Depression is a medical illness that involves the body and mind, and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems, according to the Mayo Clinic. It is a chronic illness that usually requires long-term treatment. Harvard Health says...
The first step in treating bulimia nervosa is to make sure you are healthy enough to be treated. Bulimia can cause several medical problems, such as dehydration and anemia. In addition, you might have low electrolytes and serious heart problems,...
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is a form of anxiety. The obsessions, categorized by the Mayo Clinic as "unreasonable thoughts and fears," lead the OCD sufferer to compulsively repeat behavior. Trying to repress the obsessions may make the condition...
Antidepressant medications alter the levels of different chemicals in the brain, which are thought to regulate mood and behavior. Antidepressants are also sometimes prescribed to help manage pain, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorders,...
The leading cause of disability in the United States is major depressive disorder according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Major depressive disorder affects more women than men and 14.8 million people in the United States have a major...
Your body makes the amino acid tyrosine from the amino acid phenylalanine. Tyrosine is important in the production of neurotransmitters in the brain. Taking certain types of antidepressants while taking tyrosine supplements or eating large amounts...
The foods you eat may play a role in preventing the development of depression. If you have ongoing depression, mental health professionals can provide you with therapy and antidepressants. A well-balanced, nutritious diet also helps patients deal...
Depression, whether mild or severe, can have profound effects on other family members. While everyone feels sad sometimes, depression is a serious condition that can affect every aspect of a person’s life and the lives of those around him....
Depression and anxiety often occur at the same time, according to the Anxiety Disorders Association of America. If your anxiety or depression interferes with your ability to function or decreases your interest in doing your favorite things, seek...
Anxiety presents in many different forms, but most types include unpleasant feelings of worry, dread or unease. No medical cure for anxiety exists, but several medications can ease the symptoms, according to the University of Maryland Medical...
Depression is often caused by an imbalance of neurotransmitters such as the "happy" neurotransmitter -- serotonin -- in the brain. The supplement 5-HTP is a natural option that is taken for depression, and it is thought to help by increasing...
Frontotemporal dementia, a type of dementia that occurs in the front part of the brain, affects between 140,000 to 350,000 people, according to the Family Caregiver Alliance. Patients with frontotemporal dementia have changes to their personality,...
Antidepressants can cause weight gain, according to the Mayo Clinic. This is especially true of older tricyclic antidepressants known as MAOIs. Weight gain usually occurs over time and is likely to be significant, especially for people who start...
Depression is a condition in which you experience persistent feelings of sadness or anxiety that cause significant impairment in your daily functioning, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. The actual cause of depression still has...
Pharmaceutical drugs are used for a variety of reasons in medicine. Drugs can be used therapeutically to treat diseases or symptoms; preventively or even as a diagnostic agent helpful in the initial diagnosis of a disease. The Center for Disease...
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that helps your brain produce norepinephrine and epinephrine -- chemicals that create feelings of pleasure, relaxation and emotional well-being. Dopamine also contributes to your memory and motor skills. Without...
Antidepressants are given to improve the mood, appetite, concentration levels, and the quality of sleep of the individual. There are four different types of antidepressants and these include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as Prozac,...
Many therapists and doctors suggest antidepressants for people who suffer from moderate to severe levels of depression. Taking medication for depression is most effective when combined with a form of therapy such as cognitive-behavioral therapy....
It's important to be mindful of your diet and aware of what substances are in the foods and drinks you consume when you're taking an antidepressant such as Effexor. Caffeine, for example, can make some of Effexor's side effects more severe or...
Depression refers to a group of disorders characterized by low moods, such as sadness, loneliness and purposelessness, that affect your life dramatically. Additional symptoms of depression vary but may include difficulty sleeping or excessive...
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter essential for regulating mood. A deficiency of serotonin can exacerbate anxiety and depression and lead to cravings for high-carbohydrate foods. Adding essential amino acids to your diet may help boost your mood....
The experience of depression in children and teens is somewhat different than that of adults. Depression in childhood is more likely to lead to the continuation of depression in adulthood, as well as other, more serious mental illnesses. When...
Depression is the extreme feeling of sadness that interferes with daily activities, physical functions and social interactions. Depression is a common illness, with more than 14.8 million Americans affected in any given year, according to...
Serotonin is a biochemical neurotransmitter that is responsible for the regulation of your mood, sleeping patterns, emotional lability and appetite, according to a 1998 article published in "The Journal of Psychopharmacology." Decreasing serotonin...
Grapefruit or grapefruit juice is often a healthy part of many Americans' breakfasts. Breakfast is also the time of day that most people are directed to take their antidepressant prescription medications, such as Cymbalta. According to Dr. Jonny...
Serotonin helps your body to perform many vital functions. Researchers have found that foods that contain high amounts of carbohydrates raise your levels of serotonin, whereas other foods you might expect to raise serotonin, such as bananas and...
The effectiveness and safety of giving antidepressant medications to children is controversial, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns that these medications may lead to greater risks of suicidal thoughts and actions, particularly in the...
Depression is not a mood disorder that affects only adults. Jay L. Hoecker, a doctor at the Mayo Clinic, states that depression is as common in children as it is in adults. Statistics provided by the National Institute of Mental Health show that...
Hippocrates proclaimed, "Let food be your medicine." Midlife -- when our bodies begin to show signs of aging -- is an ideal time to embrace that sentiment. Start by focusing on your diet by choosing foods that are excellent sources of...