Depression (Clinical)

[Michaelangelica]

Test could predict depression risk

Friday, 03 October 2008

Swinburne University of Technology

i

A simple Emotional Intelligence (EI) test could be used to predict a person’s risk of developing depression, according to new research from Swinburne University of Technology.

 

In the lead up the Mental Health Week the study, which demonstrates the relationship between low EI and depression, has been published in the European Journal of Psychiatry.

Test could predict depression risk (ScienceAlert)

[Michaelangelica]

Job stress major cause of depression

Tuesday, 03 June 2008

University of Melbourne

 

Almost one in six cases of depression among working Victorians are caused by job stress, amounting to more than 21,000 cases of preventable depression in Victoria each year, a new University of Melbourne study shows.

 

The study, led by Associate Professor Tony LaMontagne from the McCaughey Centre: VicHealth Centre for the Promotion of Mental Health and Community Wellbeing at the University of Melbourne with research partners from Monash and British Columbia universities, is published in June in the international journal BMC Public Health.

 

It estimates that:

Job stress major cause of depression*(ScienceAlert)

Obesity linked to anxiety and depression

Wednesday, 02 July 2008

University of Otago

 

Mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression are associated with obesity according to a new study from the University of Otago, Wellington. The research involving nearly 13 000 New Zealanders shows there are associations between obesity and some anxiety disorders, and less strong links with obesity and depression. This is the first study ever that has examined links between all anxiety disorders and obesity.

Obesity linked to anxiety and depression*(ScienceAlert)

[Michaelangelica]

Some interesting new stuff coming out in the controversial field of orthomolecular psychiatry

Look at B 12 for example

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/14/health/14brod.html?_r=2&oref=slogin&oref=slogin

Some people don't have enough "intrinsic factor" to keep up adequate doses of B12.

Like vitamin C, B12 is water soluble, not stored much in the body and is available mostly from animal sources.

Elevated homocysteine, as a result of folic acid and B12 deficiency,

is toxic to the nervous system and has been linked to depression, schizophrenia,

Conditions for B12-Folate

•. . .

• Depression

•. . .

• Sulfite sensitivity

• Tinnitus

multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive decline in the elderly

. . .

: B12 deficiency often occurs due to a lack of intrinsic factor in the gut.

. . .

6

A Swedish study on 64 patients with pernicious anemia and other B12 deficiency

symptoms were treated with 1000 mcgs. of oral B12 daily. In all patients studied over a 3 year period, the researchers observed complete normalization of serum levels and liver stores for Vitamin B12 as well as full clinical remission

Microsoft PowerPoint - Ultra B12 Folate

Intrinsic factor

Deficiency of vitamin B12 due to dietary insufficiency is uncommon, but this vitamin can be deficient due to a condition that prevents its normal absorption. Because the B12 molecule is particularly large, in order to be absorbed by the body it has to be linked to a protein known as ‘intrinsic factor’, which is produced by the lining of the stomach. The combined ‘complex’ is then absorbed into the blood when the food reaches the small intestine.

If the cells that produce intrinsic factor are destroyed, or the intrinsic factor is inactivated, vitamin B12 cannot be absorbed. This situation may occur due to an autoimmune disease in which the body produces antibodies against the cells that produce the intrinsic factor or against the intrinsic factor itself.

Women are more commonly affected than men and this type of autoimmunity tends to run in families.

The intrinsic factor-producing cells can also fail to function efficiently in a patient with ulcers, stomach cancer or other conditions such as Crohn's disease that affect the digestive system. The condition that results in all these cases is called pernicious anaemia, for which the treatment is regular injections of vitamin B12

.

http://openlearn.open.ac.uk/mod/resource/view.php?id=192828

 

Causes of insufficiency + A Genetic Factor?

Classic pernicious anemia is caused by the failure of gastric parietal cells to produce sufficient IF to permit the absorption of adequate quantities of dietary vitamin B-12. Other disorders that interfere with the absorption and metabolism of vitamin B-12 can produce cobalamin (Cbl) deficiency, with the development of a macrocytic anemia and neurological complications.

