Anatomy of Depression - Depression Symptoms & Treatment
February 1, 2009 by admin
Filed under Mental Health
Depression is prevalent in our society and affects the majority of our population at some point in time. But when it becomes ongoing, persistent and painful - interfering with normal activity - it can be truly debilitating.
Following is the personal story of one person’s fight with depression as told by his psychiatrist. I wanted to share it because it illustrates so well how panic, stress, depression, medication, diet and supplementation can all interact. I like this story too because it ends on a positive note and shares what helped this person get better.
The Anatomy of a Depression: Part I Robert J. Hedaya, M.D., D.F.A.P.A., Clinical Professor of Psychiatry.
“GOAL: The person with depression is in a complex homeostatic state, albeit a disturbed, negative, painful one. The task of the clinician is to develop an understanding of the homeostatic processes (social, biological, etc) involved, and the nodal points that require intervention. The clinician must then intervene at as many of these points as possible, at the same time, to re-establish a new more functional equilibrium…
BEN’S STORY: In June of 1985, Benjamin sat in the corner seat of my waiting room, feeling distraught and humiliated. Recently released after three weeks on “the psych ward” at McLean Hospital, this rejection-sensitive young man was still highly anxious, experiencing panic, hopelessness and suicidal ideation. His pain was poorly disguised by a thin veneer of quick humor.”
Read the rest of Part one, then read The Anatomy of a Depression: Part II
Depression Symptoms and Treatment Resources
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) describes symptoms, causes, and treatments, with information on getting help and coping.
WebMD Depression Center: Symptoms, Causes, Medications, and Therapies
