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Forwarding Articles Related to Depression

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21#
发表于 05-12-10 17:51:42 | 只看该作者
运动抗抑郁心情变开朗

(2001-07-29)
  
跳韵律操,可以暂时转移注意力,摆脱负面的情绪。  


  因为经济不景气,钱财问题,工作受气,使我觉得自己越来越悲观,始终快乐不起来。怀疑自己是否得了抑郁症。

  抑郁的人经常会变得悲观,凡事都往坏处想,总觉得自己很没有用,不知道为什么活着。

  后来,我在阅读时得知一项研究显示,有氧运动可能比药物更能有效对抗抑郁症,因为运动可以刺激脑内啡的分泌,产生令人愉悦的物质,而使人感到快乐。

  为此,我决定在下班后,到健身中心去跳韵律操(aerobics)。至少,我在运动时,可以暂时转移注意力,摆脱负面的情绪。想想,如果能打沙包,把它当作老板的脑袋,消消气更好!

  我想和大家分享我读到的那篇文章,内容大概如下:

  “英国运动医学杂志”的一篇文章指出,德国柏林自由大学的医生,追踪曾经罹患重度抑郁症至少9个月的5名中年男性和7名妇女,发现药物对这些患者的疗效相当有限,甚至是无效。

  后来,研究人员要这些患者每天在跑步机上运动30分钟,在10天的运动期间,逐渐增加其运动量,并评估患者情绪状况的变化,结果在10天后,有6名患者表示抑郁情绪已大有改善。

  而其中5个人之前接受药物治疗,情况并没有好转。不过,剩下的4个人则认为,不论是药物或运动,情况都没有改变。

  抑郁的人有一项很大的特征,就是会觉得全身无力,不仅做事提不起精神,甚至连煮饭、刷牙这些动作都会觉得力不从心,而运动可以消耗身体热量,改善体能,让运动者有自我掌控感,因此重拾信心,自然能改善抑郁的症状。

  无论如何,运动对身体有益,这点是不用置疑的。为摆脱自己的困境,我选择跳有韵律操和游泳。

  有氧运动是指运用身体大肌肉的运动,运动的人每分钟最大心跳率在50至85下,包括游泳、慢跑、骑脚踏车等都是,这类运动较不激烈,但对体能的提升很有帮助,最好每个星期至少3天,每次至少做20至30分钟。

  不过专家也提醒,运动对抑郁症的改善虽然有帮助,但也不能完全取代治疗。因为抑郁症的治疗包括药物和行为治疗法等,都各有不同的疗程和适用情况,患者千万别以为只要多运动,抑郁症就一定会好。(秀敏)

《联合晚报》

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20#
发表于 05-12-9 21:34:02 | 只看该作者
I just changed from "BAI YOU JIE" to PAROXETINE HCL 6 days ago, now seems my sleep got worse, anyway, i instist on taking pills everyday.
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19#
发表于 05-12-9 21:26:15 | 只看该作者
The following content is translated by Kathy, thank a lot!!!!!!!!!!!!
==============================
==============================

l        关于抑郁症的介绍
l        什么是抑郁症?
l        抑郁症的种类
l        抑郁症及躁狂的症状
l        抑郁症的起因
l        诊断评估与治疗
l        心理疗法
l        如果抑郁了该怎么办
l        从哪里寻求帮助
l        更多的一些信息
l        参考书目



每年,都有9.5%也就是18.8万的美国人患上抑郁症。这种病所带来的经济损失巨大,它给人们带来的痛苦更是无法估量的。抑郁症会干扰人的正常生活,不但给患者本人,还给关心他们的人们带来创痛。严重的抑郁症不但会摧毁患者本人也会给其家庭带来毁灭性的后果。 但是,这些痛苦在很大程度上是可以避免的。

许多患有抑郁症的人不寻求医治,尽管大多数非常严重的抑郁症病人是可以的到帮助的。由于多年来富有成果的研究,现在有药物治疗和诸如认知行为疗法,交谈或人际互动等的心理社会疗法用来减轻抑郁症的痛苦。

不幸的是,很多人认识不到抑郁症是可以治愈的疾病。如果你觉得自己或是你所关心的人中患有未被诊断出的抑郁症,以下这些信息也许会帮助你行动起来挽救自己或是他人的生命。


什么是抑郁症?
抑郁症是一种包含躯体,情绪,和思想在内的疾病。它影响人的饮食,睡眠,和对自我以及外界事物的思维方式。抑郁症不同于短暂的情绪低落,它不是个人软弱的体现,或是可以靠意志力战胜或是消除的。患有抑郁症的人不能靠“打起精神”慢慢好起来的。不加以治疗,症状会持续数周,数月甚至数年。然而正确的治疗可以帮助大多数抑郁症病人好起来。


抑郁症的种类
正如其它疾病例如心脏病一样,抑郁症也分许多种。本手册简要描述其中三种最常见的抑郁症。然而,在这些种类当中,疾病症状,严重程度和持续程度又各有不同。

重度抑郁症为多种症状的综合体现(见症状列表),它影响和干扰人正常的工作,学习,睡眠,饮食以及使人丧失对周遭事情的兴趣。这种抑郁所造成的人的能力的丧失可能在其一生中发生一次,而更多的是多次反复地发生。

一种症状稍轻的抑郁症称为情绪不良。它是长期,慢性的,不会造成人行为能力的丧失,但会使人不能很好的应对日常生活或保持良好状态。很多患有情绪不良的人也许会在他们的一生中的某个阶段会有重度抑郁时期。

另一种抑郁症称为双相情感障碍,又叫躁狂抑郁症。不像其他种类抑郁症那样普遍,躁郁症表现为周期性情绪变化:严重的情绪兴奋(躁狂)和低落(抑郁)。有时这种情绪的转变是剧烈而迅速的,但通常它们是渐进的。在低落期,个体表现出所有抑郁症特征。在躁狂期,个体则表现为多动,多语,精力充沛。躁狂症通常会影响人的思维,判断,和社会行为,以至带来严重的问题和困窘。例如,个体在躁狂期会感觉情绪高涨,头脑中充满了诸如不理智的商业决定或罗曼蒂克的狂热行为计划等。躁狂症如果不加以治疗,会恶化为精神病状态。


抑郁及躁狂的症状
并不是每个抑郁或躁狂状态的人有以下所有的症状。有些人只有其中一些症状,有些人则有很多。症状的严重程度依个体和时期的不同而不同。

抑郁症状
持续的悲伤,焦虑,或感觉“大脑空空”
绝望感,悲观
负罪感,无价值感,无助
对曾经的爱好或喜好的活动丧失兴趣,包括对性兴趣的丧失
精力减退,乏力,行动迟缓
注意力难以集中,记忆力和作决定的能力下降
失眠,早醒,或嗜睡
食欲和体重下降或多食,体重增加
死亡或自杀念头;自杀企图
不安,易激怒
持续医治不愈的躯体症状,如头痛,消化系统紊乱,慢性躯体疼痛

躁狂症状
异常或过度的情绪高涨
过度易被激怒
睡眠需求减少
夸大不切实际的想法
多语
思维紊乱
性需求增加
超乎寻常的精力充沛
判断力差
不适当的社会行为


抑郁症的起因
有些种类的抑郁症会在某些家族成员中发生,意味着它可能会有生物遗传易感性。这种易感性更多体现在双相情感障碍上。对有双相情感障碍家族史每代成员的研究发现,那些患病的成员有着和不发病的成员不同的基因组成。然而,并不是每个有易感性基因组成的家庭成员都会发病。显然,一些其他因素,如家庭,工作及学业的压力都包含在发病的因素里。

