Facing Your Brain - Taking Control

Charleston S.C., June 7, 2003 -- If you or someone you know or love suffers from depression, withdrawal or mental mbalance
the best way to beat any problem is to learn what it is, what it does and how to use that knowledge to overcome it.

Learn what memories are, what type of mental processing you have and how to use that knowledge to help yourself.

By examining the synapse, drugs that effect the synapse and what the drugs are really doing results in learning how to recover from withdrawal symptoms associated with stopping synaptic based medication.

Learn about the dynamic system of the brain and how you know that you know.

Facing Your Brain - Taking Control is published at http://www.enticypress.com .


For information about bipolar depression symptoms, visit
http://yourdepressioninfo.com/bipolardepressionsymptoms/

Obese, Diabetic and Chronic Pain Patient Discovers Vitamin Which Eliminated His Depression and Anxiety - My Story

September 6, 2004 -- Michael Hansen, 50, an obese diabetic who suffered major injuries from an auto accident years ago, has had chronic pain everyday. The pain was so severe he had to quit working 3 years ago. Depression and even anxiety were a daily battle. Michael started thinking about suicide in the last few months. The pain was wearing him down and he couldn't think or focus.

Michael had been selling vitamins online, but he had not yet ordered them for his own consumption. So, out of desperation, he ordered a bottle and tried them. The vitamins were ordered from the internet. The site is located at:

http://www.worlds-best-vitamins.com.

The vitamin is relatively new and the name of the product is, "The Greatest Vitamin In The World". Michael was amazed to discover by that evening, his depression and anxiety had disappeared. It has been several days and the depression or anxiety have not returned.

"I now believe that my depression was caused by some sort of nutritional deficiency. My body must have really needed those vitamins." Michael said.

It just goes to show that if you sell something, you should try the product.

"Needless to say, I am sold on the quality of this product and I am proud to be a distributor, Michael said."

"I'm not promising they will do the same for you, I am just telling my story and how I benefited from them."

The result was so startling I felt I had to tell others about it. I realized I was not eating right and being diabetic, I suppose that my moods were negatively impacted by improper diet and nutrition.

For information about bipolar depression, visit
http://yourdepressioninfo.com/bipolardepression/

Depression After Delivery (DAD) is a nonprofit, national postpartum depression education/support organization

July 12, 2004, Raritan, NJ—The organization known as D.A.D. is asking for help.

Depression After Delivery Inc., a national nonprofit providing support, education, and referral to families at risk during ante- and postpartum depression and related illnesses, is seeking to strengthen partnerships and collaborations so as to reach its 20th anniversary next year and beyond.

Since its founding in 1985 by Nancy Berchtold, a Pennsylvania woman who experienced postpartum complications, it has helped thousands of families with ante- and postpartum depression/psychosis (PPD) that, if unrecognized or inadequately treated, can result in tragic outcomes.

D.A.D. offers a toll-free line, 1-800-944-4PPD, for families and professionals to obtain information. It offers parent packs with national volunteer phone support network and support group listings, a national professional referral registry, professional pack with screening tools as well as publications and an educational video.

D.A.D. first received attention more than a decade ago on the Phil Donahue show. Since then its volunteer board members have appeared on Geraldo, Oprah, Oxegen, Lifetime and other outlets as well as served as sources in Newsweek, Chicago Sun-Times, Parent, American Baby, and other publications. Its board members have authored books, journal articles, op-ed pieces, and other educational materials on the subject and served as expert legal consultants.

D.A.D. responds to more than 5,000 information/referral requests a year and has a family membership of more than 500. Its Web site, www.depressionafterdelivery.com, is an information clearinghouse for families and caregivers alike and receives more than 50,000 visitors a year.

Funding woes
Two years ago, two pharmaceutical companies provided $75,000 for fundraising seed money. D.A.D. paid $60,000 of those funds to a Florida fund development firm, which raised no funds. Currently the organization is seeking collaborative partnerships in order to survive, says Donna Cangialosi, the organization’s only paid staff and part-time administrator. “We’ve invested so much in this organization it would be a shame to simply lock the door and walk away,” she said.

Parents say the organization’s mission is imperative. Katherine Stone, a D.A.D. member who wrote a personal account of postpartum depression in the June 7, 2004 Newsweek, agrees. “D.A.D. serves women all over the country by serving to provide sorely needed information on the various postpartum disorders that exist,” says Stone of Fayetteville, Ga.

“When I went to see a therapist in desperate need of help, she told me about Depression After Delivery and thought I might find comfort with this group. I think it is an extremely important organization, and that every psychiatrist and obstetrician's office ought to know about it. The idea that D.A.D. might go away because of lack of funding is simply unacceptable.”

D.A.D. president Joyce Venis says the organization’s mission is unique because it directly serves families. “I am greatly saddened by D.A.D.’s current situation,” said Venis, a health care practitioner in Princeton, N.J. “Having been with the organization for almost forever, I know its importance. It is so difficult to have trusted supposed professionals to raise funds for us who failed to do so. The money invested is a great loss, but even more so is the faith we put in these people. It is unconscionable for those of us who truly care.”

Serving a great need
Testimonials on D.A.D.’s Web site, newsletter and news articles attest to the countless families who, through adequate education, support and treatment, experience positive outcomes. In worst cases severe PPD can be deadly—resulting in suicides and/or infanticides that shake society’s soul.

In 2001, for example, five Chicago-area women reportedly committed suicide from postpartum depression/psychosis. One D.A.D. member, Carol Blocker, has led the fight to recognize the deadly consequences of the illness. Her daughter, Melanie Stokes, was a pharmaceutical sales manager and wife of a surgeon who leapt to her death three months after the birth of her first child. The Melanie Stokes Postpartum Depression Research and Care Act, introduced by Rep. Bobby Rush (D-Ill) (HR 846/S 450), has bipartisan support and awaits a full hearing that would help fund essential care and preventative/screening measures. If passed, the Mental Health Parity Act, introduced by the late Sen. Paul Wellstone (D-Minn.), could also help families in postpartum crises.

Up to 80 percent of new mothers experience the “baby blues,” a mild mood disorder that includes crying and feeling low and lasts a few days or weeks. Some 10 to 15 percent experience a mild to severe clinical depression, which may include insomnia, anxiety, panic attacks, fears/obsessive behaviors, thoughts about hurting the baby/self or inability to care for self/baby. One or two in 1,000 new moms experience psychosis, a break from reality and a medical emergency.

For more information or to donate to the organization, visit www.depressionafterdelivery.com or contact Cangialosi at 1-800-944-4PPD.
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Sidebar: Postpartum Help for Fathers

Postpartum depression and related illness were recognized as a unique biological phenomenon in birth mothers as early as 400 A.D. by Hippocrates, the father of medicine, however, today’s fathers and adoptive or foster parents can also be at risk.

The June 14, 2004 issue of Medical News Today reported that StatsCan Canadian Community Health Survey on Mental Health and Well Being found that men can also be vulnerable to depression during an exhaustive or stressful transition to parenthood. The article calls men’s mental health in general a “sleeper issue” that is just beginning to receive attention (www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=9475). In addition, fathers, may have a need for support and information when their partners are undergoing PPD.

Depression After Delivery Inc. is a national nonprofit organization providing support, education, and referral to families at risk during ante- and postpartum depression and related illness. It offers a special web page for fathers at www.depressionafterdelivery.com. Fathers can request an info pack at 1-800-944-4PPD that includes a national volunteer phone network of fathers, mothers and others.

Fathers can find additional support at the Web site www.postpartumdads.org.
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Editor's note: For more information:
Donna Cangialosi, Administrator Depression After Delivery
908-541-9712; dadorg@earthlink.net
Joyce Venis, RNC, DAD President, 609-683-1000 or other board member through Cangialosi
Carol Blocker, Stokes Foundation, 312-225-1310
Katherine Stone, stonecallis@msn.com

For information about a biological perspective on manic-depression, visit
http://yourdepressioninfo.com/biologicalperspectivemanicdepression/

Depression – Cairns groundbreaking talk on using food for mood.

April 5 2004--In an address to the Cairns Mental Health Association on March 23rd professional health writer and speaker Andrew Cavanagh explained the scientific basis for a comprehensive diet and lifestyle protocol to reverse depression.

Andrew Cavanagh writes a weekly health feature for regional newspapers called Health Watch. He is a member of the Australasian Medical Writers Association.

Mr Cavanagh is also the author of “From depression to glorious health in six steps”, “One hour to glorious health and permanent weight loss” (both available for free download at www.glorioushealth.cjb.net) and a free eighteen part online course “Reversing all chronic disease” available by sending a blank email to glorioushealth@freeautobot.com.

The book “From depression to glorious health” outlines a comprehensive step by step approach using diet and lifestyle changes as the major therapies to reverse depression.

“Each of these approaches has good scientific or clinical evidence. Each has effectively treated patients with depression in the past.

“More exciting though is the combination of therapies. Often improving many key areas like diet, sleep, exercise and emotional health is far more effective than a single therapy.

“Recent studies have supported the idea of multiple therapies to treat depression. Like most diseases, several factors cause depression. So it makes sense to use several different therapies in your efforts to reverse depression.

“The book From depression to glorious health (free download at www.glorioushealth.cjb.net) outlines all the major areas of health including diet, exercise, sleep, hygiene and emotional health and describes how they relate to depression.

“More important the book is full of simple instructions and practical tips to improve these areas in your life.”

Mr Cavanagh is now embarking on a speaking tour of Australia beginning in Sydney in late May. He is speaking to clubs, groups, associations and the increasingly health conscious corporate market.

“Several studies have found depression costs business more in lost productivity than any other disease. The costs average out at approximately A$772 every year for every employee in a company.

“A company with 150 employees could be losing over $100,000 every year to depression.

“The solution can be quite simple. We have enough knowledge now to formulate a diet and lifestyle approach anyone can use.”

For a limited time you can download a free copy of From depression to glorious health at www.glorioushealth.cjb.net.

For the breakthrough free diet and lifestyle course reversing all chronic disease and guaranteeing weight loss - 18 Free information packed lessons by email - send a blank email to glorioushealth@freeautobot.com.

