Abstract The paper is personal account of one person's battle with bi-polar disorder and his desire to combat the disorder without the use of medication. The paper's writer describes his struggle with the disorder and his eventual success. The paper was presented as an admissions essay for law school.
From the Paper "Though I must admit, to most, this self-inflicted mental rehabilitation sounds more insane than the actual disorder, and there were several occasions where I thought someone else would be calling my mother to give her a final update on my condition, the end result was everything I hoped for and more. I still suffer bouts of depression and mania, but they do not impede my daily life; a few minor lifestyle adjustments in addition to what I learned those three months in Virginia turned debilitating mood swings into minor inconveniences. And I still here voices and noises if I am exhausted, but they have no more affect on me, as would a radio played in the background. Most importantly, I am no longer ashamed of my condition. I openly tell new friends and acquaintances so that they understand why on some days I am a cliche social butterfly and on others I am more reserved and introverted, or why on some nights I will be the last to bed and on others I am the first. I cannot honestly say I am glad to have gone through something like this, I would rather feel the way I did before the disorder's emergence. I can honestly say that I know now that no accomplishment is outside my grasp, and that adversity is best used as a motivation to achieve rather than as an excuse to fail.
Abstract This paper explains that antidepressants are a group of psychoactive medications that alleviate the signs and symptoms of mood disorders with a pre-dominantly depressivemood. The paper then explains that an understanding of the major mechanisms of action of these drugs can be best accomplished through understanding the pathogenesis of mood disorders. The paper then relates that, by understanding the mechanism of SSRI (e.g. venflaxine), it is possible theoretically to infer the neurobiological component of the pathogenesis of increased suicidality in depressed adolescents.
From the Paper "The psychopharmacologic effectiveness of anti-depressants center around one of three mechanisms of action: increasing serotonin and norepinephrine levels through blocking of presynaptic 5-HT and norepinephrine receptors (i.e. interruption of negative feedback for neurotransmitter regulation), blocking of serotonin or norepinephrine reuptake by the presynaptic neuron or inhibition of MAO to interrupt deactivation of these neurotransmitters (Bhalla & Aronson). Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) will be discussed in further detail."
Abstract Postpartum depression is depression that appears shortly before to shortly after a woman has given birth. It can have negative effects on the woman's marriage and in fact on the entire family. Postpartum depression (PPD) is a serious, common, and treatable condition seen frequently in the primary care setting. This paper defines postpartum depression, discusses the causes behind it, details the range of symptoms, its diagnosis, treatment, and ways to help prevent it.
From the Paper "Researchers and doctors know that women develop symptoms of depression about twice as often as men. It is believed that female hormones contribute to this in some way, as mood swings have been tied to variations in the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and birth, and the onset of menopause. Some experts also believe that the extra pressures in many women's lives as they juggle both jobs and home responsibilities, single motherhood, or caring for aged parents may contribute. It's very common for new mothers to experience mild and transient feelings of sadness, irritability or moodiness right after giving birth. When these symptoms are short-lived and not severe, they?re often referred to as the ?baby blues,? and considered a normal variation in mood. "Baby blues" pass quickly and cause no significant problem for either the new mother or her family.
This paper establishes a link between suicide and depressive disorders by focusing on the mental condition of a person suffering from some form of depression.
Abstract The following paper examines the reasons why many psychologists link suicide with depressive disorders. The writer asserts that suicide takes place only when the person has lost interest in life and death seems to be the only option left, and this is exactly how a person in a state of depression may feel. Thus this paper explores 60 percent of suicide cases, where the factors that played the most influential roles were depression and mood disorders.
From the Paper "Suicide is 11th leading cause of death in the United States and this is the reason why studying the possible causes has become even more important now than ever before. It is important to note that suicide is linked with depression in many cases and in this paper we shall try to establish this particular connection. National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey revealed that close to 80 American take their own life everyday and some 1900 visit emergency units because of attempted suicide. It is believed that no one actually plans suicide, it happens when the problems become greater than the resources available for overcoming them. But taking one's own life is no easy task and therefore there is bound to be some psychological factors influencing the final decision. We can establish the link clearly once we study depressive disorders in detail.?
Abstract This paper begins by introducing the concept of manic depression. It then discusses the suspected causes of bipolar disorder and its symptoms. The symptoms include highs and lows, moodswings and hypomania. The paper then addresses the phenomena of bipolar adolescents and discusses thought errors in bipolar disorder. The paper also examines the various forms of bipolar, ways in which it is diagnosed and different types of treatment.
From the Paper "Bipolar Disorder generally sets in during adolescence or early adulthood though it may also occur late in one's life or during childhood. It results in terrible mood swings ranging from mania and euphoria to depression and suicidal tendencies. The earlier a person is diagnosed with bipolar disorder the better. Medication is available for bipolar disorder, which helps control the mood swings and even treats the condition. Diagnosis of bipolar disorders can be done only by specialized psychiatrists and is done according to the criteria established by the American Psychiatric Association in the Diagnostic and Statistic Manual of Mental Disorders."
