other people is one factor which may lead to depression in some people. Try to ensure that you have regular contact with your friends and participate in activities that are fun and enjoyable, to help prevent one factor that may lead to depression
- Regular exercise - regular exercise help to reduce the stress hormones (adrenaline, noradrenaline), increases the levels of the "happy hormones", endorphins, which increase pain threshold and create a better mood. Regular exercise may help to prevent depression, or worsening of symptoms in some people
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< 3: causes 5: risk factors > Last reviewed: 24 January 2009 || Last updated: 21 March 2009
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NOTE: Mega doses of any type of vitamin, mineral, amino acid or herbal supplement cannot cure illnesses and in fact can be very dangerous and produce toxic side effects and interfere with medicine you are taking. Always ensure you consult your doctor before taking any type of complementary supplements.
Disclaimer: This guide is not intended to be used for diagnostic or prescriptive purposes. For any treatment or diagnosis of illness, please see your doctor.