Summary of causes of Cbl deficiency

 

* Inadequate dietary intake (ie, vegetarian diet)

* Atrophy or loss of gastric mucosa (eg, pernicious anemia, gastrectomy, ingestion of caustic material, hypochlorhydria, histamine 2 [H2] blockers)

* Functionally abnormal IF

* Inadequate proteolysis of dietary Cbl

* Insufficient pancreatic protease (eg, chronic pancreatitis, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome)

* Bacterial overgrowth in intestine (eg, blind loop, diverticula)

* Disorders of ileal mucosa (eg, resection, ileitis, sprue, lymphoma, amyloidosis, absent IF-Cbl receptor, Imerslünd-Grasbeck syndrome, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, TCII deficiency, use of certain drugs)

* Disorders of plasma transport of cobalamin (eg, TCII deficiency, R binder deficiency)

* Dysfunctional uptake and use of cobalamin by cells (eg, defects in cellular deoxyadenosylcobalamin [AdoCbl] and methylcobalamin [MeCbl] synthesis)

 

Frequency

United States

 

The adult form of pernicious anemia is most prevalent among individuals of either Celtic (ie, English, Irish, Scottish) or Scandinavian origin. In these groups, 10-20 cases per 100,000 people occur per year. Pernicious anemia is reported less commonly in people of other racial backgrounds. Although the disease was once believed to be rare in Native American people and uncommon in black people, recent observations suggest that the incidence was underestimated.

International

 

Historically, pernicious anemia was believed to occur predominantly in people of northern European descent. During recent years, it has become apparent that occurrence of pernicious anemia in all racial and ethnic groups is more common than was previously recognized.

eMedicine - Pernicious Anemia : Article Excerpt by Marcel E Conrad

 

Treatment of depression: time to consider folic acid and vitamin B12

. . .On the basis of current data, we suggest that oral doses of both folic acid (800 µg daily) and vitamin B12 (1 mg daily) should be tried to improve treatment outcome in depression.

 

Key Words: cobalamin • depression • diet • folate • folic acid • homocysteine • one carbon-metabolism • S-adenosylmethionine • vitamin B12

Treatment of depression: time to consider folic acid and vitamin B12 -- Coppen and Bolander-Gouaille 19 (1): 59 -- Journal of Psychopharmacology

 

sometimes a blood test will show enlarged red blood cells, which can be an indication of Vitamin deficiency

[Michaelangelica]

An intersting article on vitamins and minerals that influence depression.

The B12 Celtic link is interesting

NEWS2U Health & Wellness

 

if you are a depressed Celt, lacking intrinsic factor.

You will need B12 injections or this new invention

Vitamin B12 Patch: Revolutionary Vitamin B12 Supplement.

[Michaelangelica]

WebMD's Symptom Finder: Physical Symptoms of Depression - Stomach

 

Digestive problems, stomach pain, and appetite changes are caused by many things. They can be signs of medical problems such as ulcers, gallbladder problems, and reflux disease. They can also be caused by dietary problems and too little exercise. Often, they occur when we're under stress. But they may also be symptoms of depression. See a doctor for a medical evaluation to determine the cause of your symptoms.

 

When people are depressed, they sometimes develop digestive problems, including diminished appetite, nausea, and constipation.. Worry, anxiety, and stress can lead to intestinal difficulties. Also, depressed people may not eat enough, they may eat too much, and they may get little exercise. All this can affect the stomach and intestinal tract to cause problems.

 

Keeping a symptom diary can help you identify your pattern and understand what may be triggering your symptoms. Take the diary and this page to your doctor to discuss what may be causing your symptoms.

 

For more information, see Recognizing the Physical Symptoms of Depression

WebMD's Symptom Finder: Physical Symptoms of Depression - Stomach

[Michaelangelica]

New research could beat depression

Tuesday, 09 December 2008

Western Australian Institute of Medical Research

 

Scientists could lower the rate of depression in

people over 70 years old by reducing the amount of

the amino acid in their blood stream.

 

In a discovery that may help reduce the burden of depression in later life, West Australian researchers have found a new link between the condition and the amino acid homocysteine.

. . ,.

"We've now found that the MTHFR gene, which we knew contributed to increasing the basal concentration of homocysteine by 20 per cent, also increases the risk of depression by about 20 percent in older people."

 

"These results suggest that if we are able to reduce the plasma concentration of homocysteine by one fifth, we can reduce the number of elderly Australians who are affected by depression by the same amount."

New research could beat depression (ScienceAlert)

[Michaelangelica]

Augmentation and Combination Strategies in Resistant Depression

Augmentation strategies involve adding an agent that is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use as an antidepressant, while combination strategies involve adding an FDA-approved antidepressant.

 

Low folic acid levels are associated with depression. Low folate also predicts reduced response to treatment and increased risk of relapse.

One randomized, double-blind study found that adding 500 mcg of folate to fluoxetine therapy enhanced response in women. Men were not responsive to folate, but the dose may have been too low.