在一些家庭里,重症抑郁症可能会代代相传。然而,它也可能发生在没有家族遗传史的人身上。不论是否遗传,重症抑郁症都与脑部结构及其功能的改变有关。

自我评价过低,长期以悲观消极思想看待自己和周遭世界的人,或是承受压力能力差的人容易患抑郁症。这是否有先天心理方面的易感性或是与早期疾病有关尚无定论。

近年来,研究者发现生理的改变往往会伴随着精神方面的变化。生理上的疾病,例如中风,心脏病,癌症,帕金森症和荷尔蒙紊乱都会引发抑郁,使人思维倦怠,对身体状况漠不关心,从而延长了康复的时间。另外,生活中遭遇严重损失,不良的人际关系,经济状况不佳,或期待与不期待的生活方式的改变都会引发抑郁。通常情况下,基因,心理和环境等的综合因素导致了抑郁症的发生。以后的病发通常只是由轻微的压力促成,或是根本没有原因。


女性中的抑郁症
女性发病大约是男性的2倍。很多荷尔蒙因素导致女性发病率的上升—这些因素包括经期的变化,怀孕,流产,产后期,绝经前,绝经期。很多女性还要面临生活,家庭,单亲抚养子女,照顾孩子与年长父母的种种压力。

最近国家精神健康协会(NIMH)研究发现,有严重经前期综合症的女性,当他们的性激素被抑制时,无论精神还是躯体的不适症状都得到缓解。而当性激素又被注入后,他们又会产生经前期综合症状。在无经前期综合症史的女性中,尚无发现对性激素反应的报告。

很多女性在产后尤其易受抑郁症的侵袭。荷尔蒙和身体的变化加上对新生命的责任等因素都会导致产后抑郁症的发生。虽然短暂的情绪低落在一些初为人母的女性身上很常见,长时间的心情抑郁则是非正常现象,需要积极的干预。富有同情心的医师的治疗和家庭成员对他们的精神支持对于他们身心健康的恢复,使他们更好的享受新生命带给他们的快乐至观重要。


男性中抑郁症
尽管男性患病比率少于女性,在美国三到四百万男性患有抑郁症。男性大都不愿承认此病,医生也很少下此诊断。男性的自杀率是女性的四倍,尽管有更多的女性曾试图自杀。实际上,七十岁以上的男性自杀率呈上升状态,并在八十五岁以后达到高峰。

抑郁症在躯体方面对男性的影响也不同于女性。一项新的研究显示,无论男女,抑郁症与冠状心脏病的发生都有关联,只有男性的死亡率高。

男性抑郁症通常表现为酗酒和吸食毒品,或是过度的长时间工作。抑郁症在男性身上通常不是表现为无助或无望,而是易激怒,气恼,灰心丧气。正以为如此,较难判断男性为抑郁症。即使男性意识到自己患抑郁症,他们也不像女性那样愿意寻求帮助。来自家庭成员的鼓励和支持会起到意想不到的作用。在工作场所,健康咨询工作人员和有关的精神健康方面的知识会帮助男性认识并承认抑郁症是一种可以医治的疾病。

老年抑郁症
有些人会有错误的观念,认为老年人精神抑郁是正常现象。恰恰相反,许多长者对他们的生活感到满意。有时,抑郁的发生被误认为是人趋于老化过程中正常现象。老龄抑郁,如果不加以诊断与治疗,会给本可以安享晚年的病人及家属带来不必要的痛苦。他们去看医生时,主要描述的是身体上的不适,以为老年人通常不愿和医生讨论他们无助悲伤的心情,兴趣的丧失,以及丧偶后长时间的悲痛。

抑郁症状在老年患者身上经常被忽视。许多医务人员逐渐认识到识别和诊治潜在抑郁症的重要性。他们认识到某些症状是由治疗躯体疾病药物的副作用引起的;或是由于并发症。如确诊为抑郁症,药物治疗与心理治疗可以使患者重新享受人生。近来研究显示,心理治疗(如交谈疗法有助于改善日常人际关系,或帮助他们克服伴随抑郁症的消极观念)在减轻病人短期抑郁症状方面卓有成效。心理治疗对不能或不愿药物治疗的老年患者也颇为有效。研究证明:对老年抑郁症可以采用心理治疗的方法。

认真对待治疗老年抑郁症可以让他们安享晚年生活,给他们的家人及看护者带来更多的安慰。


儿童抑郁症
近二十年里,儿童抑郁症才得到足够的重视。得抑郁症的孩子可能会装病,拒绝去学校,总粘着父母,或担心父母会死。稍大的孩子会易怒,在学校惹事生非,消极,抱怨,感到被误解。因为儿童正常的行为在他们发展时期会不断变化,有时很难区分他们是在经历短暂的阶段性的变化,还是抑郁症的表现。有时父母会为孩子的行为感到焦虑,老师会反映“你的孩子好像不像他往常那样了。”在这种情况下,如果儿科医生排除了身体上的病症,那么应该找擅长儿科治疗的医生重新诊断孩子的病情。如需要治疗,医生会建议精神科医生在制定治疗方案的同时辅以社工或心理咨询师的心理治疗。父母要勇于提问:咨询师的水平如何?孩子应进行那些治疗?家庭成员要参与其中吗?治疗中需要服用抗抑郁药吗?如果需要,会有那些副作用?

国家精神健康协会(NIMH)已经把药物治疗儿童抑郁症作为一个重要的研究方向。由精神健康协会所支持的儿童精神病理学研究所成立了一个由七个研究机构所组成的网络,在那里进行了药物治疗儿童及少年精神疾病的临床研究。在这些药物治疗中有抗抑郁药,其中有些在儿科医生的正确指导下,对儿童抑郁症有很好的疗效。


诊断与治疗
正确治疗抑郁症的第一步是进行身体的检查。一些病毒感染及药物治疗会引起和抑郁症同样的症状。医生应该通过检查,和患者交谈以及医学实验来进行排查。如果抑郁症状并非由躯体疾病所引起,那么医生应该对患者进行心理评估,或建议他们去精神科医生或心理咨询师那里寻求帮助。

一个好的诊断评估囊括所有的病症史,如何时发病,持续时间,严重程度,是否患过抑郁症,是否进行过治疗。医生应询问病人是否酗酒或吸毒,是否有死亡或自杀念头,家庭其他成员是否患有抑郁症,接受过何种治疗并是否有效。
最后,诊断评估应包括一个精神状态测试,用来判断语言思维或记忆模式是否受到了影响,因为这种现象经常发生在抑郁症或躁郁症患者身上。

治疗取决于评估的结果。有多种的抗抑郁药物治疗和心理治疗。心理治疗对一些症状稍轻的患者非常有效。而中度和重度抑郁症患者则需要抗抑郁药的帮助。多数人得益于综合治疗,即药物治疗会相对迅速地缓解症状,心理治疗使他们学会应对生活中的困难,包括抑郁症。根据对病人的诊断与症状的程度,医师会制定包括一种或多种有效的心理疗法在内的治疗方案。

电休克疗法(ECT)对重症抑郁症患者或是不能服药的抑郁症患者非常有效,特别是当抗抑郁药物不能很好的缓解症状时。近年来,电休克疗法得到了很好的改进。在治疗前,对患者先进行暂时的麻醉并注入肌肉松弛剂。电极被放在头部正确部位来传递电流。刺激会在大脑内产生短暂的大约30秒钟的意识丧失及痉挛。患者本人是在无意识下接受治疗的。通常每周三次,进行多个疗程,以期达到好的疗效。


药物治疗
有多种的抗抑郁药用于治疗抑郁症。这包括一些新型药物主要是选择性5-羟色胺再摄取抑制剂(Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors, SSRIs),三环类抗抑郁药(tricyclic),单胺氧化酶抑制剂(Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors, MAOIs), 和其他一些作用于神经递质的药物,如多巴胺(dopamine),去甲肾上腺素(norepinephrine),这些药和三环类药物相比有较小的副作用。有时医生要尝试多种抗抑郁药物才能找出最有效的治疗;有时需要增加剂量。虽然药物会在服用的前几周内起效,但一般要经过3-4周甚至8周才会发挥出完全的功效。

患者常常会过早地停止服药。他们会感觉状态好转不再需要继续服药了,或是认为药物根本不起作用。
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18#
发表于 05-12-9 14:07:32 | 只看该作者
I agree with this article partly.

