Depression Archives

Vagus Nerve Stimulation: Does It Work for Treatment-Resistant Depression?

Oct 30, 2017 · Susan Jimison Vitek · Depression

Electrically stimulating one of a pair of major cranial nerves has long been thought to help produce significant relief in many people who have experienced major depressive disorder (MDD). Vagus nerve stimulation, or VNS, is FDA-approved for patients with chronic moderate-to-severe MDD who have not responded to repeated courses of … Read More

Herbal Remedies to Banish Depression

Sep 28, 2017 · Susan Jimison Vitek · Depression

Long before the development of prescription antidepressant medications such as Prozac, Zoloft, Tofranil, and Lexapro, human populations had discovered natural ways to overcome the symptoms of depression through the use of plants with mood-boosting properties. Recently, scientists have begun to explore the benefits of many of these herbal remedies and … Read More

Enrich Your Life With Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

Sep 27, 2017 · JoAnn Milivojevic · Depression

Accepting things you cannot control is among life’s greatest challenges. The primary goal of acceptance and commitment therapy, ACT, is to help you do just that—accept what is out of your personal control and commit to actions that can improve and enrich your life. “This approach draws on the fundamental … Read More

Medication or Psychotherapy for Depression?

Aug 21, 2017 · Diane Muhlfeld · Depression

Current treatment guidelines for depression recommend treating patients initially with either antidepressant medications or psychotherapy, and that patient treatment preferences be taken into consideration when recommending specific treatment. There is a need, researchers say, to identify the best treatment for individual depressed patients in order to match that patient with … Read More

The Feel-Good Diet: Food That May Help Ease Major Depression

Jul 31, 2017 · Susan Jimison Vitek · Depression

Approximately 16.1 million Americans aged 18 or older experience at least one major depressive episode each year, according to the latest estimates from the National Institute of Mental Health. For many of these people, symptoms of depression, such as sadness, fatigue, hopelessness, feelings of worthlessness, loss of pleasure, and disturbances … Read More

Ask the Doctor: Side Effects of Abilify; What Helps Insomnia; Dangers of Meningitis

Jun 29, 2017 · UHN Staff · Depression

Q: I take Abilify, and recently I learned that the medication may have serious negative side effects. Please tell me more. A: The mental health drug aripiprazole (available under the brand names Abilify, Abilify Maintena, Aristada, and also sold as a generic drug) is used to treat major depressive disorder, schizophrenia, bipolar … Read More

Get Out From Under the Cloud of Depression

May 30, 2017 · Dawn Bialy · Depression

Millions of American adults suffer from major depressive disorder (MDD), a condition that often interferes with a person’s ability to work, carry on successful interpersonal relationships, and engage in daily activities of living. However, many people get relief from their depression by taking antidepressant medication. “Depression is an illness, and, … Read More

Editor’s Note: Dealing With Depression

May 30, 2017 · UHN Staff · Depression

Depression is very common in women throughout their life cycles: Almost one out of every three women will experience depression or anxiety in her life. Hormonal changes that occur in pregnancy and the postpartum period, as well as during and after menopause, are thought to contribute. As a primary care … Read More

Ask the Doctor: Depression Duration; Painful Soles; Pink Sea Salt

May 30, 2017 · UHN Staff · Depression

Q: How long does depression last? A: Depression is a complex condition that comes in many forms. Symptoms, as well as duration of those symptoms, vary widely. Some people may experience what’s called “situational depression,” meaning that a stressful event, such as divorce, death of a loved one, or job … Read More

Research Roundup: Reducing Depression; Anti-Inflammatory Diet; Whole Grains

May 30, 2017 · UHN Staff · Depression

Dietary Changes Reduce Depression Making healthy changes in one’s diet to include more fruit and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, fish, lean red meat, olive oil, and nuts can significantly reduce symptoms of depression, research shows. Thirty-one adults received dietary intervention from a dietitian, while 25 others received social support. After … Read More

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