 

A meta-analysis of omega-3 fatty acid found evidence for efficacy in depression; however, the 10 studies included bipolar samples and monotherapy as well as augmentation trials.

 

A preliminary study of antidepressant augmentation with an omega-3 fatty acid in patients with breakthrough unipolar depression showed significant benefits versus placebo augmentation (p < .001).

The article also looks at various combinations of drugs used to treat depression

eg

3). A double-blind study of the combination of mirtazapine and paroxetine in 62 depressed patients found the combination to be significantly more effective than either monotherapy.

However the author comments on how little research has been done in this area

Of the augmentation and combination strategies discussed, several are supported by evidence; however, few are supported by large studies with well-defined treatment resistance.

Seems amazing given the widespread nature of this disease!

(I have removed numbered references to research papers from the quoted article)

Augmentation and Combination Strategies in Resistant Depression

[Racoon]

So where does simply taking a walk rank in all those studies Mike??

Best remedy for depression is a walk in the woods.

 

You can claim thats only temporary, but so are all the drugs and voodoo-hoodoo those peeps are sayin.

 

Its not that difficult to understand.

Start walking.

if you stop and feel depressed?? then keep walking.

 

cheap, healthy remedy. :)

 

Keep walking, and it'll cure obesity too.

 

Somehow pharmaceutical science won't cure Humans evolutionary ability and need to walk, jog, or run ... :eek_big:

[Michaelangelica]

So where does simply taking a walk rank in all those studies Mike??

Best remedy for depression is a walk in the woods.

 

You can claim thats only temporary, but so are all the drugs and voodoo-hoodoo those peeps are sayin.

 

Its not that difficult to understand.

Start walking.

if you stop and feel depressed?? then keep walking.

 

cheap, healthy remedy. :)

 

Keep walking, and it'll cure obesity too.

 

Somehow pharmaceutical science won't cure Humans evolutionary ability and need to walk, jog, or run ... :eek_big:

Rating

I would think very high

 

Any sort of physical activity is helpful, even getting out of bed.

[pamela]

"even getting out of bed" :(

and that would indeed be the hardest movement for someone in deep depression

The hiking and walking idea is wonderful. When i am on a hike, all my stresses fade away. Being surrounded by nature and the various sounds that accompany it, does wonders for my psyche.

This of course, is not a cure, but can be advantageous if applied

[Michaelangelica]

[Michaelangelica]

A meta-analysis of 14 studies in a variety of research and real-world settings by Bair et al.4 found that, overall, 65% of patients with MDD reported painful physical symptoms.

 

The diffuse nature of physical symptoms is the hallmark of major depression, which, in addition to the aforementioned painful symptoms, can also include symptoms such as

• weakness,
  
• muscle soreness,
  
• chilly hands and feet,
  
• dizziness,
  
• numbness,
  
• trouble with vision or hearing,
  
• and a lump-in-throat feeling.5
  
• The most commonly reported symptom according to a recent study (N = 2191) by Vaccarino et al.5 was “feeling fatigued, weak, or tired all over.”
  

This symptom had a high correlation (r = 0.50) with patients’ overall scores on the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D).

at least half of the patients with major depression in primary care were initially misdiagnosed and received no treatment for depression. A majority of patients with MDD presented with only somatic symptoms.

 

The more physical symptoms the patient reports, the greater the likelihood that the patient has a mood or anxiety disorder (AV 3).

Chronic pain and physical symptoms are common in patients with mood symptoms, and the presence of painful physical symptoms makes the recognition of mood symptoms more difficult

Physician's Postgraduate Press, Inc. - Login

[Michaelangelica]

STEPHEN FRY: THE SECRET LIFE OF THE MANIC DEPRESSIVE

ABC1, 9:35pm Monday, 16 February 2009

Stephen Fry looks at the different treatments available for manic depression, talking to experts and sufferers alike, and ponders whether he is willing, after all this time, to take that route himself.

Stephen Fry: The Secret Life Of The Manic Depressive - ABC1 Television Guide

 

How come so many extremely funny people suffer from depression eg Spike Mulligan, Peter Cook, Robin Williams. . . any others?

 

or are alcoholics, or reformed alcoholics and therefore still alive- eg Billy Connelly, R. Willims (dugs&AL?)- both brave people.

 

Maybe they need to slow down a racing mind that makes continual bizarre connections and observations..

 

Keith Allen, the Sheriff of Nottingham BBC TV Robin Hood series, had the funniest story about Stephen Fry which he told on Parkinson.(Allen does not seem depressed at all)

It was a V ERY funny interview.