In my opinion,the doctors can only control your symptom, but can not cure a patient, only the patient can really solve his problem.
one's instance is not the same as the other's,drugs can not solve all problems!
It is You but not doctor to beat depression!

Bell
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17#
发表于 05-12-9 13:37:49 | 只看该作者
It is too long and complicated, anyone can translate it?
Thanks!
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16#
发表于 05-12-8 22:09:27 | 只看该作者
From TIME Asia Magazine, issue dated Nov21,2005

Taking on the Drug Defenders

BY DANIEL WILLIAMS
Ever since his coruscating book Mad in America was published in 2002, American Robert Whitaker has been a poster boy for the anti-psychiatry movement. In Mad in America (Perseus Books), he argued that the assumption of a physical cause for schizophrenia had given rise to many wrongheaded treatments, from ice-water immersion to today's antipsychotic drugs. These days, the Pulitzer Prize finalist makes a similar case against psychiatry over its approach to the treatment of depression.
No one knows for sure whether serotonin has a role in depression, let alone exactly what that role might be. But many doctors pretend they're sure, Whitaker says, because "psychiatry for a long time had a bit of an inferiority complex. It wanted magic bullets like everybody else." Trouble is, the magic bullets, including the SSRIs, don't work very well. By perturbing neurotransmitter activity they can make patients chronically ill, says the Boston-based author.
Is he alleging a conspiracy among psychiatrists? Not exactly. Psychiatrists are taught the biological models of mental illness and come to believe in them, he says. He recalls a recurring exchange he had with doctors while researching Mad in America:
Psychiatrist: The (schizophrenia) drugs are like insulin for diabetes.
Whitaker: No, they're not - you have no confirmed biological problem.
Psychiatrist: O.K., that's true.
Whitaker: So why say it?
Psychiatrist: Well, it gets people to take their drugs.
"So what they're doing is a little fudging to pursue what they believe is a good end," says Whitaker. "But at the same time they feel vulnerable because they don't have the science behind it and they don't have the outcomes, either." Those psychiatrists who break ranks and publicly question the biological models and the efficacy of psychiatric drugs, he adds, "get clobbered. They basically have their careers ruined."
The SSRIs, in his view, are a story of a "massively successful capitalistic enterprise" - and the idea that in countries like Australia there's still a multitude of people with undiagnosed depression should be considered in that context. These people are "not clinically depressed, anyway," he says. "The drug companies are setting forth an unrealistic vision of what it is to be human. They're defining normal stresses and worries as pathological, and the only reason they're doing it is that it leads to more business."
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15#
发表于 05-12-7 23:03:49 | 只看该作者
准妈妈们,小心产后忧郁症!
2004-8-5 10:08:05

    千禧龙年接近尾声,许多在年初怀孕、赶搭最后一班龙宝宝列车的准妈妈即将陆续分娩。万芳医院精神科邓惠文医师,提醒准妈妈和准爸爸注意产后忧郁症的发生,及早预防及治疗,为母亲及宝宝的身心健康把关。
    邓医师表示,大约半数妇女在产后会经历心情低落、情绪起伏、疲倦、焦虑、失眠等症状,这就是最明显可以自我察觉的产后忧郁症,这些症状最常出现在产后第四、第五天左右,而且通常会在两周内恢复,一般不需特别治疗。
    但少数产妇症状较严重,包括忧郁、无法感受快乐、食欲大幅减退、倦怠、即使宝宝不吵仍然失眠、悲观、自卑、无望无助感,甚至出现自杀或伤害宝宝的焦虑。
    但是准爸爸准妈妈也不必太过紧张,因为并不是每一对父母都会经历,医师解释,曾经患过忧郁症、经前症候群严重的人(每次月经来前会出现严重情绪困扰)、和配偶相处不睦、婚姻有问题、怀孕期间或产后生活有压力事件者,才是高危险群。
    而如果经过诊断,确定发生了产后忧郁症情况,医师也建议,可以采用心理治疗、团体治疗或药物治疗的方式,以免忧郁症慢性化或将来复发,如果严重到出现伤害自己或宝宝的念头,一定要紧急寻求精神科医师的协助。
    另一方面,预防产后忧郁症恶化,邓惠文医师建议:
(一)找家人或朋友倾吐心情,寻求支持。
(二)处理好与配偶的关系,切忌只顾宝宝而忽略与伴侣沟通。
(三)每天至少半小时,请家人帮忙看顾小孩,做自己喜欢的事。
(四)给自己适应新宝宝的时间,不需要求自己马上做到「一百分妈妈」。
(五)如果想坐月子、请产假但公司借故刁难,可以寻求申诉。
(六)如果怀疑自己有忧郁症,不要害怕找精神科医师或心理专业人员协助。
    医师强调,忧郁的原因有许多是来自于环境,并不代表自己不是好妈妈。  
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14#
发表于 05-12-7 19:01:23 | 只看该作者
关 于 忧 郁 症

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关于忧郁症,现在有种倾向是把它看成是一种身体上的疾病,就是身体缺少某些东西,然后就会忧郁了,然后吃点药,比如百忧解等,就可以解决问题了,把心理问题简单化,比较符合现代人求快求简单的愿望,但是是否真的吃药之后就可以了呢?那么是不是要一直吃呢?那些悲伤,空虚,没有兴趣,自杀倾向等情况,就仅仅是身体缺少某种物质吗?其实个人性格,心理上的原因是不容忽略的,怎么样去帮助咨客了解自己的内心问题,并尝试一些药物以外的方式是很重要的,药物毕竟只是控制了一下情绪的强度,问题的根源并没有解决的,当然药物帮助控制情绪之后,结合心理治疗会更加容易一些,也是很有帮助的。

面对以下的症状,首先要考虑的是:
1 原因是什么呢?一般都是有原因的,虽然有的人会强调自己是没有原因的,无缘无故的,但其实是自己不了解,这是需要心理咨询是帮助去了解的;
2 怎么解决这些问题呢?药物是一种方式,但是心理咨询和治疗恐怕是更加重要的,有很多的心理治疗的方法,大家可以去详细了解。

我的解决方案


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相关资料:

忧郁症,也被称为「心的感冒」,近年来,在高压力社会中,几乎已成为最流行的精神文明病,而世界卫生组织将其与癌症并列为下个世纪,最需要卫教预防,也最盛行的疾病之一。世界卫生组织等的研究表明,平均每一百人中就有三人患有忧郁症,其中因为忧郁症所带来的身体疾病,甚至自我毁灭的例子更是比比皆是。
  忧郁症是一种涉及生理、心理、情绪和思想的疾病。不仅影响正常的生活,也会影响人与人之间的感情和对事情的看法。忧郁症不同于暂时性的心情沮丧,如没有有效治疗,症状会持续数周、数月,乃至数年之久,其症状包括:

(1) 感到悲伤和空虚。
(2) 对各种活动提不起劲或兴趣。
(3) 感觉没有价值或有罪恶感。
(4) 没有食欲,体重减轻。
(5) 失眠或嗜睡。
(6) 容易疲劳。
(7) 无法集中注意力。
(8) 有死亡或自杀的念头。

  忧郁症病例并不一定同时符合上述的所有症状。

成因:
  造成忧郁症的原因很多,如失去挚爱或遭受失败等;但是在很多病例中,大脑显像技术指出,忧郁症患者负责情绪、思考、睡眠、食欲和行为调节的中枢神经回路无法正常运作,而必要的神经传送素(沟通神经细胞的化学元素)亦失去平衡。一般认为血清素和正肾上腺素均扮演着导致忧郁症的关键角色。研究指出,这两种化学元素都会影响一个人的情绪。