To book Andrew Cavanagh for his Food 4 Mood talk for organizations or Healthy people make healthy profits seminar – turn your huge hidden health costs into huge healthy profits, email Andrew Cavanagh’s office: andrewcavanagh1@bigpond.com.au He will be in Sydney after May 20th, 2004. Dates are limited.


For information about clinical depression treatment, visit
http://yourdepressioninfo.com/clinicaldepressiontreatment/

Postpartum Depression

POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION
by Rexanne Mancini

The case against Andrea Yates, accused of drowning her five young children, is disturbing and horrible. Despite what you may think of Andrea Yates or the tragic circumstances surrounding the death of her children, her postpartum depression (PPD) defense will either serve to enlighten more people to the devastating affects of PPD or throw the study of this very real mental illness into the dark ages. While many doctors and psychologists have made great strides in understanding PPD and helping its victims, these same doctors and mental health professionals worry that bad publicity and ridicule could destroy PPD’s credibility and their efforts at gaining more funding and study of this disease.

For some women, PPD can be a nightmare. While her family and friends expect her to be joyous and elated over the birth of her child, a woman can be sinking into the darkest corners of despair, unable to cope with an infant, the biological changes surging through her body and the severe depression overwhelming her brain. As joyously anticipated as the birth of her baby was, a postpartum woman can become riddled with severe anxiety over her ability to care for her newborn, her self-esteem can plummet and her brain’s chemical changes can produce intolerable levels of panic. This is no one’s “fault.” It is a condition that can strike even the ordinarily soundest individual.

PPD is classified as a mental illness. Only a non-professional would categorize it as a character flaw or weakness. PPD is real, at times to the point of severe psychosis and should be treated as soon as the new mother begins to feel any mental or emotional changes that could affect her ability to care for her newborn. Even though some women will refuse to believe PPD is happening to them, her family, friends and especially her husband must be alert to the possibility of this condition. While you, I and most women we know might have breezed through the first year after the birth of our children with only occasional surges of panic or moments of near collapse, a significant percentage of women suffer more serious PPD. Only one percent succumb to actual psychosis leading to the tragic harm or death of babies and sometimes themselves. The greatest threat is denial of their symptoms.

Early identification and treatment of PPD are the keys to successful therapy. If you or a new mother you know is suffering from even the slightest feelings of depression, anxiety or inadequacy, seek immediate help. The birth doctor will be able to identify the severity of symptoms and prescribe appropriate treatment.

Copyright – 2002 – Rexanne Mancini

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Rexanne Mancini is the mother of two daughters, Justice and Liberty. She is a novelist, freelance writer and maintains an extensive yet informal parenting and family web site, Rexanne.com – http://www.rexanne.com -Visit her site for good advice, award-winning Internet holiday pages and some humor to help you cope. Subscribe to her free newsletter, Rexanne’s Web Review, for a monthly dose of Rexanne: http://www.rexanne.com/rwr-archives.html
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

For information about the best antidepressant for GAD, visit
http://yourdepressioninfo.com/bestantidepressantforgad/

PROVEN NEW APPROACH HELPS PEOPLE IMMOBILIZED BY DEPRESSION ENJOY THEIR LIVES AGAIN

PROVEN NEW APPROACH HELPS PEOPLE IMMOBILIZED BY DEPRESSION ENJOY THEIR LIVES AGAIN

PHOENIX RISING: 12 GOLDEN KEYS TO UNLOCK YOUR DEPRESSION provides an innovative 12-step recovery program that's said to be "The Best Book Ever Written on Depression!"

About 10% of the US population is depressed at any given moment. Depression affects the way an individual thinks, feels, and interacts with others and robs the sufferer from normal everyday pleasures.

Many people suffering from depression will not seek help. They feel helpless and hopeless. Friends and family members often cannot even begin to understand what a depressed individual is actually going through.

Anthony J. Schwarz, the author of Phoenix Rising:12 Golden Keys to Unlock Your Depression (ISBN 0-9708747-0-7) was one of those individuals suffering from depression. It was a form of depression known as Bi-polar, a form of depression that is followed by episodes of mania, or "drug-less" highs. Tony spent years studying, tracking and recording his own mental roller coaster ride so he could better describe to other sufferers and their families what it would take to rise out of severe depression. After years of research, experimenting with various medications and involvement with many self-help groups, Tony took control of his own life by developing and applying the "12 Golden Keys". His legacy is a gift to those in need of help

Written in easy-to-understand terms, Phoenix Rising provides valuable insights that not only helps the sufferer, but also helps friends and family learn more by hearing first hand the conflict, guilt, and helplessness one with depression experiences. But by combining spiritual principles with the 12-step model for chemical dependency (first founded by Alcoholics Anonymous) and merging these practices with holistic health habits, the book introduces the reader to a unique and fresh new approach to dealing with depression.

The reader also learns about what to change (eating, exercise, and attitude) and what not to change (religious beliefs, significant relationships, and jobs). The book is written in simple, non-technical terms from a depressive s viewpoint and promises to be a first of its kind.

After reading Phoenix Rising, reader Bill Butler's response was "it is wonderful to have someone who has been there to talk to me as opposed to examining my depression like I m a rat in a cage. Very refreshing."

Media Questions Call for review copies, media kits, interview and additional information. Call us at 877-594-9076

Ordering information: You may obtain this new 184-page book from bookstores as well as directly from the publisher for $15.95 plus $4.50 for shipping and handling. Just call our ordering department at 888-934-7755. Or visit our website: http://www.tpgpub.com. Satisfaction is guaranteed.

Phoenix Rising: 12 Golden Keys to Unlock Your Depression by Anthony J. Schwarz. New release, softcover, 6 x 9, 184 pages, four-color cover. ISBN 0-9708747-0-7, $15.95.

For information about the best antidepressant, visit
http://yourdepressioninfo.com/bestantidepressant/

Depression and Disability, the Real Reality

New York - New York, USA February 27, 2004 Calgary - AB, Canada -- For those of us that have been hit by a disability we understand the loss of freedom, the loss of independence, the loss of what we use to do and the reality of what we can do now. For most of us it causes a depression second to nothing we have ever experienced.

There seems to be a stigma attached to someone with a disability. Llano Gorman knows this far to well. Mr Gorman had a major accident when he was thirty years old. He was on a ladder, the ladder broke he crashed down breaking his tibia, fibula causing a spiral fracture and blowing out his ankle. Gorman at that time had an active family life with three great kids (all below the age of ten) and an understanding wife. This accident caused depression not just in him but his whole family. Gorman puts it this way … “you never think this could ever happen to you, in a split second your life changes. You find out who you are, and what you are made of.”

Some of the depression came from having to walk with a cane. Gorman was an accomplished athlete, Football, Soccer, Archery, and even Martial Arts. He wanted his kids to be in that world. This tore him apart. Due to the injury, Gorman's right ankle has been fused and he walks with the aid of a special support in his boot. He didn't want to use a cane, but his doctor warned him of the consequences.
"My doctor said hip surgery would be next if I didn't start using a cane," Gorman recalls. "Walking unaided when a cane is medically warranted can prolong an injury, and in some cases, make the injury worse."

In the mist of all the depression, the pain and the loss, Gorman came up with an idea that would help his family and himself. It would even make him feel that he was helping others deal with their injury. Llano hated using his cane because it was so... Medical. He saw an instant opportunity. He set up a Web site, CanesCanada.com ™, and began sourcing, importing and selling a wide variety of canes and walking sticks. And don't simply think of a cane as a wooden stick with a crook for a handle. He has sticks that convert to Fishing Rods, Pool Que, Elegant Silver Canes, Canes with stones. You name it.. he just might have it.

Llano still has his times of Depression, however he has regained his life. He is moving forward. His Company is now two years old and he thinks it just might make a profit next year. If you wish to visit with him you can find him on the net www.canescanada.com or you can phone him toll free at 1-866-217-8091. One of his favourite sayings is “Walk with a Smile, and Walk with Style.™” His family is growing up and things are moving along. Far better than when he almost took his life.

Depression and Disability is a reality, however we can all learn a lesson. Helping others can help you take your eyes off of your disability and your depression. It will also make you some great new friends and help you regain your dignity and your life.

For information about the Beck Depresson Inventory, visit
http://yourdepressioninfo.com/beckdepressioninventory/

Are You Depressed?

New look at causes of depression in women. New ideas for solutions.
Q: Why are women more depressed than men? A: Because they have to live with men.

It’s an old joke in the battle of the sexes, but women do get diagnosed with depression more than men do.

Depression is reaching epidemic proportions, in the US and elsewhere. Are more women depressed than men? Or are women just more likely to seek treatment, while men “act out” the depression with anti-social behavior, alcohol and drugs?

New research by Turham Canli, Stanford University, suggests that estrogen may play a role in predisposing to depression.

He showed photographs to men and women, some of them emotionally neutral objects (a fire hydrant) and others emotionally disturbing (severed hand). Three weeks later when he retested the subjects, the women were 15% more likely to remember the disturbing pictures.

Brain scans were done by fMRI which shows the actual activity of the brain as emotions are processed. It appears that women store both the memory and the emotion linked with it in the same parts of the brain. Men, on the other hand, while they use the same brain regions, store the memory in one area, and the emotion in another.

At the same time, environmental factors also play a role. Men are taught to stuff it down and be “manly,” while girls are expected to be “more emotional,” expressing their feelings openly.

The researchers leaped from this female way of remembering to depression. If that makes sense to you, learning emotional intelligence and optimism might help. Thirty years of research shows that optimists achieve more, are better motivated, have elevated mood and well-being, and perform better, and it can be learned. Learning how to “manage” those emotions that are stored with the memory would seem to indicated!

About the Author

Susan Dunn, The EQ Coach, GLOBAL EQ. Emotional intelligence coaching to enhance all areas of your life - career, relationships, midlife transition, resilience, self-esteem, parenting. EQ Alive! - excellent, accelerated, affordable EQ coach certification. Susan is the author of numerous ebooks, is widely published on the Internet, and a regular speaker for cruise lines. For marketing services go here

For information about aurorix antidepressant, visit
http://yourdepressioninfo.com/aurorixantidepressant/

5 Tips to Reduce Depression

While war and poor economic conditions begin to affect people all over the world, more and more people suffer with depression. The more we focus on news events and the business climate, the more we are depressed. Whatever the reason you feel is the cause of your depression, the following five simple tips guarantee you reduce it significantly.