Abstract Bipolar Disorder is a mood disorder, affecting around 2.5% of the American population. Although this illness has received a great deal of attention in recent years, most people are still not aware of true intricacies of the disorder and the majority of the population remains uneducated, suffering from a tendency to oversimplify the symptoms. Bipolar Disorder is an extremely serious, potentially lethal, biological disorder, accounting for symptoms well beyond that of escalating moodswings. This paper presents a summary of the current literature on Bipolar Disorder, compiled from various sources, including actual case studies. Symptoms, treatment options, incidence and prevalence rates, course, history, etiology and demographic variables are included in the paper.
From the Paper "There is significant symptom reduction between episodes, but 25% of patients continue to display mood instability or mild depression. As many as 60% of patients experience chronic interpersonal or occupational difficulties between acute episodes. Bipolar I Disorder may develop psychotic symptoms. The psychotic symptoms in Bipolar I Disorder only occur during severe manic, mixed, or depressive episodes. Poor recovery is more common after psychosis. Manic episodes usually begin abruptly and last for between 2 weeks and 4-5 months (median duration about 4 months). Depressive episodes tend to last longer (median length about 6 months), though rarely for more than a year, except in the elderly."
Abstract This paper describes the pharmaceuticals developed to treat severe depression. The focus of the paper is on drugs used to treat people with atypical mental illnesses and, in particular, atypical forms of depression. Topics such as how these drugs work, their side effects, and the importance of educating the patient about the drugs are all covered by the paper.
From the Paper "Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors or MAOs were the first pharmaceuticals developed. Although they have more side effects than the tricyclic and latest selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), they are found to be very helpful particularly in "atypical" and treatment-resistant situations. They can "produce dramatic improvements in some forms of depression" (Gorman, 1990, p. 83). The generic and brand names of the three marketed in the United States are bedisocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine sulfate (Nardil) and tranylcypromine sulfate (Parnate)."
Abstract In this article, the writer notes that psychoactive drugs act upon the human central nervous system, altering brain function and impacting on mood and behavior. The writer discusses that though some psychoactive drugs are legal and prescribed as medication, while some are illegal and are used as a form of recreation for users. The writer then points out that current research suggests that these drugs can sometimes lead to dependence and addiction issues. The writer also discusses that mood and behavior-altering drugs have therefore garnered significant media attention as harmful solutions to problems which could be solved through non-medicinal methods.
Outline:
Introduction
Psychoactive Drugs: Theories of Addiction
Conclusion
From the Paper "Though the researchers agree that this is true, they believe that psychoactive drug addiction is a real issue that has numerous causal factors. The most notable of these, according to Nesse and Berridge, is the tendency for psychoactive drugs to create a brain signal that creates a false indication of a huge fitness benefit. This then changes behavior propensities, increasing drug-seeking behaviours in frequency and displacing more adaptive behaviours. This issue is seen by the researchers as being part of an overall addiction modern society has to fitness-decreasing incentives such as video games and snack foods. Such addictions, Nesse and Berridge maintain, are a mismatch between our bodies and our modern environments, which causes behavioural and medical problems."
Abstract This paper discusses how important the proper diagnosis of a patient's mood disorder is for finding the proper treatment. Disorders covered include: major depressive disorder, dysthymic disorder, cyclothymic, bi-polar I, and bi-polar II. The author shows how the disorders are broken down into domains and indicates the symptoms for each and how they should be treated.
From the Paper "Bi-polar disorder affects approximately 2.3 million American adults or about 1.2 percent of the U.S. population age 18 and older (Reiger, 1993). Men and women are equally likely to develop bi-polar disorder. The average age of onset for bi-polar disorders is in the early twenties (American Psychiatric Association, 1994). Bi-polar disorders include cyclothymic, bi-polar I, and bi-polar II. Distinction of the actual disorder can sometimes become difficult, therefore, it is crucial to look at all the symptoms the patient is experiencing."
Abstract This paper presents a case study of a female adolescent with Major Depressive Disorder with Mood Congruent Psychoses. The paper diagnoses the problem according to DSM-IV criteria. Then the paper describes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as being the most likely therapy to be effective in this case.
From the Paper "Major Depressive Disorder is a prevalent familial and recurrent condition and often continues into adulthood in an episodic manner. In the case history considered here, it is noted that the patient's mother has had a..."
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."
Abstract This paper explains the triggers and diagnosis of depression, and some of the social, psychological and genetic factors that together predispose a person to depression. The author then discusses the medications used to treat depression and explains that 30% of sufferers do not respond to them. The author also lists several studies that demonstrate that physical activity produces a positive effect on depression and anxiety, as well as other disorders such as hypertension, bulimia and insomnia. The paper lists the types of exercise that have been shown to be most beneficial, and concludes with healthy exercise recommendations from experts.