  容易感到忧郁的原因可能是基因引起的,与心理因素和外在环境(如,失去挚爱或生活状态的重大改变)相互影响,心脏病、中风或癌症等疾病也可能引发忧郁症的症状。

  忧郁症并不专属任何特定人群,并有可能发生在任何人身上,不管是什么地区、国家或民族,都可能会有精神及行为失常的人。精神失常亦有可能出现在生命周期的任何时侯,不管男女,贫富,乡村或城市,都有可能发生。关于精神失常易出现在工业化国家或富有的人中的观点是错误的。同样有些说法关于,在现代化步伐落后的农村生活中不易产生精神失常也是不正确的。

  世界上大约有四亿万人有过精神或神经失常的问题,而之中就有约一亿两千一百万人患有忧郁症的问题,这些失常类疾病被列为了世界十大残疾病的第五名,造成了个人、家庭和政府莫大的社会经济压力。到2020年时,如果目前人口统计数字和流行病发病趋势顺势发展,忧郁症的比例将会在总体疾病中增至5.7%,跃居成为造成DALYs(burden of disease in Disability-Adjusted Life Years,失能校正生命人年数)中的第二位,仅次于贫血症,在发达地区将会跃居首位。

诊断:
  治疗忧郁症的第一步就是做全身健康检查。全身健康检查应包括查看个人和家族成员的病史,以及完整的身体和心理状况检查,以确定语言和思维模式有没有受到影响。

  忧郁症是难以诊断出的疾病。患有忧郁症的人多半很少求助于医生,因为人们普遍认为忧郁症是一种个人缺点,而患者也认为随时间流逝,忧郁症的症状便会消失,或者他们无助得无法向他人求助。甚至当他们求助于医生时,也常常无法被诊断出患有忧郁症。因此,只有少数忧郁症患者能得到适当的治疗。忧郁症是真正的疾病,并不是个性软弱,也不会自己消逝。辨别忧郁症非常重要,同时也要鼓励患者寻求治疗。

负面影响:
  忧郁症的不利影响,不仅发生在患者身上,也会波及患者的家属和朋友。严重的可能会让受害者无法过正常生活,对工作、学习、饮食和睡眠造成障碍,无法享受任何一种快乐的活动。的确,忧郁症会让人感觉提不起劲,根据记录有将近12%的患者有无力感。另一方面,忧郁症也会加重个人、家庭或整个社区的经济负担,部分经济负担是明显的,可以被计算出来,然而有些则无法估算。可被估算出来的经济负担包括健康和社会服务的需求、失业、生产力的降低、对家人及照护者的影响、不同程度的犯罪和公共安全隐患及轻生的负面影响。

忧郁症与其它疾病的关联:
  除了一些生理疾病,如:中风、癌症等,会造成忧虑症外,也有一些心理疾病会并发忧郁症,如:一般性忧虑症(GAD)、创伤后压力症候群(PTSD),早期诊治患者有无其它病症,对于整体健康状况的恢复有很大的帮助。


治疗:
  治疗目的是缓解忧郁症症状,有效治疗减缓症状持续六个月以上,并恢复到原有的正常生活功能。依据治疗成效病症会有不同程度的缓解,有的可能也只是部分症状上的减轻而已。

  忧郁症患者会因为病情轻重而有相当大程度的差异和治疗效果的不同,根据不同患者的需求,采用抗忧郁剂药物治疗、精神疗法或综合治疗,都会有不同的效果。


抗忧郁剂
  抗忧郁剂是可以凭处方签购买的舒缓忧郁症症状的药物。研究人员估计约有50%~60%的忧郁症患者可以透过药物治疗获得控制和缓解。

非药物疗法
  精神/心理疗法或“谈话”治疗方法,包括认知/行为治疗、个人疗法、精神分析治疗和支持性心理治疗,都常被用来治疗忧郁症。电气痉挛治疗(ECT)和近来开发出来的另一种ECT替代方式的跨颅磁头刺激(TMS,一种脑外无创伤性的磁性刺激),都可以提供给严重患者作为有效的治疗方式。
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13#
发表于 05-12-7 18:51:55 | 只看该作者
who finished the first part? please send it to me: SongCharle@gmail.com, i will publish it RIGHT AWAY.
again, i promise: every translation, no matter what, finished or not, good or not.....IT DOESN'T MATTHER.
The matther thing is: you are useful! you are helping others! you are helping yourself by doing that!

looking forward to hearing from you now!!!
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12#
发表于 05-12-7 18:44:09 | 只看该作者
Dear All translators:
Sorry for that LONG article! Don't push yourself hard, IT'S FUN! YOU ARE GETTING THE FEELING THAT YOU ARE USEFUL TO OTHERS! YOU ARE LEARNING!

ENJOY THE PROCESS! NOT THE RESULT ONLY!!
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11#
发表于 05-12-6 18:25:01 | 只看该作者
Dear All who know English:
Please translate the fllowing article into Chinese, i will publish ALL of the translations, people will learn English as well as the knowledge, thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Depression Introduction
What is a Depressive Disorder?
Types of Depression
Symptoms of Depression and Mania
Causes of Depression
Diagnostic Evaluation and Treatment
Psychotherapies
How to Help Yourself If You Are Depressed
Where to Get Help
Further Information
References





In any given 1-year period, 9.5 percent of the population, or about 18.8 million American adults, suffer from a depressive illness5 The economic cost for this disorder is high, but the cost in human suffering cannot be estimated. Depressive illnesses often interfere with normal functioning and cause pain and suffering not only to those who have a disorder, but also to those who care about them. Serious depression can destroy family life as well as the life of the ill person. But much of this suffering is unnecessary.

Most people with a depressive illness do not seek treatment, although the great majority—even those whose depression is extremely severe—can be helped. Thanks to years of fruitful research, there are now medications and psychosocial therapies such as cognitive/behavioral, "talk" or interpersonal that ease the pain of depression.

Unfortunately, many people do not recognize that depression is a treatable illness. If you feel that you or someone you care about is one of the many undiagnosed depressed people in this country, the information presented here may help you take the steps that may save your own or someone else's life.


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WHAT IS A DEPRESSIVE DISORDER?
A depressive disorder is an illness that involves the body, mood, and thoughts. It affects the way a person eats and sleeps, the way one feels about oneself, and the way one thinks about things. A depressive disorder is not the same as a passing blue mood. It is not a sign of personal weakness or a condition that can be willed or wished away. People with a depressive illness cannot merely "pull themselves together" and get better. Without treatment, symptoms can last for weeks, months, or years. Appropriate treatment, however, can help most people who suffer from depression.

TYPES OF DEPRESSION
Depressive disorders come in different forms, just as is the case with other illnesses such as heart disease. This pamphlet briefly describes three of the most common types of depressive disorders. However, within these types there are variations in the number of symptoms, their severity, and persistence.

Major depression is manifested by a combination of symptoms (see symptom list) that interfere with the ability to work, study, sleep, eat, and enjoy once pleasurable activities. Such a disabling episode of depression may occur only once but more commonly occurs several times in a lifetime.

A less severe type of depression, dysthymia, involves long-term, chronic symptoms that do not disable, but keep one from functioning well or from feeling good. Many people with dysthymia also experience major depressive episodes at some time in their lives.

Another type of depression is bipolar disorder, also called manic-depressive illness. Not nearly as prevalent as other forms of depressive disorders, bipolar disorder is characterized by cycling mood changes: severe highs (mania) and lows (depression). Sometimes the mood switches are dramatic and rapid, but most often they are gradual. When in the depressed cycle, an individual can have any or all of the symptoms of a depressive disorder. When in the manic cycle, the individual may be overactive, overtalkative, and have a great deal of energy. Mania often affects thinking, judgment, and social behavior in ways that cause serious problems and embarrassment. For example, the individual in a manic phase may feel elated, full of grand schemes that might range from unwise business decisions to romantic sprees. Mania, left untreated, may worsen to a psychotic state.

SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION AND MANIA
Not everyone who is depressed or manic experiences every symptom. Some people experience a few symptoms, some many. Severity of symptoms varies with individuals and also varies over time.

Depression
Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood
Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism
Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness
Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyed, including sex
Decreased energy, fatigue, being "slowed down"
Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions
Insomnia, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
Appetite and/or weight loss or overeating and weight gain
Thoughts of death or suicide; suicide attempts
Restlessness, irritability
Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain
Mania
Abnormal or excessive elation
Unusual irritability
Decreased need for sleep
Grandiose notions
Increased talking
Racing thoughts
Increased sexual desire
Markedly increased energy
Poor judgment
Inappropriate social behavior
CAUSES OF DEPRESSION
Some types of depression run in families, suggesting that a biological vulnerability can be inherited. This seems to be the case with bipolar disorder. Studies of families in which members of each generation develop bipolar disorder found that those with the illness have a somewhat different genetic makeup than those who do not get ill. However, the reverse is not true: Not everybody with the genetic makeup that causes vulnerability to bipolar disorder will have the illness. Apparently additional factors, possibly stresses at home, work, or school, are involved in its onset.

In some families, major depression also seems to occur generation after generation. However, it can also occur in people who have no family history of depression. Whether inherited or not, major depressive disorder is often associated with changes in brain structures or brain function.

People who have low self-esteem, who consistently view themselves and the world with pessimism or who are readily overwhelmed by stress, are prone to depression. Whether this represents a psychological predisposition or an early form of the illness is not clear.

In recent years, researchers have shown that physical changes in the body can be accompanied by mental changes as well. Medical illnesses such as stroke, a heart attack, cancer, Parkinson's disease, and hormonal disorders can cause depressive illness, making the sick person apathetic and unwilling to care for his or her physical needs, thus prolonging the recovery period. Also, a serious loss, difficult relationship, financial problem, or any stressful (unwelcome or even desired) change in life patterns can trigger a depressive episode. Very often, a combination of genetic, psychological, and environmental factors is involved in the onset of a depressive disorder. Later episodes of illness typically are precipitated by only mild stresses, or none at all.

Depression in Women
Women experience depression about twice as often as men.1 Many hormonal factors may contribute to the increased rate of depression in women—particularly such factors as menstrual cycle changes, pregnancy, miscarriage, postpartum period, pre-menopause, and menopause. Many women also face additional stresses such as responsibilities both at work and home, single parenthood, and caring for children and for aging parents.

A recent NIMH study showed that in the case of severe premenstrual syndrome (PMS), women with a preexisting vulnerability to PMS experienced relief from mood and physical symptoms when their sex hormones were suppressed. Shortly after the hormones were re-introduced, they again developed symptoms of PMS. Women without a history of PMS reported no effects of the hormonal manipulation.6,7

Many women are also particularly vulnerable after the birth of a baby. The hormonal and physical changes, as well as the added responsibility of a new life, can be factors that lead to postpartum depression in some women. While transient "blues" are common in new mothers, a full-blown depressive episode is not a normal occurrence and requires active intervention. Treatment by a sympathetic physician and the family's emotional support for the new mother are prime considerations in aiding her to recover her physical and mental well-being and her ability to care for and enjoy the infant.

Depression in Men
Although men are less likely to suffer from depression than women, 3 to 4 million men in the United States are affected by the illness. Men are less likely to admit to depression, and doctors are less likely to suspect it. The rate of suicide in men is four times that of women, though more women attempt it. In fact, after age 70, the rate of men's suicide rises, reaching a peak after age 85.

Depression can also affect the physical health in men differently from women. A new study shows that, although depression is associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease in both men and women, only men suffer a high death rate.2

Men's depression is often masked by alcohol or drugs, or by the socially acceptable habit of working excessively long hours. Depression typically shows up in men not as feeling hopeless and helpless, but as being irritable, angry, and discouraged; hence, depression may be difficult to recognize as such in men. Even if a man realizes that he is depressed, he may be less willing than a woman to seek help. Encouragement and support from concerned family members can make a difference. In the workplace, employee assistance professionals or worksite mental health programs can be of assistance in helping men understand and accept depression as a real illness that needs treatment.

Depression in the Elderly
Some people have the mistaken idea that it is normal for the elderly to feel depressed. On the contrary, most older people feel satisfied with their lives. Sometimes, though, when depression develops, it may be dismissed as a normal part of aging. Depression in the elderly, undiagnosed and untreated, causes needless suffering for the family and for the individual who could otherwise live a fruitful life. When he or she does go to the doctor, the symptoms described are usually physical, for the older person is often reluctant to discuss feelings of hopelessness, sadness, loss of interest in normally pleasurable activities, or extremely prolonged grief after a loss.

Recognizing how depressive symptoms in older people are often missed, many health care professionals are learning to identify and treat the underlying depression. They recognize that some symptoms may be side effects of medication the older person is taking for a physical problem, or they may be caused by a co-occurring illness. If a diagnosis of depression is made, treatment with medication and/or psychotherapy will help the depressed person return to a happier, more fulfilling life. Recent research suggests that brief psychotherapy (talk therapies that help a person in day-to-day relationships or in learning to counter the distorted negative thinking that commonly accompanies depression) is effective in reducing symptoms in short-term depression in older persons who are medically ill. Psychotherapy is also useful in older patients who cannot or will not take medication. Efficacy studies show that late-life depression can be treated with psychotherapy.4

Improved recognition and treatment of depression in late life will make those years more enjoyable and fulfilling for the depressed elderly person, the family, and caretakers.

Depression in Children
Only in the past two decades has depression in children been taken very seriously. The depressed child may pretend to be sick, refuse to go to school, cling to a parent, or worry that the parent may die. Older children may sulk, get into trouble at school, be negative, grouchy, and feel misunderstood. Because normal behaviors vary from one childhood stage to another, it can be difficult to tell whether a child is just going through a temporary "phase" or is suffering from depression. Sometimes the parents become worried about how the child's behavior has changed, or a teacher mentions that "your child doesn't seem to be himself." In such a case, if a visit to the child's pediatrician rules out physical symptoms, the doctor will probably suggest that the child be evaluated, preferably by a psychiatrist who specializes in the treatment of children. If treatment is needed, the doctor may suggest that another therapist, usually a social worker or a psychologist, provide therapy while the psychiatrist will oversee medication if it is needed. Parents should not be afraid to ask questions: What are the therapist's qualifications? What kind of therapy will the child have? Will the family as a whole participate in therapy? Will my child's therapy include an antidepressant? If so, what might the side effects be?

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) has identified the use of medications for depression in children as an important area for research. The NIMH-supported Research Units on Pediatric Psychopharmacology (RUPPs) form a network of seven research sites where clinical studies on the effects of medications for mental disorders can be conducted in children and adolescents. Among the medications being studied are antidepressants, some of which have been found to be effective in treating children with depression, if properly monitored by the child's physician.8

DIAGNOSTIC EVALUATION AND TREATMENT
The first step to getting appropriate treatment for depression is a physical examination by a physician. Certain medications as well as some medical conditions such as a viral infection can cause the same symptoms as depression, and the physician should rule out these possibilities through examination, interview, and lab tests. If a physical cause for the depression is ruled out, a psychological evaluation should be done, by the physician or by referral to a psychiatrist or psychologist.

A good diagnostic evaluation will include a complete history of symptoms, i.e., when they started, how long they have lasted, how severe they are, whether the patient had them before and, if so, whether the symptoms were treated and what treatment was given. The doctor should ask about alcohol and drug use, and if the patient has thoughts about death or suicide. Further, a history should include questions about whether other family members have had a depressive illness and, if treated, what treatments they may have received and which were effective.

Last, a diagnostic evaluation should include a mental status examination to determine if speech or thought patterns or memory have been affected, as sometimes happens in the case of a depressive or manic-depressive illness.