I love Stephen Fry especially in Absolute Power where he plays an amoral adverting executive (nmed?)

[Michaelangelica]

This would help a lot of people, empty a lot of hospital wards and save a lot of marriages if it can be done.

 

Study suggests new test to predict postpartum depression risk

 

Changes in levels of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) at around 25 weeks' gestation both predict and explain the development of postpartum depression (PPD), according to a longitudinal study in this month's Archives of General Psychiatry.

 

The report urges routine use of a blood test for CRH in mid-pregnancy to predict risk of PPD, as well as research into preventive strategies.

 

Apparently the rate of change of CRH levels in mid-pregnancy is the crucial factor, although assessment of depressive symptoms at this time may increase its predictive power.

 

During pregnancy, the placenta increasingly releases CRH, reaching levels that correspond to acute stress according to previous studies. Sudden removal of CRH in late pregnancy may create a withdrawal syndrome.

Medical News: Placental Hormone Levels May Foretell Postpartum Depression - in Psychiatry, General Psychiatry from MedPage Today

See also other papers:-

Results For "postpartum depression CRH" - SearchMedica - Professional Medical Search

 

Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression

 

NOTE: This search delivers articles about the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression. But you can find the scale itself by un-clicking "Prioritize results by publication date" just beneath the search box. Several other scales are available from Psychiatric Times if you use this option.

[Michaelangelica]

Understanding Depression

 

Depression is not a weakness or a character flaw—it is a real medical illness. People who suffer from depression may experience long periods of feeling very sad and lose interest in social and daily activities. Anyone, regardless of gender, race or socioeconomic status, can suffer from depression.

 

* An estimated 19 million American adults suffer from depression every year.

* With proper treatment, four out of five people with depression will improve.

 

Depression often occurs simultaneously with other conditions. In fact, as many as 90% of people who've been diagnosed with depression also have symptoms of anxiety. (This does not necessarily mean these patients have generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)). Learn more about the connection between depression and GAD.

Common Symptoms of Depression

 

You don't need to experience all of the signs and symptoms listed below to be diagnosed with depression. Symptoms of depression will vary from person to person.

 

1. Depressed or irritable mood most of the day

 

2. Loss of interest or pleasure in activities (such as hobbies, work, sex or being with friends) most of the day

 

3. A sudden change in weight (weight loss without dieting, gaining more than 5% of body weight in one month) or a change in appetite

 

4. Inability to sleep or sleeping too much

 

5. Agitation or restlessness (observed by others)

 

6. Constant fatigue or loss of energy

 

7. Frequent feelings of worthlessness or inappropriate guilt

 

8. Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

 

9. Physical symptoms such as digestive problems, headaches or muscle aches

 

10. Frequent thoughts of death or suicide (or a suicide attempt or plan)

 

Important note: you or someone you know has thoughts of suicide, seek professional help immediately, or contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

 

What Causes Depression?

 

Depression is often triggered by events such as:

 

* Divorce, death of a spouse, loss of a job or serious financial problems

* Abuse of alcohol or other drugs

* Certain medications and diseases

* Hormonal changes in women associated with childbirth or menopause

* A family history of depression

* In older adults, health problems and functional limitations associated with aging

 

Whatever the triggers, depression is believed to be caused by an imbalance of certain chemicals in the brain, such as serotonin. These "chemical messengers" help nerve cells communicate with one another by sending and receiving messages. In the case of depression, the available supply of the chemical messengers is low, so nerve cells may not be able to communicate effectively. This can result in symptoms of depression.

How Is Depression Treated?

Depression and Anxiety Treatment Center: Understanding Depression (Sponsored)

[Michaelangelica]

Mental Health: It's Life, Not Depression

Friday, March 13, 2009 by: Dr. Julian Whitaker, MD, citizen journalist

Mental Health: It's Life, Not Depression

 

Salt May Be An Antidepressant - Which Would Also Explain Why It's Addictive

http://www.scientificblogging.com/news_releases/salt_may_be_antidepressant_which_would_also_explain_why_its_addictive

[paigetheoracle]

I've realized that there is a kind of psychological cycle like manic-depression or bipolar disease but it is based on conscious frustration, trying to reach your goal and disappointment when you do (distance and unattainability versus attainment and proximity: Snippet in give away paper, Metro, stated that researchers in America had discovered a link between masculinity and distance in fruit flies). This is also the basis of energy and lack of it (depression and going nowhere, and elation, through having a goal to move (inspire) you into action).