Beating Depression (ePub)

Beating Depression answers real patient questions about what depression is, why it can affect anyone and most importantly, how it can be successfully treated.Depression can present in many ways: it can mimic other medical conditions; it can appear associated with fatigue, stress, headaches, poor work or academic performance, marital difficulties, alcohol or drug problems, or for no obvious reason at all. Causes may be deepseated - or sometimes surprisingly straightforward. It may present quite differently in those from other cultures. Treatments include the 'talking treatments' (various types of psychotherapy) and medication. Both long-established and newly developed medications are effective, as is at least one alternative herbal remedy. None of these is without some side effect. GPs treat most cases; but people who are more severely depressed may be treated by psychiatrists, in outpatient clinics or as hospital inpatients. However this illness affects you, a friend, or a member of your family, we hope that you will find something helpful in the following pages. We've used a wide variety of descriptions of depression, its causes and its best treatment, ranging from brain chemistry to social explanations. We have tried to include something for everybody.Depression is a universal illness: we are all potentially at risk. The symptoms vary wildly, but can include sleeplessness and loss of drive, feelings of guilt and anger, and even the desire to self-harm. However, depression is extremely treatable, and this easy-to-read book offers a thoughtful guide to self-help techniques and medical treatments. - Medically accurate answers to questions from real people - Techniques for dealing with common symptoms such as insomnia, agitation, panic and apathy - Advice about antidepressants, other medications and alternative forms of therapy - Guidance on related problems such as anxiety, phobia, stress and OCD.