Treatment choice will depend on the outcome of the evaluation. There are a variety of antidepressant medications and psychotherapies that can be used to treat depressive disorders. Some people with milder forms may do well with psychotherapy alone. People with moderate to severe depression most often benefit from antidepressants. Most do best with combined treatment: medication to gain relatively quick symptom relief and psychotherapy to learn more effective ways to deal with life's problems, including depression. Depending on the patient's diagnosis and severity of symptoms, the therapist may prescribe medication and/or one of the several forms of psychotherapy that have proven effective for depression.

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is useful, particularly for individuals whose depression is severe or life threatening or who cannot take antidepressant medication.3 ECT often is effective in cases where antidepressant medications do not provide sufficient relief of symptoms. In recent years, ECT has been much improved. A muscle relaxant is given before treatment, which is done under brief anesthesia. Electrodes are placed at precise locations on the head to deliver electrical impulses. The stimulation causes a brief (about 30 seconds) seizure within the brain. The person receiving ECT does not consciously experience the electrical stimulus. For full therapeutic benefit, at least several sessions of ECT, typically given at the rate of three per week, are required.

Medications
There are several types of antidepressant medications used to treat depressive disorders. These include newer medications—chiefly the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)—the tricyclics, and the monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). The SSRIs—and other newer medications that affect neurotransmitters such as dopamine or norepinephrine—generally have fewer side effects than tricyclics. Sometimes the doctor will try a variety of antidepressants before finding the most effective medication or combination of medications. Sometimes the dosage must be increased to be effective. Although some improvements may be seen in the first few weeks, antidepressant medications must be taken regularly for 3 to 4 weeks (in some cases, as many as 8 weeks) before the full therapeutic effect occurs.

Patients often are tempted to stop medication too soon. They may feel better and think they no longer need the medication. Or they may think the medication isn't helping at all. It is important to keep taking medication until it has a chance to work, though side effects (see section on Side Effects on page 13) may appear before antidepressant activity does. Once the individual is feeling better, it is important to continue the medication for at least 4 to 9 months to prevent a recurrence of the depression. Some medications must be stopped gradually to give the body time to adjust. Never stop taking an antidepressant without consulting the doctor for instructions on how to safely discontinue the medication. For individuals with bipolar disorder or chronic major depression, medication may have to be maintained indefinitely.

Antidepressant drugs are not habit-forming. However, as is the case with any type of medication prescribed for more than a few days, antidepressants have to be carefully monitored to see if the correct dosage is being given. The doctor will check the dosage and its effectiveness regularly.

For the small number of people for whom MAO inhibitors are the best treatment, it is necessary to avoid certain foods that contain high levels of tyramine, such as many cheeses, wines, and pickles, as well as medications such as decongestants. The interaction of tyramine with MAOIs can bring on a hypertensive crisis, a sharp increase in blood pressure that can lead to a stroke. The doctor should furnish a complete list of prohibited foods that the patient should carry at all times. Other forms of antidepressants require no food restrictions.

Medications of any kind—prescribed, over-the counter, or borrowed—should never be mixed without consulting the doctor. Other health professionals who may prescribe a drug—such as a dentist or other medical specialist—should be told of the medications the patient is taking. Some drugs, although safe when taken alone can, if taken with others, cause severe and dangerous side effects. Some drugs, like alcohol or street drugs, may reduce the effectiveness of antidepressants and should be avoided. This includes wine, beer, and hard liquor. Some people who have not had a problem with alcohol use may be permitted by their doctor to use a modest amount of alcohol while taking one of the newer antidepressants.

Antianxiety drugs or sedatives are not antidepressants. They are sometimes prescribed along with antidepressants; however, they are not effective when taken alone for a depressive disorder. Stimulants, such as amphetamines, are not effective antidepressants, but they are used occasionally under close supervision in medically ill depressed patients.

Questions about any antidepressant prescribed, or problems that may be related to the medication, should be discussed with the doctor.

Lithium has for many years been the treatment of choice for bipolar disorder, as it can be effective in smoothing out the mood swings common to this disorder. Its use must be carefully monitored, as the range between an effective dose and a toxic one is small. If a person has preexisting thyroid, kidney, or heart disorders or epilepsy, lithium may not be recommended. Fortunately, other medications have been found to be of benefit in controlling mood swings. Among these are two mood-stabilizing anticonvulsants, carbamazepine (Tegretol®) and valproate (Depakote®). Both of these medications have gained wide acceptance in clinical practice, and valproate has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for first-line treatment of acute mania. Other anticonvulsants that are being used now include lamotrigine (Lamictal®) and gabapentin (Neurontin®): their role in the treatment hierarchy of bipolar disorder remains under study.

Most people who have bipolar disorder take more than one medication including, along with lithium and/or an anticonvulsant, a medication for accompanying agitation, anxiety, depression, or insomnia. Finding the best possible combination of these medications is of utmost importance to the patient and requires close monitoring by the physician.

Side Effects
Antidepressants may cause mild and, usually, temporary side effects (sometimes referred to as adverse effects) in some people. Typically these are annoying, but not serious. However, any unusual reactions or side effects or those that interfere with functioning should be reported to the doctor immediately. The most common side effects of tricyclic antidepressants, and ways to deal with them, are:

Dry mouth—it is helpful to drink sips of water; chew sugarless gum; clean teeth daily.
Constipation—bran cereals, prunes, fruit, and vegetables should be in the diet.
Bladder problems—emptying the bladder may be troublesome, and the urine stream may not be as strong as usual; the doctor should be notified if there is marked difficulty or pain.
Sexual problems—sexual functioning may change; if worrisome, it should be discussed with the doctor.
Blurred vision—this will pass soon and will not usually necessitate new glasses.
Dizziness—rising from the bed or chair slowly is helpful.
Drowsiness as a daytime problem—this usually passes soon. A person feeling drowsy or sedated should not drive or operate heavy equipment. The more sedating antidepressants are generally taken at bedtime to help sleep and minimize daytime drowsiness.
The newer antidepressants have different types of side effects:

Headache—this will usually go away.
Nausea—this is also temporary, but even when it occurs, it is transient after each dose.
Nervousness and insomnia (trouble falling asleep or waking often during the night)—these may occur during the first few weeks; dosage reductions or time will usually resolve them.
Agitation (feeling jittery)—if this happens for the first time after the drug is taken and is more than transient, the doctor should be notified.
Sexual problems—the doctor should be consulted if the problem is persistent or worrisome.
Herbal Therapy
In the past few years, much interest has risen in the use of herbs in the treatment of both depression and anxiety. St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum), an herb used extensively in the treatment of mild to moderate depression in Europe, has recently aroused interest in the United States. St. John's wort, an attractive bushy, low-growing plant covered with yellow flowers in summer, has been used for centuries in many folk and herbal remedies. Today in Germany, Hypericum is used in the treatment of depression more than any other antidepressant. However, the scientific studies that have been conducted on its use have been short-term and have used several different doses.

Because of the widespread interest in St. John's wort, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) conducted a 3-year study, sponsored by three NIH components—the National Institute of Mental Health, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, and the Office of Dietary Supplements. The study was designed to include 336 patients with major depression of moderate severity, randomly assigned to an 8-week trial with one-third of patients receiving a uniform dose of St. John's wort, another third sertraline, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) commonly prescribed for depression, and the final third a placebo (a pill that looks exactly like the SSRI and the St. John's wort, but has no active ingredients). The study participants who responded positively were followed for an additional 18 weeks. At the end of the first phase of the study, participants were measured on two scales, one for depression and one for overall functioning. There was no significant difference in rate of response for depression, but the scale for overall functioning was better for the antidepressant than for either St. John's wort or placebo. While this study did not support the use of St. John's wort in the treatment of major depression, ongoing NIH-supported research is examining a possible role for St. John's wort in the treatment of milder forms of depression.