1. Do not read newspapers.

Newspapers publish negative stories most of the time. Even in peaceful periods, newspapers will find the worst in humanity and place negative stories on display in order to promote sales and subscribers. Stories focused on War, rebellion, death, destruction, doom and despair abound in the newspapers.

Stop reading the newspaper and reduce the negative input to your brain.

2. Turn off your television.

Watching and listening about the horrible economy and the losses associated with War will add to depression. In fact, you guarantee the feeling of helplessness. Helplessness allows depression to nurture. If you really need to watch or listen to these kinds of news stories, promise yourself you will bury yourself in the documentaries that are sure to follow in the next 5 or 10 years. A way you can eliminate most of the negative input to your brain is by setting it aside for a date somewhere in the future. I guarantee in the future, you will not find it very interesting.

When visitors come to your home, make sure you turn off your television and keep it off. News television broadcasters are fighting for your guests' attention as they promote despair, war, death, and destruction with many headline news interruptions. Those little banners that run across the bottom of the screen grab your attention and they take hold of your consciousness. Television will diminish your positive spirit.

3. Say good things about others

My mother always says, "if you can't say anything nice about others, don't say anything at all." However, when you find yourself in a conversation and a relative says, "Remember Uncle Phil?" " He was an alcoholic"; respond with " Yes, Uncle Phil was an alcoholic and he was the most charitable person, I have ever met."

Connect your relative's negative statement about Phil with a positive one. Set yourself up to find the positive in anyone's statement and you will keep negative thoughts and depression from overtaking your life.

4. Get physical exercise

Adults forget about exercise when suffering from depression. Make sure you are exercising daily and sending more oxygen to your brain cells. The result of exercise will improve your health as well as your attitude.

5. Breathe deep and relax.

Breathe deeply and relax. For 3 minutes each hour take a short mental vacation.

Practice the following breathing exercise to relax your body and mind. You can engage in this exercise while you are standing in the checkout line at the supermarket or when listening to others talking on a telephone. You can complete the exercise at home or at work.

Take three deep breathes and relax. As you inhale, concentrate on calm and peaceful thoughts. You may think about relaxing by a mountain, by the ocean or comfortably in your favorite room at home.

As you exhale, concentrate on pushing any tension out of your lungs. Focus on positive images in your life. Focus on laughter, love, excitement, and hope.

Keep breathing in and out in this pattern until you feel better. If you practice the exercise often, you will notice wonderful changes in your outlook and in other aspects of your life.

Let yourself feel great now!

Enjoy your family, your friends, and your life.

--Wayne F. Perkins

Copyright 2003 Wayne Perkins

About the Author

Wayne F. Perkins is a clinical hypnotherapist and author of "How to Hypnotize Yourself Without Losing Your Mind." and hypnosis distance education courses located at: http://www.wayneperkins.net/

"My mission in life is to help you achieve your mission in life."

wayne@wayneperkins.net


For information about severe clinical depression, visit
http://yourdepressioninfo.com/clinicaldepressionsevere/

Living With Depression

Andrea Yates shocked the nation when she admitted to systematically drowning her five children in their Texas home. This 36-year-old mother had previously been diagnosed with depression and consequently was prescribed antidepressants. Depression is an ancient and prevalent mental condition that has been referenced throughout history in song, poetry and literature. In a depressed state one feels hopeless and experiences an overwhelming sense of despair. Depression immobilizes a person; they lack both the desire and the energy to carry on their usual activities. It afflicts men and women, rich and poor, young and old alike.

According to the November 1993 issue of the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, more than one hundred million people throughout the world suffer from depression. Each year, more people seek relief from this disabling mental condition than any medical disease, including the common cold. In 1990 the cost of depression exceeded $43 billion in the United States alone. The economic toll is staggering and includes medical treatment, lost work-time, and depression-related suicide.

Why are some people more susceptible to depression than others? Hippocrates, the father of medicine, theorized that we are born into one of four primary temperament styles and that each style has it’s own unique outlook on life; Choleric (aggressive), Sanguine (emotional), Phlegmatic (passive) and Melancholy (analytical). Of these four styles, the introverted Melancholy is the most perfection driven and depression prone. The analytical Melancholy influence gives one tremendous attention to detail but it can also create stress, anxiety and depression. In fact the term melancholy has become synonymous with depression. People with the Melancholy temperament style are by their very nature sensitive, judgmental, and critical. This temperament style becomes depressed primarily due to the fact that they fail to reach their own incredibly high standards. This depression often leads to either suicide and or violence against others.

We each have a personal responsibility for taking control over our thoughts. Thoughts are highly creative and they lead to action. Our thoughts create our emotions and our emotions determine our mental state. Perhaps the most practical suggestion I can give people with the Melancholy temperament style for dealing with depression is to guard against the tendency to engage in destructive, negative self-talk. If you consistently obsess on thoughts of self-criticism, you are automatically setting yourself up for depression. Because of your Melancholy nature you need to keep your drive for perfection in balance. Remember to keep your standards and expectations of yourself and others realistic. Set short-term goals and review them frequently. I have never met anyone that was depressed who was actively goal setting. In my opinion, depression is not a mental illness or disease as some might argue, but rather a choice of mental state. No person, condition or circumstance can make you feel depressed without your permission. President Abraham Lincoln was certainly no stranger to depression. Abe came to the conclusion that man is about as happy as he makes his mind up to be!

John Boe, based in Monterey, CA, helps companies recruit, train and motivate top-quality people. To view his online Video Demo or to have John Boe speak at your next event, visit www.johnboe.com or call (831) 375-3668.


For information about atypical depression, visit
http://yourdepressioninfo.com/atypicaldepression/

Depression Series (Part 3): What to Do with Those Antidepressant Side Effects?

Maria’s depression was difficult to treat. As you can recall, various medications had been tried to no avail. But after several months of treatment, Maria has eventually become stable on a combination of two antidepressants.

She’s now able to do her usual activities and is motivated to go back to work — something she has struggled to do for a while. Despite her improvement, antidepressant side effects have emerged and are bothersome. Maria begins to consider discontinuing her medications prematurely.

Antidepressant side effects are real and negatively affect patient’s compliance. Many patients like Maria consider stopping the medication even at the risk of relapse because of distressing side effects.

How do you deal with some of the common antidepressant side effects?

Insomnia

Some antidepressants e.g. SSRIs (serotonin-reuptake inhibitor) are highly stimulating that they cause insomnia when taken in the afternoon or at bedtime. Take this type of medication in the morning. Discuss with your physician the use of a sedating medication such as trazodone or sedative-hypnotic drug along with the antidepressant. If you want to take only one pill, talk to your doctor about switching to a sedating antidepressant such as mirtazapine.

Moreover, sleep hygiene should be practiced. Avoid naps and intake of caffeinated drinks such as coffee and soda in the afternoon and evening. Involve in regular exercise and physical activities during the day. Moreover, use the bedroom only for sleep and sex and not for recreational activities.

Weight gain

Regular exercise is weight gain’s antidote. If no medical contraindication, you may consider jogging, walking, or swimming. To reduce some excess and unwanted fat, keep yourself busy with physical and recreational activities.

How about diet? Diet has always been a part of any weight control regimen. Monitor your carbohydrate intake. Ice cream, chocolates, and other high-caloric foods should be reduced. If none of the above works, talk to your doctor about switching pills.

Sexual dysfunction

Sexual dysfunction happens too often but is rarely asked or discussed in the clinic. Some physicians and patients feel embarrassed about this subject. When you have concerns, be open to your physician. Discuss the possibility of switching medication to an antidepressant (such as bupropion or mirtazapine) that doesn’t significantly impair sexual functioning. Also, talk to your doctor about adding another drug such as bupropion, yohimbine, or even mirtazapine to counteract the sexual side effect.

How do you know if the sexual dysfunction is from the pill rather than from depression? If the dysfunction persists despite successful remission of depression, then you should consider other causes such as drug-induced dysfunction or other medical causes e.g. diabetes.

Dry mouth

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCA e.g. amitriptyline) are notorious for causing dry mouth. Why? These drugs have distressing anticholinergic side effects. Avoid this type of drugs. If TCA is still considered, talk about the use of desipramine or nortriptyline. Compared to other TCAs, these two drugs have less anticholinergic effects.

Moreover, try ice chips. Frequent sips of water should also help. To avoid dental cavities, try sugarless candy or sugar-free gum.

Constipation

Like dry mouth, constipation is usually caused by TCAs. To prevent it from happening, drink enough water and eat high fiber foods such as vegetables and fruits. Consider stool softeners if the above interventions fail. If possible, avoid TCAs.

Nausea and vomiting

Patience is the key in dealing with these side effects. Frequently, patients develop tolerance within two weeks. Take the medication with food. If ineffective, talk to your doctor about possibly reducing the dose of your medication or trying antacid or bismuth salicylate (Pepto-Bismol)

Memory lapses

If given permission by your doctor, try to reduce the dose. Also, discuss with your physician about switching antidepressant (especially if dose reduction doesn’t alleviate your concern) and avoiding drugs with anticholinergic side effects.

Moreover, don’t mix the antidepressant with alcohol. The alcohol-drug interaction can only worsen the memory and cognitive functioning. While on psychotropic drugs, be careful driving and using mechanized equipment.

Dizziness

While still in bed, sit up for 30 seconds, then stand up for another 30 seconds while holding a rail, a table, or a chair before walking. Take the medication at bedtime. Some people use support hose with success.

Agitation or anxiety

Some people benefit from a brief use of benzodiazepine such as lorazepam. Breathing exercises and progressive muscle relaxation should also help.

In general, some side effects such as gastrointestinal upset and insomnia may resolve in a few days. Patience is the key. However, be on guard. When they occur, address them promptly. I’m not however suggesting that you should be your own doctor.

Collaborating with your doctor is an effective way to cope with mental illness and medication problems. Treatment options such as the need to switch or reduce medications should be discussed in an open and accepting manner.

