Depression Medications Used To Combat Depression

Just because you feel sad and depressed for a few days does not mean that you have depression. Depression is a very serious disease that can last for years. Each year about 15 million Americans suffer from this illness. The sad fact is that only a third of those Americans will ever seek help for their affliction. The age- old stereotype associated with mental illness influences many to still avoid admitting they suffer from depression. Depression gets worse with time. Without attention it will become more and more severe. People should pay attention to the signs.

There are many types of depression and various factors can cause depression. These include the whole spectrum of genetic, biological, physical and emotional items. The day to day lives of the victim may even have a role. Detrimental factors such as stress can lead to it. Depression is a very complicated disease. As well, the human brain and its workings are quite complex. Work continues into the mind and brain and how they work, what makes them tick. A chemical imbalance in the brain causes depression, that’s known. Researches learn more about this complex series of actions and reactions with passing time. Better treatments come from more knowledge.

Depression treatment comes from a variety of medications on the market. Miracle treatments also exist, but many times these are empty claims. Clinical tests to prove something really works in treating depression are required. Not too long ago people who were considered mentally ill were thrown into asylums, never again to be seen or heard. It’s good to know that’s no longer the case. In 1988 the anti-depressant ‘Prozac’ first hit the market in the United States. Although it has side effects it is widely used and it is effective.

Since that time more and more use has been made of a new class of anti-depressants. The SSRI or (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) like Paxil, Zoloft, Lexapro, Celexa, and Luvox are all being used to treat depression today. These work even though they too show some side effects. The market is also ripe with herbal medications and treatments. The majority of these that have been proven to work as well as the anti-depressants contain the St. John Wort extract ingredient called ‘hyperforin’. Some herbal remedies don’t contain this ingredient in the proper strength so they don’t work. When seeking depression medications that work ask questions, do your research, and know the facts.