High sodium and low potassium diets may contribute to teenage depression, according to a new <\/span>\u00e9tude<\/span><\/a>. <\/span>This finding may impact both patients and providers.<\/p>\n Such a diet indicates many processed foods and few fresh fruits and vegetables. <\/span>Researchers at the University of Alabama-Birmingham found a conclusive link between depression and such a diet. Other observers theorized that the inverse may be true as well. <\/span>I<\/span>f adolescents consumed more healthy foods, the theory goes, they would have more energy and feel better. <\/span>This study is just the latest one to associate a poor diet with clinical depression.<\/span><\/p>\n Because of the limited sample size and the possible presence of other environmental or economic variables, the researchers stressed that their findings were preliminary and more study was needed.<\/span><\/p>\n A chemical imbalance in the brain triggers clinical depression, so this illness can strike any person at any time. <\/span>Clinical depression is one of the most common mental illnesses in the United State, and as outlined below, also one of the most treatable ones. That\u2019s assuming treatment is available.<\/span><\/p>\n Although it is a mental illness, clinical depression often has some physical symptoms as well. Some of these symptoms include:<\/span><\/p>\n Mentally, effects include decreased libido, difficulty making decisions, excessive clinginess, loneliness, and an unnatural preoccupation with death which could lead to suicidal thoughts.<\/span><\/p>\n Some combination of therapy and medication usually cures, or at least manages, clinical depression. <\/span>There is no one-size-fits-all approach, and the prescribed treatment may involve some trial and error. So, the insurance company must be patient.<\/span><\/p>\n Many people respond well to <\/span>psychotherapy<\/span><\/a>, which is also called psychological therapy or talk therapy. <\/span>Therapy often helps people develop better life skills and interpersonal skills, so they can work through problems without feeling overwhelmed.<\/p>\n The medical component often involves an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) antidepressant. <\/span>These drugs block serotonin reabsorption (reuptake), thus raising the brain\u2019s serotonin levels. This chemical is a natural antidepressant.<\/p>\n Because of their effectiveness, SSRIs are the most commonly-prescribed antidepressants. <\/span>They have some other uses as well, such as treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder. However, as outlined below, these drugs also have some serious side-effects.<\/span><\/p>\n Prompt and proper diagnosis is important as well. <\/span>The earlier depression treatment begins, the more effective it is. Unfortunately, many doctors confuse situational depression with clinical depression. <\/span>These illnesses have similar symptoms, but they are medically quite different.<\/p>\n Many depression treatment centers effectively address this mental illness and all its physical and emotional effects. <\/span>But insurance companies often do not use the same reimbursement policies for mental illness providers as they use for med-surge providers. Les <\/span>Loi sur la parit\u00e9<\/span><\/a> prohibits such different treatments, but many insurance companies ignore this Act.<\/span><\/p>\n If your depression treatment center did not receive full insurance company reimbursement, you may have legal options.<\/span><\/p>\n Since depression has both mental and physical effects, drugs like <\/span>Zoloft<\/span><\/a> are incredibly powerful. <\/span>As mentioned, many doctors prescribe SSRIs without seriously considering other options.<\/p>\n Many patients experience mild side-effects, such as dry mouth and dizziness. <\/span>In other words, Zoloft often makes the symptoms worse before it improves them. If these mild symptoms persist for more than a week or so, your doctor may need to adjust your medication.<\/span><\/p>\n Some people experience more serious side-effects, such as reduced sexual performance, especially among men, weight loss, and ecchymosis (easily bruised).\u00a0<\/span>These effects could be indicative of a deeper problem.<\/span><\/p>\n The most serious SSRI side-effects include vision changes, bloody stools, and a long-lasting erection. <\/span>SSRIs have also been linked to autism and birth defects. Additionally, there is <\/span>evidence<\/span><\/a> that the manufacturer knew about these serious side-effects and concealed the risk so sales would not suffer.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Legally, manufacturers are strictly liable for the injuries their dangerous drugs cause. <\/span>Victims need not establish fault or negligence. Moreover, if the company intentionally disregarded a known risk, substantial punitive damages may be available, in addition to compensatory damages for things like medical bills and pain and suffering.<\/span><\/p>\nEffects of Teenage Depression<\/b><\/h3>\n
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Depression Treatments<\/b><\/h3>\n
SSRI Antidepressants and Side-Effects<\/b><\/h3>\n