Copyright © 2003. All rights reserved. Dr. Michael G. Rayel – author (First Aid to Mental Illness–Finalist, Reader’s Preference Choice Award 2002), speaker, workshop leader, and psychiatrist. Through the CARE approach, Dr. Rayel helps individuals recognize the early signs of mental illness and provide early intervention. To receive free newsletter, visit www.drrayel.com. His books are available at major online bookstores

For information about articles about depression, visit
http://yourdepressioninfo.com/articlesondepression/

The Healing Power of Celebrity? SurvivorList.net Offers a New Twist on Therapy for Manic Depression

June 9, 2004 -- As a newly diagnosed manic depressive, Lars Lohmiller felt a very strong sense of hopelessness. He was unsure if he would be able to live a normal life or be able to realize any of his childhood dreams. To his surprise, as he learned more about his condition, he discovered that manic depression is actually quite common. Here are just a few of the famous individuals who have beaten manic depression:

*Buzz Aldrin (astronaut)
*Ted Turner (media mogul)
*Drew Carey (comedian)
*Art Buchwald (writer)
*Beethoven (composer)
*Winston Churchill (politician)
*Cary Grant (actor)
*Marilyn Monroe (actress)

The complete list can be found at http://www.survivorlist.net/manic-depression/manic-depression-survivors.html

Searching for a way to beat the disease, Lars latched onto the obvious success of so many well-known manic depressives, and was profoundly affected by their efforts. Although scientific and medical treatments for depression are quite effective and should be pursued by individuals experiencing symptoms of depression, there is also an emotional component to the healing and treatment process. In particular, it is extremely important for depressed individuals to retain a sense of hope about the future. One way to give this feeling to sufferers of manic depression is by showing that other people with their condition were able to overcome their illness and achieve success.

Once his own manic depression was under control and being treated effectively, Lars decided to publish a list of famous manic depression sufferers on the Internet, and make the information available for free, so that other manic depressives seeking hope would be able to find it. The "Famous Manic Depression Survivors" list can be found at SurvivorList.net (http://www.survivorlist.net), along with pointers to some additional depression resources.

About SurvivorList.net
SurvivorList.net was founded to provide a comprehensive list of well-known manic depression sufferers as a free public service. SurvivorList.net is intended to provide inspiration and hope to anyone, anywhere who is experiencing pain or suffering as the result of depression. It is not meant as a substitute for medical advice from a trained physician or psychologist.

For information about Anxiety and Depression symptoms, visit
http://yourdepressioninfo.com/anxietyanddepressionsymptoms/

Depression: An Online Christian Answer Part I

Explains how specific symptoms of depression can be reduced through Bible based concepts and specific techniques. Offers a uniquely powerful solution in Christ.
According to the National Institute of Health clinical depression frequently includes: Sadness, anxiety, or "empty" feelings, Loss of interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyed, including sex, Feelings of hopelessness and pessimism, Feelings of helplessness, guilt, and worthlessness, Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts. Source: National Institute of Health Publication No. 97-4266 and 99-3561 as found online at the online "All About Depression" site. (http://www.allaboutdepression.com/)

The full list of depression symptoms includes several more physical aspects. This article, however, focuses on the thoughts and feelings aspects of depression.

While the symptoms can be very serious, occasionally contributing to suicide, there is hope and not just in a therapist’s office. While good therapy from a skilled counselor or psychologist can have a great impact, not every one can afford it. Also, for people who believe in a Biblical worldview, it can be difficult to find a therapist who enhances rather than detracts from such faith. However, learning the truth about how God sees us and what He desires for us, can flood even the most isolated, empty, black lives with the brilliant vibrant life giving holy energy of God!

The Bible states "Then said Jesus... If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." John 8:31-32 KJV In the case of depression this truth can lift burdens so big that just crawling under them has become impossible!

Let’s go through each symptom and see how God’s truth can bring freedom to each one.

Negative and pessimistic thoughts are probably the most commonly recognized effect of depression. With those, life can seem nothing more than a tortuous threatening ordeal that must be endured, if possible. Failure isn’t just an occasional disappointment; it becomes a basic expectation of everything in life. “I can never do anything right!” becomes the nearly constant slogan for our lives. Hopelessness becomes a way of life. There is no way out and going through simply means existing in our own private hell for an even longer eternity. And the “I’ll never get anything good in life. It just can’t happen to me.” feeling becomes strong enough to make us forget the few good things that happen with us.

Underlying the constant negative pessimistic thoughts is a basic sense of hopelessness. This is most clearly seen in thoughts like these. “Things are bad and they are going to get worse. It is hopeless to try to change things, can’t happen.”

However, God offers us hope for a true solution to all problems forever. He offers us perfection for eternity with a taste of it right here and now!

Part of that hope springs from His deep desire for us to be happy. His first priority, of course, is our eternal salvation and life. With that, even if we have “hell on earth” we always have an eternity of the truest and fullest infinite happiness. However, God strongly desires joy, peace, prosperity and happiness for us right now. “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.” Jeremiah 29:11,12 KJV Even though there are times the only way we can learn the lessons and be shaped for heaven is through pain, it lasts just long enough to accomplish what is needed. “For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” Psalm 30:5 KJV

God, in the deepest part of His being, wants to make us happy, joyful, and vibrantly alive! After all that is the way He created us to live originally. It gives Him pleasure to see us joyful! It is only the results of our willful sin that have introduced fear, loneliness, despair, and an empty void of purposelessness.

God’s desire for our happiness is incredible hope because he has the power, all the power that has ever existed or will exist, to make it happen! While the negative thoughts of depression are exaggerated beyond reality, there is definitely truth in the knowledge that we cannot do everything ourselves. We are just not smart enough, rich enough, strong enough or any other enough you can think of. On our own we are limited, and we often want and need what we can’t get for ourselves. But choosing life in God blows all limits away. God’s power is infinite and He longs to use it to benefit us, to give us a bright future and a joyous life. With God, we are not limited by our abilities, time, money or even death. “...verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting. Matthew 17:20-21 KJV A future far greater and more pleasing than we can imagine is guaranteed to us for eternity and available to us now if we will place God above ALL else. "Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:31-33 KJV But God wants to give us way more than we deserve, much more than just the minimum needed to survive, He wants to give us proportionate to HIS infinite universal wealth! “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19 KJV

A sense of worthlessness , like their life is pointless, a valueless waste of space is also common. At other times we can simply feel worth less than just about everyone else, just never quite good enough but of still some small value.

The true reality is that God values us above ALL else, even His life. He so passionately desires to live with us that one third of the God head died just to give us the option of choosing to live with Him. Without any assurance of our acceptance, because the choice is still ours, Christ endured torture, humiliation, and an agonizing death to have just the possibility of spending eternity with you and me. For the last 6000 years, God’s time, attention, and infinitely loving efforts have been focused on us, His rebellious, selfish, self willed, distrusting, unfaithful, and unappreciative wayward children. It only makes sense that if any being, God or human, invested that much time, energy, heartache, and effort into you or me they have placed a huge value on us. In God’s case, the very life of His own Son, for you… and me. For a more detailed explanation of our incredible God given value see: “Our Infinite Immortal Value” (http://home.earthlink.net/~srbaerg/Our%20Infinite%20Immortal%20Valuehtml.htm)

See “Depression: An Online Christian Answer Part II” for the role of Guilt, Forgiveness, and Loss of Interest in depression and a solution!

About the Author

Steven Baerg is 34 years old. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Social Work and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in preparation for working as a counselor. He is married to a wonderful and supportive wife and has a dog named Bailey. He relies on God’s power and help for inspiration and maintaining a proper focus in life.


For information about the best antidepressant for GAD, visit
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Major Depression and Manic-Depression — Any difference?

Countless number of patients and their family members have asked me about manic–depression and major depression. “Is there any difference?” “Are they one and the same?” “Is the treatment the same?” And so on. Each time I encounter a chorus of questions like these, I am enthused to provide answers.

You know why? Because the difference between these two disorders is enormous. The difference does not lie on clinical presentation alone. The treatment of these two disorders is significantly distinct.

Let me begin by describing major depression (officially called major depressive disorder). Major depression is a primary psychiatric disorder characterized by the presence of either a depressed mood or lack of interest to do usual activities occurring on a daily basis for at least two weeks. Just like other disorders, this illness has associated features such as impairment in energy, appetite, sleep, concentration, and desire to have sex.

In addition, patients afflicted with this disorder also suffer from feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness. Tearfulness or crying episodes and irritability are not uncommon. If left untreated, patients get worse. They become socially withdrawn and can’t go to work. Moreover, about 15% of depressed patients become suicidal and occasionally, homicidal. Other patients develop psychosis—hearing voices (hallucinations) or having false beliefs (delusions) that people are out to get them.

What about manic-depression or bipolar disorder?

Manic-depression is a type of primary psychiatric disorder characterized by the presence of major depression (as described above) and episodes of mania that last for at least a week. When mania is present, patients show signs opposite of clinical depression. During the episode, patients show significant euphoria or extreme irritability. In addition, patients become talkative and loud.

Moreover, this type of patients doesn’t need a lot of sleep. At night, they are very busy making phone calls, cleaning the house, and starting new projects. Despite apparent lack of sleep, they are still very energetic in the morning — ready to establish new business endeavors. Because they believe that they have special powers, they involve in unreasonable business deals and unrealistic personal projects.

They also become hypersexual — wanting to have sex several times a day. One–night stands can happen resulting in marital conflict. Like depressed patients, manic patients develop delusions (false beliefs). I know a manic patient who thinks that he is the “Chosen One.” Another patient claims that the President of USA and the Prime Minister of Canada ask for her advice.

So the big difference between the two is the presence of mania. This manic episode has treatment implications. In fact the treatment of these disorders is completely different. While major depression needs antidepressant, manic-depression requires a mood stabilizer such as lithium and valproic acid. Recently, new antipsychotics, for example risperidone, olanzapine, and quetiapine, have been shown to be effective for acute mania.

