Friday, December 19, 2008

Natural Cures For Depression

By Janelle Wrightwood

There are many varied types of depression. Without realizing it or accepting it, many Americans suffer from some sort of depression.

It is estimated that some 14 million Americans are affected by depression. |It is also estimated that less than a third of those affected will ever seek treatment|Fewer than 4.7 million of those, about 1/3, will seek medical exam help|Unfortunately only a very small percent, less than 1/3, will go for treatment. Why is this the case? Maybe it's due to the fact that mental illness is considered a mental illness. That label is one people tend to avoid.

It wasn't that long ago that society shunned those unfortunate enough to be categorized with mental illness. In many cases those with slight signs of depression were locked away in state institutions for the mentally ill. Times have changed now, thank goodness. But what hasn't changed are old stereotypes. This influences many Americans to keep their illness to themselves.

Many elements make up depression. It is not a simple diagnosis. Many things have to be considered such as genetics, biology and even outside influences. Drugs, alcohol and stress all can play a major part in the development of depression. These are all factors in causes depression.

So what are some of the treatments and cures available for those that are inflicted? Just as there are many factors that can cause depression-there are many options to cure it as well.

These options are generally considered after evaluating the individual afflicted with depression

There are many supposed cures for depression. Methods of treatment that are safe and that work to cure depression do exist.

When considering which option is best there are a few considerations that must be examined. Is there evidence to show that the option works to treat depression?

Does it have an appropriate dose to be effective if a drug or herb? Have high quality control standards been used when accepting the method? Let's examine some of the more popular cures.

For years the typical treatment for many forms of depression has been prescription drugs and psychotherapy. SSRI, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, are prescribed to treat depression.

One of the most popular, Prozac, was first used in the United States in 1988. Drugs like Paxil, Zoloft, Lexapro, Celexa, and Luvox as well as others are also used. Case history shows all of these to be effective. However, prescription drugs are expensive and offer many side effects.

Becoming more common are natural treatments. St Johns Wort extract is one herbal cure gaining popularity quickly. It must have between three and five percent hyperforin to work.

It has been proven to work as well as Prozac with fewer side effects. As important as it is to find a cure-it is impossible to do so if those who suffer do not seek it.

If you or someone you know suffers from depression seek medical attention immediately. - 16004

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