Many Therapies Other Than Drugs Show Promise for Depression

A new Consumer Reports study this week has found that Americans prefer drugs to talk therapy for depression and that the most popular medications include the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRI’s. However, the 1500 survey participants also often report side-effects that go along with the drugs, including loss of sexual interest or ability.
Nearly 80% of those surveyed were prescribed antidepressants for depression symptoms. SSRI’s remain the most popular, including drugs such as Prozac (fluoxetine) by Eli Lilly, Zoloft (sertraline) by Pfizer, and Celexa (citalopram) or Lexapro (escitalopram) from Forest Laboratories. These drugs, however, were associated with more adverse side effects than newer medications such as Effexor (venlafaxine) and Cymbalta (duloxetine).
Read: Antidepressants May Have 20 Times More Side Effects Than Previously Thought
SSRI’s work by flooding the brain’s synapses with serotonin, a neurotransmitter linked with mood. They also increase the signaling of the brain’s serotonin receptors. By restoring a “chemical balance”, antidepressants help relieve symptoms such as sadness, hopelessness, and lack of interest in life.
“There are big drawbacks to the current therapies for depression,” says John Traynor PhD, a professor of pharmacology at the University of Michigan Medical School and author of a recent study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. “Therapeutic benefits are delayed, there are unwanted side effects, and it’s not unusual for depressive symptoms to return.”
While antidepressants for some have brought great relief for mild to moderate depression symptoms, they are only one treatment option. (Antidepressants remain the most effective treatment for severe depression). Although the readers in the Consumer Reports survey preferred the drugs, many reported receiving just as much benefits from several sessions of talk therapy with a psychiatrist, psychologist, or social worker. The most common types of therapy for depression include cognitive behavioral therapy or cognitive restructuring.
Read: Internet Based Cognitive Therapy Can Treat Panic and Depressive Disorders
There are now numerous studies that show that exercise can improve mood and other depressive symptoms such as low energy and insomnia. Taking a walk outdoors has been shown to be especially effective for good mental health.
Read: The Magic Drug for Depression and Anxiety: Exercise and Five Minutes of Green Exercise Helps Maintain Good Mental Health
A healthy diet rich in B-vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids may have promise as an complementary therapy for depression. Some studies show that a deficiency in vitamin B12 (found in animal foods such as meat, dairy products and eggs) is linked to the worsening of depression symptoms and that an increased intake of fatty fish such as salmon and sardines may be a useful adjunct to other depression treatments. Dietary components to avoid include caffeine and alcohol.
Read: Can Vitamin D Help Seasonal Affective Disorder and Overindulging in Chocolate A Marker For Depression
Alternative therapies may also be beneficial in a comprehensive depression treatment plan. Acupuncture, an ancient healing remedy from China, may help improve mood and reduce feelings of fatigue, anxiety and bouts of insominia. Light therapy may be useful, specifically with those who suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Meditation and other relaxation techniques can also be a helpful addition to depression therapies by helping to relieve stress and reduce repetitive negative thoughts.

7 Depression Tips To Get Through Tthe Most Depressing Day of the Year

The most depressing day of the year is January 19. Here are some depression busting tips to get through the most depressing day of the year and manage depression.
Just how much can a person take these days? Worst unemployment since World War II, global economy is collapsing and now you tell me it’s “The Most Depressing Day of the Year?” You have to be kidding me!
Why This Day? January 19th is Blue Monday. Dr. Cliff Arnall, a researcher at University of Cardiff’s Center for Lifelong Learning, devises a formula that uses a variety of emotional and stress factors, to proclaim January 19 the most depressing day of the year in 2009. To make things worse, studies show that there are more heart attacks on Mondays than any other day of the week.
• Light: Low light levels and bad weather combine to create Seasonal Affective Disorder
• Bills Due: Holiday bills are hitting the mailbox and debt becomes more apparent
• Resolutions: Many New Year’s resolutions are already broken
• No Hope: People have low motivational levels and a feeling of need to take action
“People, don’t take this lying down,” said Dr. Kathleen Hall, internationally recognized lifestyle expert in stress and work-life balance, and founder and C.E.O. of The Stress Institute. “Put together a simple, Fun Plan to get through this darkest, most depressing day of the year.”
Dr. Hall suggests 7 Depression Busting tips to get through most of the Most Depressing Day of the Year and the rest of the winter blues.
1. Plan a “Mental Health” day – or better, play hooky. Spend the day with a good friend or your spouse or partner doing something fun like visiting the zoo or a museum. Science tells us that fun increases immune cells that combat depression.
2. Begin your day with a walk, walk at lunch. . . or walk with family after dinner. You’ll get the endorphin boost for both your mind and body that will improve your mood.
3. Shower yourself in Optimism. Shower using your favorite bath products like peppermint or lavender, and wake up your senses as you revitalize yourself. Slip away at lunch for a pedicure to revive your soles and soul.
4. Treat Yourself to a Healthy Breakfast. It sets your metabolism and regulates your mood for the day. Your biggest mood boost comes from combining lean protein and complex carbs.
5. Plan a Lunch Bunch. Just hanging out with a group of friends is a mood booster. Brown-bag it and meet at a park, or get friends together at your favorite hip hang out. Be sure to eat fish and B6’s, with a combination of protein and complex carbs for sustained energy.
6. Listen to music and turn off the news. During your commute or while at work, your favorite music can improve your mood instantly.
7. End your day with a fun dinner that includes family or friends. Rent a funny movie or go to a comedy club for some laughs – laughter releases the “happiness” hormones serotonin and endorphins.

Valium Anxiety Drug Addiction Equaled To Heroin

Popular drugs such as Valium are as addictive as heroin says a new study. Researchers from Switzerland and the U.S found benzodiazepine drugs, also known as benzo’s, such as Valium, Xanax, Librium, Ambien and other well-known drugs stimulate the dopamine system, but scientists are just now discovering how they accomplish this.
These prescribed drugs offer a calming effect by boosting the actions of neurotransmitters. Because of this calming effect it activates the gratification hormone, dopamine and is the same reward pathway activated by some illegal drugs such as heroin. The findings may help in developing a next generation of non-addictive benzodiazepines.

The study which was conducted on mice attempts to increases our knowledge about the neurological basis for addictive behavior. The study found that benzodiazepines seemed to work by binding to a particular part of the neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid. (GABA)
Dr Arthur Riegel and Professor Peter Kalivas of the University of South Carolina described the discovery as “a landmark for the field” and said the research has highlighted an exciting possibility.
Dr Christian Luscher of the University of Geneva said: “Our work unravels the molecular basis of the defining pharmacological features that benzodiazepines share with addictive drugs, which we believe will be key for designing new BDZs with lower addiction liability.”
Benzodiazepines are among the most commonly prescribed depressant medications in the United States today. More than 15 different types of benzodiazepine medications exist to treat a wide array of both psychological and physical maladies
The researchers are hopeful these findings may help in the development of next generation non-addictive benzodiazepines. Meanwhile treatments centers throughout the country are now treating people for benzodiazepine addictions.