In general, giving an antidepressant to manic–depressed patients can make their condition worse because this medication can precipitate a switch to manic episode. Although there are some exceptions to the rule (extreme depression, lack of response to mood stabilizers, among others), it is preferable to avoid antidepressants among bipolar patients.

When considering the use of antidepressant in a depressed bipolar patient, clinicians should combine the medication with a mood stabilizer and should use an antidepressant (e.g. bupropion) that has a low tendency to cause a switch to mania.

Copyright©2004. All rights reserved. Dr. Michael G. Rayel – author (First Aid to Mental Illness–Finalist, Reader’s Preference Choice Award 2002), speaker, workshop leader, and psychiatrist. Dr. Rayel pioneers the CARE Approach as first aid for mental health. To receive free newsletter, visit www.drrayel.com. His books are available at major online bookstores.

For information about anxiety and depression, visit
http://yourdepressioninfo.com/anxietyanddepression/

NeuroMEDx Receives Another Patent for Parkinson's, Epilepsy, and Depression Therapies

St. Cloud, MN July 21, 2004 -- NeuroMEDx, an early stage medical device company located in St. Cloud, MN, focused on the treatment of neurologic disorders, has been issued patent #6,764,498 from the United States Patent and Trademark Office. This is the second patent the company has received for implantable devices to treat disorders such as Parkinson's Disease, Epilepsy, and depression. In addition to providing an alternative to surgery and drug therapies, NeuroMEDx' MED(Mechanoelectric Device)technology may be a viable option to other device-based treatments offered by Medtronic(MDT), Cyberonics(CYBX), Advanced Neurologic Systems(ANSI), Guidant(GDT) and St. Jude(STJ). The MED technology is implanted using standard minimally invasive procedures.
The company also has patents pending that leverage the MED technology in treating disorders of the cardiac and central nervous systems.

Contact Information:

Hans Mische
1 612 987 0249
patriot@cloudnet.com


For information about antidepressant Zoloft dosage, visit
http://yourdepressioninfo.com/antidepressantzoloftdosage/

Scientific Breakthrough: Doctors Say New Substance May Relieve Depression, Anxiety And Stress For Millions.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
RICHARD HALL (760)728-0747

Scientific Breakthrough: Doctors Say New Substance May Relieve Depression, Anxiety And Stress For Millions.

Over 150 million Americans will suffer from a major depressive episode, anxiety or stress this year alone. All that suffering may be completely unnecessary; thanks to a well kept Russian secret.

Dr. Zakir Ramazanov, former Senior Scientist at the Russian Academy of Science, along with his associates in New York, have extracted a substance that comes from a plant found in the Georgian Republic of the former USSR. This natural plant chemical is widely used in Eastern Europe & Russia to treat depression, anxiety and stress and is currently receiving attention here in the United States.

Why? Because 80% of all illnesses can be traced to stress! The current over use of medications like Prozac, with known & unknown side effects, has caused public alarm and created a need for a safe & effective alternative. So what are the doctors saying?

Noted Psychiatrist, Psychopharmacologist, International Author & Lecturer Dr. Richard Brown of New York, has found this new substance so effective that he recommends it to his patients and supports it in his lectures and published papers. Doctor Brown isn’t alone; over 300 prominent physicians can attest to its effectiveness.

Dr. Richard Brown reports “Overall I see it as a remarkable breakthrough which can help in delaying aging and reducing the effects of stress upon us which accumulate with aging...Furthermore, it improves mental functions, not just memory, but abstraction capacity, reaction time, and is an overall mental stimulant…It has been extremely well tolerated, even in patients in their nineties…I feel this is an inexpensive and time proven herbal supplement for this purpose.”

What is this new find? Rosavin. Rosavin is a phytochemical that comes from a plant called Rhodiola rosea, which grows high up in the mountainous regions of Siberia and the Georgian Republic of Russia. It has a legendary history for increasing health and longevity from generation to generation. The Georgians say that if a person drinks a tea made from Rhodiola rosea they will live more than 100 years. This Russian secret has over thirty years of intensive, well-documented, clinical trials and 300 years of history. The phytochemical, Rosavin, enables your body to cope with or adapt to a variety of stresses without adverse side effects.

Could this be a natural answer for safe & effective stress relief here in America? Dr. Richard Brown and Dr. Zakir Ramazanov say, “YES.” Not only is it safe & effective for stress, anxiety & depression, which could lead to a more resilient America, but those who have tried it are surprised at some of Rosavin’s other benefits, such as greater stamina, weight loss, improved memory & attention span.


Richard Hall, owner of AMERIDEN International, is totally committed to the goal of people having optimal health & mental wellness. To receive more information, a Bio-sheet or to schedule an interview, please call (760) 728-0747.

For information about antidepressant pain, visit
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Ritalin, Depression, and Brain Damage

December 9 2003--Animal findings now show that Ritalin permanently adversely alters the brain function of rats as they grow older, leading to increased depressive behavior and alterations of behavior. The study appears in the Dec. 15, 2003 issue of Biological Psychiatry.

This study sounds alarms regarding the widespread use of Ritalin among children. It raises serious questions about the long-term health problems that are likely to occur by stimulating the nervous system for short-term behavioral improvement.

Expert nutritionist and leading leptin researcher, Byron Richards, CCN, first warned of this danger in his recent book, "Mastering Leptin" (Wellness Resources Books, 2003). He explains the new breakthroughs in biochemistry that help us understand how stimulants damage brain cells. Stimulants depress the brain’s leptin levels, directly exposing brain cells to damage. This leads to stimulant induced anxiety, depression, and addictive behavior. Richards also explains how stimulants damage the NMDA receptor, the key receptor that is malfunctioning in Parkinson’s disease.

Richards states, “This information raises questions about the safety of Ritalin given to an overweight child. Since an overweight child has leptin resistance, and thus less leptin in the brain, their brains are more susceptible to damage not only from environmental toxins but also from any ingested amphetamine.”

These new animal studies confirm the serious risk of permanent long-term damage from Ritalin.

For information about childhood depression symptoms, visit
http://yourdepressioninfo.com/childhooddepressionsymptoms/

A Trail of Tears and Broken Relationships Maybe Symptomatic of Depression

A trail of tears and many broken relationships may symptomatic of underlying depression.

A Trail of Tears and Many Broken Relationships May be Symptomatic of Underlying Depression

When a young person graduates from High School there is so much hope and promise for the future. He or she looks forward to meeting the RIGHT person, falling in love, and a lifetime of wedded bliss reminiscent of the epic fable Cinderella.

Instead, many middle age people look back on a trail of tears and broken hearts. Deep within the heart many middle age people may secretively wonder, “what happened to my life and dreams”. Deep within the heart, many middle age people may ask “why”. A middle age person may not have a clue to explain how he or she sabotaged personal goals by making so many wrong decisions and choices.

Many middle age people may look in the mirror to see sagging drooping skin collapsing into layers upon layers of folded winkles. Many middle age people may suddenly realize time is running out.

A trail of tears and broken relationships may be symptomatic of underlying depression. Depression is a clinical pathological disease process.

Depression is an imbalance in brain chemicals. Brain chemicals function as neurotransmitters of sensory and perceptual information from nerve cell (neuron) to nerve cell and from nerve ganglia (groups or clusters of neurons) to nerve ganglia.

Attributing affairs of the heart to natural organic disease process turns off many people. According to Sacred Text, all humans are made in the image of God. The human capacity to love is viewed as a deep profound sacred spiritual ability reflecting the very image of God, the Divine Creator. Human emotions surrounding romantic love tend to be translated into enormous proportion and placed upon a high plane on the same level as the epic Shakespearian drama, Romeo and Juliet.

The act of attributing affairs of the heart to a natural organic disease process is often viewed as belittling God given spiritual endowment for the human capacity to love. It should not be surprising that people often deny depression as an underlying causative factor for a trail of tears and broken relationships.

People often blame extreme sadness and heartache upon events and/or people connected to break ups with significant others. For example, a person may claim that he or she got involved with all the wrong people.

A person may prefer to believe that he or she is extremely unlucky at love and a victim of great misfortune and cruel fate instead of accepting that he or she may have an underlying mental health problem. The act of placing blame for many broken relationships upon external circumstances (including all events and/or people involved) allows a person to conveniently wallow in self-pity as well as a myriad of emotional reactions connected to “love sickness”.

Existentialism is a philosophical system of thought that asserts humans cognitively create meaningfulness associated with people, places, and objects. An Existentialist asserts the world, in and of itself, is completely devoid of meaningfulness.

The existential world we live in can be cold hearted and devoid to a large extent of meaningfulness. In a cold-hearted existential world the choice of an individual to wallow in self-pity and a myriad of emotional reactions connected to “love sickness” can become self-affirmation that one is truly alive.

In a cold-hearted existential world devoid of meaningfulness sometimes a person can feel nothing. The feeling of nothingness equates a human person to a machine engaged from day to day in a rote mechanical process to fulfill obligations.

An imbalance in brain chemicals can cause sensory and perceptual distortions that may contribute to vast discontentment and unhappiness during the course of a relationship. Discontentment and unhappiness as a consequence of sensory and perceptual distortions created by a chemical imbalance associated with depression may produce a domino’s effect leading to a number of dating failures during a lifetime. A depressed person with a chemical imbalance may become more deeply entrenched in a depressed state due to becoming obsessed with past dating failures.

A depressed person tends to be obsessed with past failure. Obsession is mentally focusing upon past events for an extreme inordinate amount of time.

A depressed person obsessed with dating failure may constantly search within him or her self for some type of innate spiritual flaw and human weakness. A depressed person obsessed with dating failure tends to practice extreme forms of self-blame and castigation.

It may not always be the best counseling strategy to encourage a depressed person to focus upon underlying causative factors, such as depression. Depression can be a serious life threatening disease requiring professional treatment.

A clinically trained psychologist may have to perform a delicate balancing act similar to walking a tight rope high up in the air in a circus. A clinically trained psychologist may have to (1) not push a depressed client to do too much obsessive soul searching while exploring basic underlying causative factors, such as depression, and (2) yet, gently challenge the depressed client to accept the real underlying mental health problem in order to promote positive goal directed behavior. A façade of blame and denial is an obstacle to positive goal directed behavior.

