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Drug-Induced Depression and Prevention of Future Episodes of psychological Interventions

Short Commentary | DOI: https://doi.org/10.31579/2578-8868/004

Drug-Induced Depression and Prevention of Future Episodes of psychological Interventions

  • Hui-chunde 1

boratory of Traditional ChineseMedicine Classical Theory,Ministry of Education, China.

*Corresponding Author: Hui-chunde, Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, China.

Citation: Hui-chunde, Shun-ling , Drug-Induced Depression and Prevention of Future Episodes of psychological Interventions, J Neuroscience and Neurological Surgery.
Doi: 10.31579/2578-8868/004

Copyright: © 2017 Hui-chunde. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of The Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.

Received: 20 January 2017 | Accepted: 30 January 2017 | Published: 17 February 2017

Keywords: drug-induced depression; iatrogenic depression; depress genic drugs; secondary depression

Abstract

Drug-induced depressive disorders are classified in the DSM-III-R as organic mood syndrome, depressed type. The ability of certain drugs to cause depression is of clinical relevance because organic mood syndrome is a component of the differential diagnosis of depressive symptoms. There is no specific drug for which there is definitive evidence of a causal association with depressive symptoms or depressive disorders. Nevertheless, for a number of drugs, the evidence is suggestive, although not conclusively, of a causal association. Despite this, rational decisions about the continuation or discontinuation of drugs can often be made. In this paper, the literature is reviewed and guidelines are suggested for the management of patients with depressive symptoms which may be related to drugs.

Introduction

Depression can take several different forms based on the severity, duration, and cause of its symptoms. According to Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience, depression may be best understood as a spectrum of moods rather than a series of separate, clearly defined categories. For the sake of diagnosing and treating this serious disorder, psychiatric experts have identified several categories. Along with these categories, there are a number of depressive disorders associated with specific life stressors, psychological conditions, or emotionally taxing situations. These situational disorders share many of the symptoms of general depression, but they occur under specific circumstances and may resolve once these situations are changed.

Listed below are the most common subtypes of depression:

Persistent

Also known as dysthymic disorder, or dysthymia, this condition is marked by low moods and depressive symptoms that continue for two or more years. Individuals with persistent depressive disorder may appear to be chronically gloomy, irritable, or moody, but these traits could actually be signs of a mood disorder. Symptoms may not be as severe as the signs of a major depressive episode, but the effects on quality of life can be just as severe.
Bipolar
Depressive episodes alternating with periods of high energy, elation, or impulsive behavior may be signs of bipolar disorder. Many individuals with bipolar disorder experience episodes of major depression that last for weeks or months, with less frequent cycles of energetic activity and elevated mood. It can be difficult to diagnose an individual with bipolar disorder without tracking these mood changes over an extended period of time.

Postpartum

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Having a baby is a life-altering experience, but for many women, the transition to motherhood causes emotional difficulties. The American Psychological Association estimates that up to 16 percent of women will have depressive symptoms after giving birth. New mothers with a history of depression or anxiety, women under financial or personal stress, and women with inadequate social support are especially vulnerable to postpartum depression. Hormonal imbalances after pregnancy, nutritional deficiencies, and exposure to chemical toxins may also play a role in this form of depression.

Seasonal

Also known as seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, this condition is triggered by changes in light and temperature that accompany the seasons of the year. People with SAD may report lower moods, loss of energy, sleep disturbances, and weight changes at specific times of the year. Although most people with SAD experience depression in the darker winter months, some individuals are negatively affected by the transition from winter to spring.

Psychotic

In psychosis, the individual experiences a break with reality, in which the person may see or hear things that aren’t there (hallucinations), or believe things that aren’t real (delusional thoughts). People with other forms of depression may be affected by periods of psychosis, in which they feel persecuted or pursued by others, or believe that unseen entities are telling them to harm themselves. Psychotic depression is usually temporary, but it may result in hospitalization and the need for immediate, acute treatment.

All types of depression require prompt attention and intensive, specialized treatment. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of depression, and being willing to provide support to someone experiencing those symptoms, can prevent serious harm to the individual and loved ones.

Depression and Addiction

Research has revealed that many of the factors that contribute to depression also play a part in substance use disorders. Imbalances in brain chemistry, family history, and past trauma, for instance, are frequently involved in both depression and addiction. In addition, the physical and psychological effects of addiction may mask the signs of depression or worsen the symptoms of this psychiatric illness.

References

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