Abstract
This paper examines how anti-depressants affect brain chemistry by exploring the biology of depression itself. It shows how the biochemical systems within the human brain are extremely complex and how anti-depressants work by boosting and increasing parts of the monoamine system.

Outline
Introduction: The Biology of Depression
Anti-Depressants as Drugs
Anti-Depressant Medications and the Brain
Conclusion

From the Paper
"In recent times, numerous studies have shown that people who are depressed have abnormal amounts of certain hormones in their blood. Researchers believe that an increase or decrease in the production of specific hormones may interfere with the brain's natural chemistry which then leads to depression. With the exception of thyroid hormones, the levels of other hormones are not routinely measured when diagnosing or treating depression; thus, when a person is experiencing specific types of depression, it is advisable to check the levels of other hormones within the body. Thyroid glands, when not functioning properly, can result in the release of either too much thyroid hormone (hyperthyroidism) or too little (hypothyroidism)."

Tags:hormones, thyroid, monoamine, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism

Abstract
The paper reveals the findings of studies that anti-depressants have a much lower efficacy rate than previously thought. The paper then deals with the studies that look at the effects of anti-depressants on teenagers. The paper relates that there are three major side effects on teenagers; the actual increase of suicidal thoughts, an increased chemical dependence on the drugs itself and the long-term damage to brain and neural development as a result of the use of anti-depressants at a young age. The paper praises the trend of doctors recommending extensive therapy to teenagers with emotional problems and severe depression rather than prescribing anti-depressant medications.

From the Paper
"In the increasingly technology oriented world, the use of "miracle" drugs to cure every societal ill has become the norm. However, the problem with reliance on drugs rather than other secondary means is that there are often times side effects that occur from extended drug abuse that results to something worse than even the original problem. For the past two decades the use of popular anti-depressant drugs have become the normal method of treating suicidal or severely depressed teenagers. The practice which initially started as a test experiment has gained wide popularity among psychiatrists and doctors everywhere because it appears to decrease their inclination to suicide and limit the problems attributed to severe depression. However, the use of these drugs does nothing to fundamentally stop neither depression nor anything other than a temporary solution for permanent problems."

Tags:suicide, dependence, addiction, mood, swings, brain, pathogens

Abstract
This paper researches the causes of depressants, its cures and the side-effects of anti-depressants can have on patients.

Abstract
This paper discusses the use and misuse of antidepressants prescribed for children. The paper begins by examining the role of the physician and the family in treating childhood depression. Next the paper asks what ethical concerns must be considered when proscribing anti-depressants to children. The paper also looks at what complications can arise and offers recommendations for future use.

Tags:Antidepressant, Physician, Drugs, Medical, Ethical, ADHD, Medications, Children

Abstract
This paper discusses the condition of depression and the possible causes of its development. It analyzes techniques used for treating depression, such as electroconvulsive therapy, as well as drugs prescribed for depression, such as mirtazapine, vanlafaxine and duloxetine.

From the Paper
" Electroconvulsive therapy applies shock to cause a seizure (FamilyDoc.org, 2005). The seizure releases many chemicals in the brain, called neurotransmitters, which deliver information or messages from one brain cell to another. This makes the brain cells work better and the person's mood will improve when brain cells and chemical messengers work better. In applying the therapy, the doctor first conducts a physical examination of the patient. If he or she is fit, an anesthesiologist applies anesthesia to put the patient in a sleep-like state. The anesthesiologist examines the heart and lungs of the patient or decides if some blood tests or an electrocardiogram will be needed before undertaking the first ECT treatment (FamilyDoc)."

Tags:psychology, neurotransmitters, chemical, electroconvulsive, therapy

Abstract
This paper is divided into three sections. The first section explores anti-depressant drugs, their characteristics, and how they work on the central nervous system. The second section investigates the acute and chronic effects of antidepressant drugs and whether drugs such as Prozac are necessary to assist such disorders. Finally, the debate as to whether antidepressants are safe and effective in the wide usage for depression is examined.