The Food and Drug Administration issued a Public Health Advisory on February 10, 2000. It stated that St. John's wort appears to affect an important metabolic pathway that is used by many drugs prescribed to treat conditions such as AIDS, heart disease, depression, seizures, certain cancers, and rejection of transplants. Therefore, health care providers should alert their patients about these potential drug interactions.

Some other herbal supplements frequently used that have not been evaluated in large-scale clinical trials are ephedra, gingko biloba, echinacea, and ginseng. Any herbal supplement should be taken only after consultation with the doctor or other health care provider.

PSYCHOTHERAPIES
Many forms of psychotherapy, including some short-term (10-20 week) therapies, can help depressed individuals. "Talking" therapies help patients gain insight into and resolve their problems through verbal exchange with the therapist, sometimes combined with "homework" assignments between sessions. "Behavioral" therapists help patients learn how to obtain more satisfaction and rewards through their own actions and how to unlearn the behavioral patterns that contribute to or result from their depression.

Two of the short-term psychotherapies that research has shown helpful for some forms of depression are interpersonal and cognitive/behavioral therapies. Interpersonal therapists focus on the patient's disturbed personal relationships that both cause and exacerbate (or increase) the depression. Cognitive/behavioral therapists help patients change the negative styles of thinking and behaving often associated with depression.

Psychodynamic therapies, which are sometimes used to treat depressed persons, focus on resolving the patient's conflicted feelings. These therapies are often reserved until the depressive symptoms are significantly improved. In general, severe depressive illnesses, particularly those that are recurrent, will require medication (or ECT under special conditions) along with, or preceding, psychotherapy for the best outcome.

HOW TO HELP YOURSELF IF YOU ARE DEPRESSED
Depressive disorders make one feel exhausted, worthless, helpless, and hopeless. Such negative thoughts and feelings make some people feel like giving up. It is important to realize that these negative views are part of the depression and typically do not accurately reflect the actual circumstances. Negative thinking fades as treatment begins to take effect. In the meantime:

Set realistic goals in light of the depression and assume a reasonable amount of responsibility.
Break large tasks into small ones, set some priorities, and do what you can as you can.
Try to be with other people and to confide in someone; it is usually better than being alone and secretive.
Participate in activities that may make you feel better.
Mild exercise, going to a movie, a ballgame, or participating in religious, social, or other activities may help.
Expect your mood to improve gradually, not immediately. Feeling better takes time.
It is advisable to postpone important decisions until the depression has lifted. Before deciding to make a significant transition—change jobs, get married or divorced—discuss it with others who know you well and have a more objective view of your situation.
People rarely "snap out of" a depression. But they can feel a little better day-by-day.
Remember, positive thinking will replace the negative thinking that is part of the depression and will disappear as your depression responds to treatment.
Let your family and friends help you.
How Family and Friends Can Help the Depressed Person
The most important thing anyone can do for the depressed person is to help him or her get an appropriate diagnosis and treatment. This may involve encouraging the individual to stay with treatment until symptoms begin to abate (several weeks), or to seek different treatment if no improvement occurs. On occasion, it may require making an appointment and accompanying the depressed person to the doctor. It may also mean monitoring whether the depressed person is taking medication. The depressed person should be encouraged to obey the doctor's orders about the use of alcoholic products while on medication. The second most important thing is to offer emotional support. This involves understanding, patience, affection, and encouragement. Engage the depressed person in conversation and listen carefully. Do not disparage feelings expressed, but point out realities and offer hope. Do not ignore remarks about suicide. Report them to the depressed person's therapist. Invite the depressed person for walks, outings, to the movies, and other activities. Be gently insistent if your invitation is refused. Encourage participation in some activities that once gave pleasure, such as hobbies, sports, religious or cultural activities, but do not push the depressed person to undertake too much too soon. The depressed person needs diversion and company, but too many demands can increase feelings of failure.

Do not accuse the depressed person of faking illness or of laziness, or expect him or her "to snap out of it." Eventually, with treatment, most people do get better. Keep that in mind, and keep reassuring the depressed person that, with time and help, he or she will feel better.

WHERE TO GET HELP
If unsure where to go for help, check the Yellow Pages under "mental health," "health," "social services," "suicide prevention," "crisis intervention services," "hotlines," "hospitals," or "physicians" for phone numbers and addresses. In times of crisis, the emergency room doctor at a hospital may be able to provide temporary help for an emotional problem, and will be able to tell you where and how to get further help.

Listed below are the types of people and places that will make a referral to, or provide, diagnostic and treatment services.

Family doctors
Mental health specialists, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, or mental health counselors
Health maintenance organizations
Community mental health centers
Hospital psychiatry departments and outpatient clinics
University- or medical school-affiliated programs
State hospital outpatient clinics
Family service, social agencies, or clergy
Private clinics and facilities
Employee assistance programs
Local medical and/or psychiatric societies
For More Information
Depression Information and Organizations from NLM's MedlinePlus (en Español)

REFERENCES
1 Blehar MD, Oren DA. Gender differences in depression. Medscape Women's Health, 1997;2:3. Revised from: Women's increased vulnerability to mood disorders: Integrating psychobiology and epidemiology. Depression, 1995;3:3-12.

2 Ferketick AK, Schwartzbaum JA, Frid DJ, Moeschberger ML. Depression as an antecedent to heart disease among women and men in the NHANES I study. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Archives of Internal Medicine, 2000; 160(9): 1261-8.

3 Frank E, Karp JF, Rush AJ (1993). Efficacy of treatments for major depression. Psychopharmacology Bulletin, 1993; 29:457-75.

4 Lebowitz BD, Pearson JL, Schneider LS, Reynolds CF, Alexopoulos GS, Bruce MI, Conwell Y, Katz IR, Meyers BS, Morrison MF, Mossey J, Niederehe G, Parmelee P. Diagnosis and treatment of depression in late life: consensus statement update. Journal of the American Medical Association, 1997; 278:1186-90.

5 Robins LN, Regier DA (Eds). Psychiatric Disorders in America, The Epidemiologic Catchment Area Study, 1990; New York: The Free Press.

6 Rubinow DR, Schmidt PJ, Roca CA. Estrogen-serotonin interactions: Implications for affective regulation. Biological Psychiatry, 1998; 44(9):839-50.

7 Schmidt PJ, Neiman LK, Danaceau MA, Adams LF, Rubinow DR. Differential behavioral effects of gonadal steroids in women with and in those without premenstrual syndrome. Journal of the American Medical Association, 1998; 338:209-16.

8 Vitiello B, Jensen P. Medication development and testing in children and adolescents. Archives of General Psychiatry, 1997; 54:871-6.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This brochure is a new version of the 1994 edition of Plain Talk About Depression and was written by Margaret Strock, Public Information and Communications Branch, National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Expert assistance was provided by Raymond DePaulo, MD, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine; Ellen Frank, MD, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine; Jerrold F. Rosenbaum, MD, Massachusetts General Hospital; Matthew V. Rudorfer, MD, and Clarissa K. Wittenberg, NIMH staff members. Lisa D. Alberts, NIMH staff member, provided editorial assistance.

This publication is in the public domain and may be used and reprinted without permission. Citation as to source is appreciated.

NIH Publication No. 00-3561
Printed 2000
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10#
发表于 05-12-6 18:14:54 | 只看该作者
Translated by Kathy: thanks a lot!!!