In order to promote positive goal directed behavior and establish fulfilling healthy relationships it may be necessary for a depressed person to gain more knowledge and understanding about the underlying causative factor of depression. Knowledge and understanding about depression as a disease process can help a person manage chronic depression in the same way a diabetic may manage diabetes as a disease.

Depression may not always be the underlying cause of dating failure. The task of finding the RIGHT person to fall in love and marry is an extremely daunting complex task. It may not be necessary for all people who have experienced problems in relationships to undergo extensive psychotherapy.

However, depression as an underlying causative factor for a trail of tears and many broken relationships should not be quickly dismissed. A person who has experienced many problems in relationships should familiarize him or herself with all the multiple signs of depression. Depression may be why he or she feels so restless.

The famous song writer and musician Dion Dimucci ( http://www.diondimucci.com/main.html ) captured the restless human spirit in a famous popular song entitled, The Wonderer. Dion Dimucci captured the restless spirit in the following lyrical verse included in his song, The Wonderer:

Oh well I'm the type of guy who will never settle down Where pretty girls are well, you know that I'm around I kiss 'em and I love'em 'cause to me they're all the same I hug 'em and I squeeze 'em they don't even know my name They call me the wanderer yeah the wanderer I roam around around around...

About the Author

Author byline and Bio: Mark Gaffney is a contributing freelance writer. Mark has earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology with a concentration of coursework in physiology, biology, and computer science. Mark is in the process of trying to start a new Not-for-Profit Foundation entitled, Wonderful Life Foundation. Mark plans to submit his online work as a thesis project to earn his Doctorate (PhD.) degree and officially become a Nanotechnology Sociologist. Bookmark this page now and click here to review preliminary plans for organizational development of Wonderful Life Foundation currently published on www.ServeNet.org. ServeNet.org, Idealist.org, and Network-for-Good.org are associated with the government web site portal, www.freedomcorp.gov, an initiative of President George W. Bush to promote volunteerism and provide services to help Not-for-Profit organizations.


For information about Zoloft antidepressant, visit
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8 Things You Can Do For Someone Suffering from Depression

Someone suffering a clinical depression needs medication and therapy. In addition, here are some things you can do for them as a loving person in their life, or as their personal life coach.

1. Be clear in your mind that they need medication and therapy, and project this. Encourage them to continue both. Make it clear it's now the new routine.

2. There should be Guide Dogs for the Depressed. If the depressed loved-one or client in your life doesn't have a companion pet, give them a well-trained, easy-to-manage, older one. This is particularly important if they live alone. Specify that you will take care of the dog in terms of vet care and bills, and provide a starter-kit--huge bag of dog food and container, food and water dishes, bedding, etc. In other words, make it easy for them to accept this healing gift. I have a depressed coaching client in Manhattan suffering the aftermath of Nine One One who mostly talks to me about her beloved companion dog. I consider “Cody” part of the healing team for this woman.

3. Make any decision you can for the person. In other words, don't say "Would you like to go out for dinner tonight? Where would you like to go?" Say instead, "We're going to Bijan's tomorrow night for dinner. I'll pick you up at 7:00. Just wear your jeans." Once there, offer to order for the person.

4. Speak in normal, modulated tones. Avoid an overly-'compassionate' look of concern or a patronizing tone of voice. If they have trouble making a decision or remembering something, keep your eyes from looking overly concerned or worried. This will only add to their worry and confusion.

5. Just be with them. Don't hover, try to cheer them up, argue, try to 'get a rise out of them,' or ask them 'talk about it.' Cognitive processes are slowed, and emotionally, they're in conflict. Under those circumstances, it's difficult to talk. It's hard to connect with people, even best-beloved ones, when you're clinically depressed--hard to maintain eye-contact and to follow long sentences and thoughts. A metaphor I use is play lacrosse with them, don't face off with them on the football line. Be 'around' them, not 'in their face.'
6. Don't put them in a position that would arouse emotions. Celebrations, holidays, receiving gifts, or a long discourse on foreign policy all require a level of involvement the depressed person is not capable of.

7. Be grounded and stay centered yourself. Remind yourself of your love for them that will endure "even this."

8. When the person begins to heal is a wonderful time for them to have a coach.

Susan Dunn is a personal and professional life coach, and author of the hot new ebook "Secrets to Marketing Prof. Services Online (on her web). Email her for FREE ezine, 100% FREE.


For information about antidepressant withdrawal, visit
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Depression/Anxiety-Art Healing Therapy Book “The Color of Grace”-a highly potential bestseller looking for US/Canada publisher

The mission of Art Against Depression and Anxiety (Art-A-DAY), a non-profit, non-government organization from Belgrade, Yugoslavia is to provide spiritual, educational, and marketing support to art creation of people who suffer from developmental and adjustment-related problems, such as major and/or moderate depression, anxiety and panic disorders and other forms of mood disorders (the artworks produced by this type of artists who lack formal artistic training are generally recognized and labeled by art historians and critics as a “raw art/outsider art” or “art brut"

In addition, Art-A-DAY will strive to provide the latest and the most relevant information related to both the mainstream (pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy and art therapy) and the alternative modes of healing (acupuncture, herbal therapy, aromatherapy, light therapy. etc) of depression-anxiety disorders.

Majority of Art-A-DAY's activities are supported by the sale of our book – “The Color of Grace”. Filled with hope and love, the book represents an unique encouragement for all those who 'still search for a meaning', and will, with no doubt, soon became a classic and bestselling text in the emerging field of alternative and complementary therapies in mental health. An original self-massage method is included in the book's Appendix. Highly recommended for mental health experts, as well.

“CLEARLY WRITTEN…FASCINATING…TRUTHFUL…SPIRITUAL…BRILLIANT… A MUST-HAVE FOR EVERY HOME AS A PREVENTION…THE BOOK OF HOPE AND LOVE…INTERACTIVE…” Dusica Babovic-Vuksanovic, M.D.
Consultant, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA

“Beautifully-written, fascinating…a delight to read. Mr. Djurovic has made a profound contribution to our knowledge of depressive disorders and alternative modes of healing.”
Milena Janjic
Psychologist, London, UK

“This book is one of the kind; it is extremely valuable, accurate…useful…understandable…spiritual…truthful. This is the book of truth about depression and the ways the disease can be conquered. One of the best books I have ever read about depression and applied psychology, in general. I warmly recommend this book to everyone, especially at this global time of “sinking souls”. ”
Vladimir Pavicevic, Ph.D. Ambassador
Geneva, Switzerland

“This is one of the most easily readable and well thought-out guides and compendiums on the potentials of self-conducted art therapy for alleviating distresses of people who suffer from mood disorders. A must-have for every home as a prevention.”
Dejan Miljkovic, M.D.
Belgrade, Serbia


“This extraordinary book offers a great deal of suggestions and examples aimed at people with depressive disorders to acquire new skills necessary for their recovery. The book illuminates an aspect of art-therapy and personal struggle for dignity and hope. It deserves everyone's attention.”
Ksenija Sredanovic, M.D.
Montreal, Canada

“As a professional therapist dealing with peoples mental and emotional problems on a daily basis, I find this book both enlightening and refreshing.
Mr. Nebojsa Djurovic has captured the very essence of feeling encountered by depressives, but has gone further by giving a clear and honest insight into how a person can find the light at the end of the tunnel. This book
should be compulsory reading for everyone therapist and patient alike. Truly brilliant.”
Keith Jones, C. HYP. M.P.H. M.I.H.T
HEAD TUTOR, THE LA ROCHE INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE
Scarborough, North Yorkshire, England

“…And finally, allow me to give you my personal impression about the book; the book is read with a feeling “Yes this is it”, it overwhelms and colors your feelings and has almost a mesmerizing effect on a reader so that it makes difficult for the reader to makes a distance from the presented material; however, at the same time, the book provide the assurance and hope which can be summarized in the words: “nothing is lost, I can do something by myself in order to feel better”. The book that I’ve just read speaks about a great personal strength and the authentic altruism.”
Snezana Milutinovic, Psychologist and Therapist
Belgrade, Serbia

“Through his art and writing Mr. Djurovic shows us that the medical and
spiritual both have a place in healing the mind and body. Utilizing
artwork in his book makes the reader more able to grasp the despair,
pain, courage and hope that physical and mental illnesses evoke.”
Anna Claxton, Interior Designer
St. Pauli, MN, USA


The book is currently at the stage of “in print” preparation in Russia and Ukraine. We are in need of a good quality publisher in the USA and Canada. Please contact Mr. Djurovic for information regarding publishing this rare and helpful book in either Canada or the United States.

Email: artworks@art-a-day.org
Attn: Mr. Djurovic
Art-A-DAY
Treci bulevar 172
11 070 Novi Beograd
SERBIA

Please visit our site to find out more about making donations and sponsoring Art-A-Day “The Color of Grace” book. http://www.art-a-day.org/english/donations_sponsor.htm

Art- A- Day.com
Website http://www.art-a-day.org/
Email : ndjurovc@EUnet.yu

For information about antidepressant history, visit
http://yourdepressioninfo.com/antidepressanthistory/

Silent Epidemic of Workplace Depression is the Most Costly Illness for Employers

Santa Barbara, CA via PR Web Direct) August 4, 2004 -- Science of Light, Inc. (SOL), has translated their SAD (seasonal depression) light therapy technology right onto computer users’ desktops with a smart new product designed to help reduce the epidemic of workplace depressive states (WDS) and the eyestrain, headache and fatigue associated with computer vision syndrome (CVS).

CVS affects virtually all computer users and is costing corporate America in excess of 2 billion a year, according to the American Optometric Association. However more alarming is a report from the American Psychiatric Association (APA): Depression Most Costly Illness for Employers (Psychiatric News, Vol.38, Number 14). According to the APA, employers across the country are losing an estimated $44 billion a year in lost productivity directly related to depression.

SOL’s new therapeutic task light, aptly named the Intelli Lite®, merges superior, glare-free, full spectrum task lighting for high visual acuity, with the wellness benefits of light therapy. Its interactive ergonomic design features three independent light sources which are adjustable to suit individual computer users’ needs. Intelli Lite is so effective… it’s often covered by medical insurance when prescribed for depression.