Outline:
Predisposing Factors
Treatments
Physical Activity as Treatment
From the Paper "Recent studies were conducted at the Duke University on the positive effect of physical activity on depression. The results of the major study said that an acute or strong dose of physical activity, rather than sustained regular exercise, could be the most effective way to handle or reduce feelings of depression, anger and fatigue. It was part of a larger, five-year study, which compared the treatments for depression. These were a four-month exercise program, drug therapy, and a combination of exercise and medication. It tested a group of 55 respondents, over 50 years old. After the test, 82% reported reduction of depression, tension, fatigue, anger and confusion (Camacho)."
Abstract This paper explains that the term 'drug' is extremely broad and can be used to describe nearly any substance, which has a discernible effect on the person using the drug. The author points out that the legalization status of drugs in general is widely varied: Some drugs are entirely legal, others are legal but require a prescription and still others are completely illegal. The paper states that if drug use is legalized, drug abuse would become a public health problem; therefore, the benefit to society is that the treatment of drug abusers would become health-focused rather than criminally-focused as it is now.
Table of Contents
Stimulants
Caffeine
Amphetamine
Other Stimulants including Ecstasy and Cocaine
Depressants Alcohol
Barbiturates
Benzodiazepiness.
Drug Legalization
Definition of Drug Legalization
Arguments For and Against Legalization
Potential Effects of Drug Legalization
Drug Abuse after Legalization
From the Paper "Caffeine is one of the most widely used drugs in the United States. It is a stimulant found in coffee, black tea, many soft drinks, and some other consumables. There are two primary steps in the way caffeine works. First, the drug interrupts a process in the nervous system that generally stems the body's release of adrenaline, causing more adrenaline than usual to be released into the body. Additionally, caffeine inhibits the reuptake of adrenaline by the nervous system, causing the heightened amounts of adrenaline to have a prolonged effect. ("Caffeine"). The purchase and consumption of caffeine is legal for all ages in the United States."
This well-researched paper analyzes the various causes of severe depression ranging from biological to genetic to environmental while also focusing on the variety of effective treatments currently available.
Abstract This paper defines the term depression as a psycho-neurotic or psychotic disorder marked by sadness, inactivity, difficulty in thinking and concentrating, as well as feelings of dejection and hopelessness which can lead to suicidal tendencies. This paper supplies relevant published data and statistics pertaining to this specific topic. This paper discusses the significant increase in reported cases of severe depression. Currently, the risk of developing depression stands between 8%-12% for men and 20%-26% for women. This paper cites the findings of the World Health Organization which states that by the year 2020 severe depression will be the world's second most debilitating disease, surpassed only by heart disease. The writer contends that, although the exact causes of depression have not yet been determined, it is clear that biological, genetic and environmental factors play a significant role. Some common environmental factors linked to depression include involvement in difficult relationships, conflicts with family members, friends and co-workers and/or the death of a loved one. This paper explores the various treatments available including: Electro-convulsive therapy, psychotherapy and drug therapy while also citing the success rates for these and other treatments.
Table of Contents:
Abstract
Major Depressive Disorder
Epidemiology
Etiology
Diagnosis and Clinical Presentation
Mental Status Exam
Comorbidity and Differential Diagnosis
Course and Prognosis
Treatment
Summary
Conclusion
References
From the Paper "The lifetime risk of developing depression is between 8 and 12 percent for men and 20 and 26 per cent for women. In any given year, approximately 12 percent of women and 7 percent of men suffer from major depression, demonstrating that women are twice as likely to experience this illness as men are. The results of a recent study by Nolen-Hoeksema, Grayson & Larson suggest that such gender differences may be because women experience "more chronic strain, a greater tendency to ruminate when distressed, and a lower sense of their mastery over their lives. In turn, these variables contribute to each other." The statistics may unfairly represent the incidence of depression in men, however."
Abstract This paper illuminates the very high prevalence of postpartum depression amongst women in their late 20s and 30s. The studies in this paper show that this type of depression can be predicted from risk factors and symptoms that are observed during pregnancy. It explains how screening is essential in saving the mother and her infant's life. The paper strongly asserts that screening will only be effective if the nurse has thorough knowledge of the risk factors for postpartum depression.
Outline:
Introduction
Details of Studies
Research Problem and Question
Hypothesis
Study Findings and Limitations
Study Two: Thoppil, et al. (2005).
Study Design
Research Problem
Findings and Limitations
Implications for Nursing Practice
Summary
Implications for Nursing Practice
Study Design
From the Paper "Postpartum depression is extremely common and the symptoms may be observed even in the first two weeks postpartum (Bloch, Rotenberg, Koren & Klein, 2006). Risk factors for the earliest symptoms include premenstrual dysphoric disorder, psychiatric symptoms during pregnancy, mood instability resulting from oral contraceptives, and mood instability at puberty. Other factors are hormonal changes that make women prone to the development of depressive symptoms, a past affective disorder or a family history of depression, and especially mood disturbances during the third trimester (Bloch, et al., 2006)."