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躁郁症
    抗抑郁药物在躁郁症中的作用   对于被正确诊断为抑郁症的人来说,抗抑郁药物能起到非常好的作用。但是对于躁郁症患者,抗抑郁药物如果使用不当,它对病人带来的危害要比益处大。这也就是为什么正确的诊断尤为重要。       以下是一些事实:    抗抑郁药物会引起躁郁症患者的躁狂相   抗抑郁药物也许或根本在躁郁患者上不起作用。对所服抗抑郁药物的反应不佳也许是对抑郁症诊断不正确的一个标志。  重要的是:对于抑郁症患者,抗抑郁药物必须定期服用3-4周左右,有时会更长,才会看到药效。必须给药物时间让其发挥作用。    以上这些说明了患者和医生之间沟通的重要性;记得在下次看医生之前想好应向医生咨询哪些关于治疗方案方面的问题。    注意:被诊断为躁郁症的人来说,抗抑郁药有时要连同抗躁郁药一起服用。    对躁郁症的治疗   对躁郁症的治疗经常要包括药物和心理两方面的治疗。   药物治疗:有多种的药物治疗用来医治躁郁症,包括控制躁狂症状,抑郁症|状,或帮助患者稳定情绪。   心理治疗:有多种的“谈话疗法”被应用于躁郁症的治疗。认知行为疗法注重改变会对疾病产生影响的不当的或是负面的思维模式。心理学方法教育在于帮助患者和家属了解疾病以及更好的认识疾病的复发。人际关系与社会节律疗法侧重于患者每日的日常活动,从而增进他们的情感稳定性。这种治疗取决于个人的需求。    治疗躁郁症的专业人士  躁郁症患者要在专业人士的指导下进行治疗。对于药物方面,患者应配合精神科医师,在心理治疗方面,患者通常应在有行医执照的心理治疗师或精神科医生的指导下进行治疗。健康指导工作小组应和患者保持紧密的联系并注意患者病情的进展。    不知道去哪里寻找帮助吗?从你身边最初级的健康保健人士那里可以获得一些相关信息。他们会告诉你一些病情的基本特征,给你一些最初级的指导,并会向你推荐一些精神科医生或心理治疗师。    重要的是:即使你认为自己被诊断得并不正确,也一定要遵循医生给你制定的治疗方案。如果你对你所服用的药物有所担心-或是觉得你在渐渐好转—不要停止对自己的治疗。反之,要及时和你的医生沟通,并做出相应的调整。
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9#
发表于 05-12-5 07:21:14 | 只看该作者
http://www.isitreallydepression.com/mini_c/isitreallydepression/righttreatment.asp
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  Antidepressants in bipolar disorder
  Treatments for bipolar disorder
  The professionals who treat bipolar disorder

Antidepressants in bipolar disorder

For people who are correctly diagnosed with depression (major depressive disorder), antidepressant medications are often highly effective. But in individuals who have bipolar disorder, antidepressants can sometimes do more harm than good when they are not used appropriately.* That’s one reason why getting a correct diagnosis is so important.

A few facts:


Antidepressants may trigger manic episodes in people with bipolar disorder
Antidepressants may not work well (or at all) in bipolar individuals. Poor response to antidepressants could be a sign that the diagnosis of major depressive disorder is incorrect
Important: For people with major depressive disorder, antidepressants must be taken regularly for three to four weeks (sometimes longer) before the full response is seen. It is important to give the medication a chance to work.
These items stress the importance of open communication with your doctor; be sure to discuss concerns you may have about your treatment plan during your next visit.

*Note that in some people with diagnosed bipolar disorder, antidepressants are sometimes used in combination with bipolar medications.

Treatments for bipolar disorder

Treatment for bipolar disorder often involves a two-part plan of both medication and psychotherapy.


Medications. There are different types of medications used to treat bipolar disorder, including medicines for controlling manic symptoms, depressive symptoms, or medications that help stabilize the patient's mood
Psychotherapy. Several types of “talk therapy” are used in bipolar disorder treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on changing inappropriate or negative thought patterns that can affect the illness. Psychoeducation aims to help the patient and family understand the illness and recognize signs of relapse. Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy, focuses on daily routines that can promote emotional stability. The type of therapy used depends on the individual’s needs
The professionals who treat bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder patients work with a team of health care professionals that supervise the patients' care. For medication management, patients usually work with their psychiatrist. For psychotherapy, patients typically work with a licensed therapist or social worker and their psychiatrist. The health care team maintains close contact with each other to help ensure the patients' continued progress.

Not sure where to find help? Start with your primary care provider. He or she can discuss symptoms, give you guidance and recommend psychiatrists and/or therapists in your area.

Important: Even if you think you may not be diagnosed correctly it is extremely important to follow your current medication plan as prescribed by your doctor. If you have concerns about your medicine—or if you feel you are doing better—don’t stop treatment on your own. Instead, communicate openly with your doctor and discuss your diagnosis and possible adjustments to your treatment plan.
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8#
发表于 05-12-3 15:32:23 | 只看该作者
美国新一代心理治疗专家、宾夕法尼亚大学的David D·Burns博士曾设计出一套忧郁症的自我诊断表“伯恩斯忧郁症清单(BDC)”,这个自我诊断表可帮助你快速诊断出你是否存在着抑郁症,且省去你不少用于诊断的费用。


  请在符合你情绪的项上打分:


  没有 0


  轻度 1


  中度 2


  严重 3


  1、悲伤:你是否一直感到伤心或悲哀?


  2、泄气:你是否感到前景渺茫?


  3、缺乏自尊:你是否觉得自己没有价值或自以为是一个失败者?


  4、自卑:你是否觉得力不从心或自叹比不上别人?


  5、内疚:你是否对任何事都自责?


  6、犹豫:你是否在做决定时犹豫不决?


  7、焦躁不安:这段时间你是否一直处于愤怒和不满状态?


  8、对生活丧失兴趣:你对事业、家庭、爱好或朋友是否丧失了兴趣?


  9、丧失动机:你是否感到一蹶不振做事情毫无动力?


  10、自我印象可怜:你是否以为自己已衰老或失去魅力?


  11、食欲变化:你是否感到食欲不振?或情不自禁的暴饮暴食?


  12、睡眠变化:你是否患有失眠症?或整天感到体力不支,昏昏欲睡?


  13、丧失性欲:你是否丧失了对性的兴趣?


  14、臆想症:你是否经常担心自己的健康?


  15、自杀冲动:你是否认为生存没有价值,或生不如死?


  总分:____


  测试完之后,请算出您的总分并评出你的忧郁程度。


  抑郁自测答案:


  0—4分  没有忧郁症


  5—10分  偶尔有忧郁情绪


  11—20分  有轻度忧郁症


  21—30分  有中度忧郁症


  31—45分  有严重忧郁症并需要立即治疗


  假如你通过BDC忧郁症清单测试表测出你患有中度或严重的忧郁症,我们建议你赶紧去接受专业帮助,因为当你需要援助而没有及时地寻求援助时,你可能被你的问题击毁。


 
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7#
发表于 05-12-2 18:04:48 | 只看该作者
香港:30万人患有抑郁症 医生呼吁及早求医
类型:认识抑郁 作者:转载
  人民网香港11月7日电香港两名据说都患有抑郁症的少女,相约到大屿山租住度假屋共进“最后晚餐”,至昨晨被发现双双“烧炭”(俗称煤气中毒)身亡。据统计,全港约30万人患有抑郁症。

  对于两名患抑郁症女子同时烧炭死亡,中文大学精神科学系教授李诚医生指出,抑郁症(Depression)可分重、中及轻三类病情,当中七至八成患者有自杀意念、三成会有自杀行动,至于重性抑郁症患者的自杀率则高达一成半,这类患者可能因病情反覆经常病发,可能多次自杀最后死亡。根据一项调查发现,全港约有30万名抑郁症患者,但当中只有三成人愿意求医。




  李医生又称,根据研究发现,八成自杀死亡人士,在自杀前四至六周内均曾出现情绪问题,所以若能及早发现病情,对治疗患者十分重要。他称,患者亲人、朋友应多多关注留意他们,及早就医;欢迎有需要人士致电“香港健康情绪中心”求助。(陈晓钟)来源:人民网

注:林紫心理咨询中心义工热线62442318 63591025 随时接受你的求助。


日期:2004-11-08
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