“The Intelli Lite is simply the best available work station illumination source for those living and struggling with depression. A high profile design with a true full spectrum light source, the Intelli Lite provides both proper illumination and desk-side treatment,” according to Michael L. Johnson, M.D., Staff Psychiatrist, Clinical Instructor in Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School.

The new Intelli Lite® is the latest product in the company’s lineup of biologically beneficial lighting for use in the home and office. Manufacturers of the popular Solar Lite™ light therapy system for SAD, depression and shift work, as well as the Solar Lite plus™ light therapy system for reducing the risk of osteoporosis and autoimmune health disorders associated with the lack of vitamin D.

The Intelli Lite® carries on this tradition, but with a different twist. Whereas the Solar Lite and Solar Lite plus light therapy devices shower their users with high quantities of bright light and are generally used for only 20-60 minutes a day, the Intelli Lite® has been designed for comfortable, continuous use, and provides a less intense light that is adjustable to the user’s comfort level, and produces a positive, therapeutic effect that reduces the risk of CVS and WDS. Former inefficient workplace lighting can now be conveniently corrected with a task lamp that not only helps reduce common stressors such as eyestrain, headache, and fatigue, but also helps keep employees alert, efficient, and – BONUS – in better moods throughout the day!

Health science researchers and light therapy pioneers since 1988, Science of Light’s products are renowned for their wellness-enhancing qualities. In addition to their light therapy systems for depression and computer vision syndrome, other Science of Light products for the office and home include a full line of energy-efficient and uniquely human-efficient fluorescent tubes, light bulbs and floods. The tubes come shielded against EMF or nonshielded. Quantity discounts are available on all products. For more info call 800-234-3724 or visit: www.intellilite.com & www.DepressionReliefNaturally.com

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Ken Ceder
Science of Light, Inc.
800-234-3724 x 14
www.scienceoflight.com

For information about antidepressants and weight loss, visit
http://yourdepressioninfo.com/antidepressantweightloss/

Postpartum Depression: ePregnancy.com Helps Moms Help Themselves

ePregnancy.com recently created a new tool aimed at helping new mothers, their friends, and their families recognize signs of — and seek treatment for — postpartum depression.

Central to the interactive feature is the "Postpartum Contract," a free customizable document that outlines various forms of postpartum depressive disorders. The site visitor can personalize and customize the contract online, print the contract, and give it to her husband or partner, as well as family and friends, for signing before her baby's birth. Signature indicates an understanding of postpartum depression's signs and symptoms, and a promise to encourage the new mother to seek help should she not be able to recognize the signs herself. The contract is free and available at http://ePregnancy.com/tools/depressioncontract.htm.

The tool was developed partly in response to the tragic case of Angela Yates, the Houston mother suffering from extreme severe postpartum depression (PPD) who reportedly killed her five children this week.

"Her case is extreme, but it's a fact of life: Millions of women suffer from PPD to one degree or another," said Nancy Price, co-founder/editor of ePregnancy.com. "It can happen to anyone, and you never know if you'll be one of the unlucky ones. So many women suffer needlessly, because their depression is undiagnosed or they are embarrassed or uncertain that they have PPD. We created this postpartum 'contract' to help women who need treatment get it as quickly as possible. Early treatment is key, and the contract can help family and friends of new moms spot trouble before it takes over. At the very least, it can help a new mom's partner understand how she might be feeling and why."

"Postpartum depression is very real — and very treatable," echoed Betsy Gartrell-Judd, co-founder/editor of ePregnancy.com. "We need to get the word out. We need to take away the stigma that blocks women from seeking treatment."

Both women cite recent medical research that ascribes postpartum depression to the many physical changes that occur in the pregnant body. "It's not just pop hype calling postpartum depression a genuinely physical condition, but scientists, researchers and reputable medical professionals, too," said Gartrell-Judd. "After all, the brain is still a physical organ, just as susceptible (if not moreso) to failure and breakdown as our hearts, lungs, stomachs, etc. when under stress. Research shows that the brain is more susceptible to illness during pregnancy, since pregnancy is controlled — indeed, fully sustained — by hormones released from the brain... from release of the egg from the ovaries right down to the hormones required for starting labor."

Postpartum depressive disorders occur in three degrees:

· Between one quarter and one half of the nearly four million women who give birth annually experience baby blues, a mild depression occurring in the first couple weeks after birth; the cloud typically lifts within hours or days without treatment.

· More serious is postpartum depression (PPD), which strikes 10–15 percent of new mothers during the first year after their babies' births. The condition usually requires and responds well to psychotherapy and/or antidepressants, many of which are considered safe for breastfeeding mothers.

· Postpartum psychosis (PPP) occurs in about one in every 1000 women, usually within the first three weeks after the birth. PPP is considered a medical emergency. Experts typically recommend hospitalization because of the risk of suicide or infanticide.

ePregnancy, a publication of Myria Media, Inc., is a comprehensive source of information for women in the preconception to early postpartum stages and, according to Yahoo!, among the most popular pregnancy sites online. Designed specifically for those who are pregnant or planning to be, ePregnancy offers a large collection of articles, interactive features, and active message board communities with the goal of informing and inspiring expectant families. The site's founders are also the editors of the forthcoming national print magazine, Pregnancy & Baby, having also served as editors of Pregnancy magazine.

Other Myria Media, Inc. properties include: Myria.com, an online magazine geared toward informed women with a focus on mothers; GeoParent.com, an interactive and informative resource for parents; and ChefMom.com, which offers recipes and cooking ideas for the family chef.

For more information about ePregnancy and Myria Media:

ePregnancy: http://ePregnancy.com
Myria Media: http://MyriaMedia.com

For information about antidepressants and weight gain, visit
http://yourdepressioninfo.com/antidepressantweightgain/

Report: On the FDA Panel Ruling Approving Vagus Nerve Implant for Depression Treatment

June 18, 2004 -- The Neurological Devices Panel of FDA's Medical Devices Advisory Committee has voted "5 to 2 to recommend approval with conditions of Cyberonics' VNS Therapy™ System 'as an adjunctive long-term treatment of chronic or recurrent depression for patients over the age of 18 who are experiencing a major depressive episode that has not had an adequate response to four or more adequate antidepressant treatments.'" [ref1

"FDA's Division of General and Restorative Neurological Devices will consider the deliberations, vote and recommendation of the Advisory Panel and make the final decision on approval of the VNS Therapy System for the proposed indication for use." [ref1

We urge the Psychiatric community and the 'FDA's Division of General and Restorative Neurological Devices' to reject the panel's recommendation. We urge the Psychiatric community to put their hands on the wheel and start driving.

Setting aside, for the moment, the company's appeal for those who suffer from chronic depression, which is actually a veiled excuse for pleading the ability to recover investments, the approval of the device "Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS Therapy)" [ref1 stands in the face of logic and science and threatens the very future of Psychiatry as well as the lives of those it purports to help.

In an age when Psychiatric treatment has finally escaped the barbarism of blood-letting, the overkill of electric shock treatments and the absurdity of lobotomy, the FDA is seeking to approve the return to barbarism under the excuse of technology, expecting a magic bullet for the cause of a condition the FDA itself cannot define.

The study is peddled by Cyberonics, Inc. (NASDAQ:CYBX) as its proof of effectiveness.

"Using a technique known as vagus nerve stimulation, the device uses electrodes implanted in the neck to activate brain regions that are believed to regulate mood." [ref2

"The decision by an expert advisory panel of the Food and Drug Administration came after a day of clashing scientific opinions about whether the data submitted by the manufacturer were adequate for approval. Proponents of the device prevailed, citing the desperate need of patients with chronic depression that does not respond to existing treatments." [ref2

"Cyberonics' central study was a randomized trial involving 221 patients. All received implants, but the power was turned on for only half the group." [ref2

"Of 111 patients getting stimulation, 17 showed an improvement of at least 50 percent on a psychiatric scale of depression after 12 weeks. Of 110 patients getting "sham" treatment, only 10 showed similar improvement. The difference between the groups was not statistically significant, however." [ref2

Placebo trials make for one sided and ignorant assumptions. In this study, as with all other placebo trails, the company makes conclusions about the placebo participants as if the knowledge the researchers have of who used the placebo and who did not is somehow imposed upon the group of patients, who in reality, all assume they may or may not have the placebo.

With 111 patients resulting in 17 showing improvement of 'at least' 50%, that alone is a paltry 15% success rate. Of 110 patients receiving the placebo (interesting that it is referred to as the 'sham' treatment) and 10 showed 'similar improvement', a 9 percent success rate without the device: that would logically mean that the device itself contributed to only a 6% success rate. Failing to apply the placebo effect to the actual working device patients is a fatal flaw of all such studies. People participating in such trials are aware they either do or do not have the real treatment. Failing to take into account that assumption by those who actually have the treatment is to ignore the placebo effect altogether.

Cyberonics is resting its case on a 6% success rate but they do not address the rate of regression if the device fails to work or is removed. They do not address the long or short term consequences of the implant's effect on the patient. They do not address the most logical extension of this treatment.

If the FDA approves the device and a state or condition, based on "two or more adequate antidepressant treatments at appropriate dose and duration" [ref1 or even four or more such treatments is established, where surgery to implant a device is evident then the procedure becomes medical and not psychiatric and the science of Psychiatry will pass the legal ability to treat a patient with such state of condition to medical science after a specific number of chemical attempts.

That is forcing the science of Psychiatry back to the dark ages. It is passing the responsibility of mental condition to a tool instead of the trained professional. It is placing the determination of treatment options upon the use of previous treatment options and opening up a legal question of mal-practice against Psychiatrists who attempt to urge the removal of the device (only 6% were effective in trial) in order to 'try' other treatment options.

While Cyberonics' press release goes to great lengths to justify its mission "to improve the lives of people touched by epilepsy, depression and other chronic illnesses that prove to be treatable with our patented therapy, VNS" [ref1 it does so without one concern of consequence.

