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Relagen
- Natural Stress, Anxiety and Depression formula
Relagen is an 100% all natural product that effectively addresses the diverse and debilitating symptoms of STRESS, ANXIETY, and DEPRESSION.
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What is a depressive disorder?
Depressive disorders have been with man since the beginning of recorded
history. In the Bible, King David, as well as Job, suffered from this
affliction. Hippocrates referred to depression as melancholia, which literally
means black bile. Black bile, along with blood, phlegm, and yellow bile were the
four humors (fluids) that accounted for the basic medical physiology of that
time. Depression has been portrayed in literature and the arts for hundreds of
years, but what do we mean today when we refer to a depressive disorder? In the
nineteenth century, depression was seen as an inherited weakness of temperament.
In the first half of the twentieth century, Freud linked the development
(pathogenesis) of depression to guilt and conflict. John Cheever, the author and
a modern sufferer of depressive disorder, wrote of conflict and experiences with
his parents as influencing his development of depression.
In the 1950's and 60's, depression was divided into two types, endogenous
and neurotic. Endogenous means that the depression comes from within the body,
perhaps of genetic origin, or comes out of nowhere. Neurotic or reactive
depression has a clear environmental precipitating factor, such as the death of
a spouse, or other significant loss, such as the loss of a job. In the 1970's
and 80's, the focus of attention shifted from the cause of depression to its
effects on the afflicted people. That is to say, whatever the cause in a
particular case, what are the symptoms and impaired functions that experts can
agree make up a depressive disorder? Although there is some argument even today
(as in all branches of medicines), most experts agree that:
- A depressive disorder is a syndrome (group of symptoms) that reflects a
sad mood exceeding normal sadness or grief. More specifically, the sadness of
depression is characterized by a greater intensity and duration and by more
severe symptoms and functional disabilities than is normal.
- Depression symptoms are characterized not only by negative thoughts,
moods, and behaviors, but also by specific changes in bodily functions (e.g.,
eating, sleeping, and sexual activity). The functional changes are often called
neurovegetative signs.
- Certain people with depressive disorder, especially bipolar depression
(manic depression),
seem to have an inherited vulnerability to this condition.
- Depressive disorders are a huge public health problem.
- In 1990, depression cost the United States 43 billion dollars in both
direct costs, which are the treatment costs, and indirect costs, such as lost
productivity and absenteeism.
- In a major medical study, depression caused significant problems in the
functioning of those affected more often than did arthritis, hypertension,
chronic lung disease, and diabetes, and in two categories of problems, as often
as coronary artery disease.
- Depression can increase the risks for developing coronary artery disease,
HIV, asthma, and some other medical illnesses. Furthermore, it can increase the
morbidity (illness) and mortality (death) from these conditions.
- Depression is usually first identified in a primary care setting, not in a
mental health practitioner's office. Moreover, it often assumes various
disguises, which causes depression to be frequently under-diagnosed.
- In spite of clear research evidence and clinical guidelines regarding
therapy, depression is often under-treated. Hopefully, this situation can change
for the better.
- For full recovery from a mood disorder, regardless of whether there is a
precipitating factor or it seems to come out of the blue, treatments with
medications and/or electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) (see discussion below) and
psychotherapy are necessary.
What are the types of depression?
Depressive disorders come in different forms, just as do other illnesses,
such as heart disease and diabetes. Three of the most common types of depressive
disorders are discussed below. However, remember that within each of these
types, there are variations in the number, severity, and persistence of
symptoms.
Major Depression
Major depression is characterized by a combination of symptoms, including sad
mood (see symptom list), that interfere with the ability to work, sleep, eat,
and enjoy once-pleasurable activities. Disabling episodes of depression can
occur once, twice, or several times in a lifetime.
Dysthymia
Dysthymia is a less severe type of depression. It involves long-term
(chronic) symptoms that do not disable, but yet prevent the affected person from
functioning at "full steam" or from feeling good. Sometimes, people
with dysthymia also experience episodes of major depression. This combination of
the two types of depression is referred to as double-depression.
Bipolar Disorder (Manic Depression)
Another type of depression is bipolar disorder, which was formerly called
manic-depressive illness or manic depression. This condition shows a particular
pattern of inheritance. Not nearly as common as the other types of depressive
disorders, bipolar disorder involves cycles of depression and mania, or elation.
Bipolar disorder is often a chronic, recurring condition. Sometimes, the mood
switches are dramatic and rapid, but most often they are gradual.
When in the depressed cycle, the person can experience any or all of the
symptoms of a depressive disorder. When in the manic cycle, any or all of the
symptoms listed under mania may be experienced. Mania often affects thinking,
judgment, and social behavior in ways that cause serious problems and
embarrassment. For example, unwise business or financial decisions may be made
when an individual is in a manic phase.
A significant variant of bipolar disorder is designated as bipolar II. (The
usual form of bipolar disorder is referred to as bipolar I.) Bipolar II is a
syndrome in which the affected person has repeated depressive episodes
punctuated by what is called hypomania (mini-highs). These euphoric states in
bipolar II do not fully meet the criteria for the complete manic episodes that
occur in bipolar I.
For more information about this condition, please read the Bipolar Disorder artcile.
Symptoms of depression and mania
Not everyone who is depressed or manic experiences every symptom. Some people
experience a few symptoms and some many symptoms. The severity of symptoms also
varies with individuals.
Depression Symptoms of Manic Depression
- Persistently sad, anxious, or "empty" mood.
- Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism.
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness.
- Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and
activities that were once enjoyed, including sex.
- Insomnia, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping.
- Decreased appetite and/or weight loss, or overeating
and weight gain.
- Fatigue, decreased energy, being "slowed down."
- Thoughts of death or suicide, suicide attempts.
- Restlessness, irritability.
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making
decisions.
- Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as
headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain.
Mania Symptoms of Manic Depression
- Inappropriate elation.
- Inappropriate irritability.
- Severe insomnia.
- Grandiose notions.
- Increased talking speed and/or volume.
- Disconnected and racing thoughts.
- Increased sexual desire.
- Markedly increased energy.
- Poor judgment.
- Inappropriate social behavior.
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