Diagnosis Of Depression

If there is no obvious cause for the depression, or if reactive depression persists longer than might be expected, or if you are having suicidal thoughts, more aggressive therapy is needed. This means drug therapy and, possibly, hospitalization. The mainstay of drug treatment has long been a group of medications called tricyclic antidepressants, including amoxapine (Asendin), clomipramine (Anafranil), desipramine (Norpramin), imipramine (Tofranil), and nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor). These drugs do not take effect immediately, so a test period of at least two weeks is necessary to determine whether they are working. Toxicity is a problem with these drugs, and therapeutic levels are close to toxic levels, so repeated blood tests to check the level of the drug in the body are necessary. Possible side effects include delirium, seizures, heart-rhythm problems, dry mouth, low blood pressure, reduced sex drive, depression, drowsiness or agitation, rashes, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cramping, and blood problems.

For obvious reasons, newer, less potentially toxic medications are now considered more desirable. Fluoxetine (Prozac) is the best known of these. Others include bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban), fluvoxamine (Luvox), nefazodone (Serzone), paroxetine (Paxil), sertraline (Zoloft), and venlafaxine (Effexor). Though these drugs are less likely to cause side effects, they still can-effects including sexual problems, nausea, diarrhea, stomach pains, dizziness, tremors, insomnia, dry mouth, and excessive sweating. These drugs should not be mixed with many other classes of drugs.

Natural approaches that treat both the mind and body gently are another avenue to try. Powerful, long-term results have been shown with these. Further, it’s always a good idea not just to treat symptoms, but rather to focus on overcoming fundamental causes of a condition and to shore up long-term physical and mental health. Most important, a depressed person should speak with his or her doctor, as every individual’s situation and needs are unique.