"'The Panel's recommendation represents a major step forward toward U.S. availability of the first FDA-approved, safe, tolerable and effective long-term treatment for patients with treatment-resistant depression,' commented Robert P. ('Skip') Cummins, Cyberonics' Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. 'Millions of Americans today suffer from treatment-resistant depression (TRD), a devastating, lifelong and life-threatening illness. According to published studies, 15% of previously hospitalized patients commit suicide and annual depression treatment costs in the United States exceed billion including .7 billion for drugs alone.'" [ref1

"Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is one of the most prevalent and serious illnesses in the world, affecting nearly 19 million Americans over the age of 18 in any given year. MDD is the fourth most disabling condition worldwide and the second most disabling condition in the U.S. Total annual costs of depression in the U.S. exceed billion including billion of annual direct treatment costs. Twenty percent of depressed Americans or approximately 4 million people suffer from treatment-resistant depression (TRD) defined as a depressive episode that has failed to respond to at least two antidepressant treatments of adequate dose and duration. Patients with TRD are often isolated, hopeless, desperate, and unemployed. Studies show that annual healthcare costs for patients with TRD exceed ,000 per patient per year. A person with depression is 35 times more likely to commit suicide than a person not experiencing depression and 15 percent of previously hospitalized depressed patients commit suicide. Although there are many safe and effective acute antidepressants including medications, psychotherapy and electro-convulsive therapy (ECT), there are no FDA-approved, informed-use, safe and effective long-term treatments for TRD. Multiple medication combinations are used to treat TRD without evidence of long-term safety and efficacy. ECT, the most effective acute antidepressant, is often declined, and is of limited long-term value due to cognitive side effects and high relapse/recurrence rates within six months of treatment." [ref1

While Cyberonics identifies its target market and the vast potential for revenue it mentions how other treatments are "without evidence of long-term safety and efficacy", but fails to test its own treatment for the same consequence while admitting the business is full-steam ahead with "Pilot studies are underway evaluating VNS Therapy as a potential treatment for anxiety disorders, Alzheimer's disease and chronic headache/migraine."

Cyberonics has not one clue what causes any of those conditions, let alone depression. The Cyberonics treatment is like a cancer patient accepting a doctor's recommended surgery to open them up and wrap the tumor in a Band-Aid. Not one study is offered as to what the results will be, long term, to a patient who's treatment consists of masking a cause so it can be rushed to market so it can start making money without regard to if it does any good in the process. With only 6% success in the study offered to the FDA the claim is ridiculous.

The actual consequences are enormous.

A point in this issue is near the opening of the Washington Post's article: "Using a technique known as vagus nerve stimulation, the device uses electrodes implanted in the neck to activate brain regions that are believed to regulate mood." [ref2

Notice the term 'believed to regulate mood'.

There is no 'location' that 'regulates' anything. Brain science has turned into where, instead of how, thanks to the fMRI and the false readings of blood flow through use. It is de-evolution of science to return to a modern and now accepted version of head-bumps and Franz Josef Gall's Phrenology.

Benjamin Rush was one of the leaders in 'Moral Treatment' which, "challenged the demonic explanations for insanity and emphasized the role of environment in determining character" [ref3 "Essential to this theory was a physiological basis for mental disorder: insanity was caused by brain damage." [ref3

Today's chemotherapy treatments employ that attitude in treating synapse response. The present Cyberonics device extends it to the Vagus nerve.

"Promoted in the United States by Orson S. Fowler, the [phrenology movement claimed a person's character was made up of 37 faculties which could be "read" on the cranium at the site where each was located. The size of the brain in these locations would reveal the strength of that particular faculty. As Fowler stated, there were "connexions and relations which exist between the conditions and developments of the BRAIN and the manifestations of the MIND." Phrenology was even applied to art as sculptors and painters did phrenological profiles of their subjects to insure their art would reflect the traits of the subject."

Now, science has switched from 'size' to 'location' but the quackery still persists.

In reality, the Cyberonics device and therapy is a patented return to the electropathy of the 19th century. "If electricity was applied to the areas where these charges were out of balance, the patient would be cured. Electricity was particularly useful in treating "nervous diseases" (mental illness) since there were no known scientific cures. Resourceful entrepreneurs soon began producing electrical garments and products, including corsets, belts, and hairbrushes (advertised as a cure for hair loss)." [ref3

Cyberonics has produced a device that does the same thing and is no different in intent. It is created to make money, regardless of the noble attempt, "'to accomplish our mission in epilepsy in fiscal 2005 ... and the plan to properly scale our organization to accomplish our mission in depression will be implemented as soon as we are confident of depression approval.'" [ref1

To place that commerce driven noble gesture ahead of the safety of the use of a device that has been shown by its own salesmen as capable of just 6% effectiveness is no less snake-oil than the electropathy it is based in and the phrenology that gives it credence.

In the Washington Post article, "'It's possible this is a viable treatment; it is also possible it is not a treatment,' said Richard P. Malone, a psychiatrist at Philadelphia's MCP Hahnemann University. 'I'm not sure it is ethical to give a treatment for which there is not substantial evidence.'" [ref2

"Malone and another panel member, statistician Jonas Ellenberg, nearly convinced other panelists that the company should conduct another trial, but the proposal was shot down after a tense vote, with one panelist changing her mind. The chairwoman of the panel, Kyra Becker, a neurologist at the University of Washington, School of Medicine in Seattle, cast the deciding vote." [ref2

No, it is not ethical and the excuses provided by Cyberonics to push through approval of the device border on the insane.

"'We lost four of these individuals in the last 2 1/2 hours,' said A. John Rush, a psychiatrist at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, basing that figure on the high suicide rate among patients with resistant depression." [ref2

"Karmen McGuffee of Garland, Tex., told the panel she had tried virtually every antidepressant drug on the market before getting the device. Improvement came within weeks, she said." [ref2

"'My mother said she wasn't looking into the eyes of a dead person anymore,' she said. When people asked why she was willing to get an implant, she replied, 'I had nothing to lose.' [ref2

Citing a desperate patient as proof of the reason to approve a literally untested and suspect device is an affront to the scientific community and the patients the device prays to assist. But she was not just a desperate patient.

"McGuffee was paid by Cyberonics to testify. Rush (not Benjamin), who was paid to conduct some of the clinical trials, said there are 30,000 suicides a year in America, about 80 percent of them attributable to depression. Half of those are among patients with treatment-resistant depression who had tried multiple therapies and were still not better, he said." [ref2

"In response to suggestions by some panel members that the company conduct another trial, Rush warned, 'In the time to do another trial, we will lose another 1,000 patients a month, 36,000 if the trial takes three years.' [ref2

And there is the threat of 'act now so we can save them', as if the device is the only hope to desperate people. If that was the case for any chemical therapy the safety of drugs entering the market could never be assured or even pretended, but this is a mechanical device: a technological interference in brain function, a scary thought in and of itself.

"The company conducted a separate analysis with patients in another study. This group involved 124 patients who were similarly ill but were not getting vagus nerve stimulation. The company showed trend data that over 12 months, patients with the device were significantly better compared with those getting drugs or electro-convulsive therapy." [ref2

"Malone, Ellenberg and the FDA's statisticians expressed worry that the two groups of patients were not comparable and the apparent benefit might be statistically spurious. Cyberonics officials argued that conducting a new trial would be problematic because of the special needs of this patient group." [ref2

Not only is a new trial mandatory, but it is absurd not to be forced.

In the U.S. alone, over 400,000 people die each year from cigarette smoking-related causes. Using Rush's logic in the time to do another trial, we will lose another 1288 patients a month, 46,368 if the trial takes three years. Dare we compare losses without effective treatment over losses with ineffective and perhaps (most logically) damaging, treatment?

By Cyberonics' own flawed study, Rush's patients' deaths might be reduced by 6%. 60 people to benefit per thousand from the rush to market for a product that treats a condition the makers of the product have no idea of how is caused and the therapy that offers alternatives to barbaric intrusion surgery has never seen the light of day.

Depression, chronic or not, as long as it is not caused by a malfunction of tissue (which is almost never the case) is like the driver of a car who never touches the wheel.

Why is the car going there? Why did I hit that tree? I didn't turn that way. Slow down before I hit something else. Stay slow. Why is everything else so chaotic? Don't tell me I don't have control of my car. I have the gas pedal.

The problem with depression is, it is misunderstood. Depression is treated by increasing synapse transmission, but the synapse does not do the thinking. It sends the thinking on to the next neuron and keeps it from going the wrong direction.

Perhaps the most viable excuse for approving the Cyberonics device is its best hope to stop it from starting the ruin of a science who's only intention is to help others. Psychiatry cannot treat what the science of the medical doctor has assumed.

"The panelists mostly agreed that the data presented by Cyberonics had problems but were swayed by the lack of alternative treatments and the evidence that the device is generally safe, based on its widespread use to reduce epileptic seizures." [ref2

The cause of seizures and the cause of depression are not at all the same. And there are alternative treatments. The problem with alternative treatment is simple. It is not normal. It is not accepted. It is not understood. And in most cases it is completely unknown.

The only treatment for any condition should be based on how the condition is caused and how the total system is affected by it.

To learn how depression is caused, what it is, how to treat it and why Psychiatry should never, ever give away the responsibility to fight depression, even after a million attempts, read 'The Brain Is A Wonderful Thing' and 'Modern Mysticism' available at The Enticy Institute. The books are free.

But in the mean time, do not let the presentation of a different approach get in the way of stopping a horrible one.

References:

[ref1 FDA ADVISORY PANEL RECOMMENDS APPROVAL OF CYBERONICS’ DEPRESSION DEVICE Cyberonics Press Release 6/15/2004 http://www.cyberonics.com/PressRelease_detail.asp?id={3FEFBC64-A01B-44BF-909F-9150D2D9CF89}
[ref2 'FDA Panel Backs Implant To Counter Depression But Questions Linger About Manufacturer Data' By Shankar Vedantam Washington Post Staff Writer, Wednesday, June 16, 2004; Page A03 http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A44636-2004Jun15.html?nav=rss_health
[ref3 University of Toledo Libraries, Mental Health, http://www.cl.utoledo.edu/canaday/quackery/quack5.html
[ref4 Cigarette Smoking-Related Mortality Centers For Disease Control http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/research_data/health_consequences/mortali.htm

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