From the Paper
"While the management of depression with non-pharmacological agents (i.e., counseling, psychotherapy, electroconvulsant therapy (ECT) and light therapy) has been an option, the pharmacological agents (antidepressants) such as Prozac have promoted as effective and safe in the treatment of depression (Turkington & Kaplan 1994). The Sumerians in the Tigris-Euphrate valley were aware of the mood elevating effects of opium poppy 5,000 years ago, and they used the juice to give relaxation to people whom presented symptoms similar to being depressed. However, it was not until the 1930's that the clinical structure was described (Stahl, 1996). Iproniazid was developed to treat or ease the symptom of tuberculosis. While the drug was in use to ease the symptoms of tuberculosis, the drugs "happy" effect was noticed."

Tags:despondancy, hopelessness, abnormalities, responsiveness, neurotransmitter, systems

Abstract
This paper examines depression as stemming from the highly stressful, intensely competitive nature of modern society. It points out that the physical, mental, and social state of well-being of millions of people is being harmed because of the destructive aspects of the natural, social, built, and economic spheres in which they live. The paper particularly examines the problems surrounding the increasing use of anti-depressants to treat depression, such as dependence, abuse, the drugs' possible harmful side effects, and exploitation by drug companies. The paper concludes that too many people turn to "wonder drugs" for help when they cannot deal with the emotional and psychological stress induced by society.

From the Paper
"In recent years, depression in young adults has been increasingly treated with prescription drug anti-depressants such as Prozac and Paxil. The increasing use of these prescription antidepressant drugs has several implications, for recent studies have shown that more than twenty percent of young adults in the general population have emotional problems and one-third of young adults attending psychiatric clinics suffer from depression. Just as troubling, depression in this age group is greatly under-diagnosed, which presents even more implications."

Tags:drugs, public, health, Prozac, Paxil, anti-depressants

Abstract
This paper contends that the skyrocketing number of prescriptions for anti-depressants recently has caused some to worry that patients, such as rape victims, who could benefit from the addition of medication in their recovery, might not be able to get the much-needed medicine.

From the Paper
"The recent FDA decision regarding SSRI's (Selective Seratonin Reuptake Inhibitors) has caused the medical community to scale down anti-depressant prescriptions in recent months. This project in intended to shed light on the growing problem of over-prescribing anti-depressants and the effects that ultimately could prevent rape survivors from receiving the much needed medications they need for recovery."

Tags:anti, celexa, depressants, neuroreceptors, prescriptions, prozac, seratonin, ssri, survivors, zoloft

Abstract
The author evaluates the use of anti-depressants, and analyzes the patient's experience using Goffman's classic social psychology theory of 'Stigma'. Included are discussions of the concepts of moral career, information management versus interaction management, and discreditable versus discrediting stigmas.

From the Paper
"Despite the recent popularity of drugs such as Prozac and Paxil, depression and the use of antidepressants are stigmatized in American society. In this paper I will show how a college student, whom I will call Amanda, has been stigmatized for this reason. I will use concepts of personal identity and interaction from Erving Goffman's Stigma to elucidate the workings of stigma in this case."

Tags:career, discrimination, erving, goffman, information, interaction, management, moral, paxil, prozac, psychology, self, social, society

Abstract
The paper reveals that postpartum depression is a significantly under diagnosed pregnancy complication, which can have serious consequences. The paper explores the past research on postpartum depression that has encouraged society to recognize and treat this illness and then discusses the contemporary studies on this issue, including how postpartum depression can lead to infanticide. The writer reveals that postpartum depression is on the rise in the United States, due to increasing stress, and contends that more responsibility needs to be taken to ensure that women are prepared to handle the challenges that will come their way. The writer also hopes that more states will pass laws that mandate education and screening with women after delivery.

Outline:
Introduction
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Postpartum depression is a significantly under diagnosed pregnancy complication, which can have serious consequences. Sadness following the birth of a baby is believed to be as high as 85 percent in new mothers and normally lasts under two weeks. Postpartum depression may last as long as 18 months. The condition is thought to be caused by hormonal changes and the condition can worsen if the woman is suffering additional stresses. Many women experience some mood changes after childbirth. A tenth of the mothers suffer from the condition that can be treated with counseling and medication. However, one in a thousand women suffers from postpartum psychosis involving hallucinations, paranoid thoughts and delusions and often results in mothers harming their babies."

Tags:psychosis, mental, disorders, anti-depressants, stress, infanticide