Depression, anxiety and memory loss are conditions that may require medical treatment, depending upon the severity of symptoms. Mild forms of each, such as grieving over a lost loved one, becoming nervous before performing or forgetting someone's name are not out of the ordinary or cause for concern. However, when symptoms linger, are ongoing or worsen and/or begin to interfere with daily activities, medical intervention may be necessary.
Causes
Research shows higher incidence of depression in those with family history of the illness, while others become depressed out of inability to cope with stressful life situations such as financial hardship. Hormonal imbalances and functional differences with brain neurotransmitters may also lead to depression. The causes of anxiety are not concretely known, however combinations of biochemical, genetic and environmental factors are currently theorized. Memory loss can be caused by a myriad of issues, including but not limited to medication reactions, alcoholism, head trauma, psychological illnesses and Alzheimer's disease and dementia.
Anti-Depressants
There are three types of anti-depressants commonly used to treat symptoms. These are known as serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Zoloft, Paxil and Prozac are examples of SSRIs that are known to work well in managing symptoms. TCAs such as Elavil, Pamelor and Aventyl have a longer history of effectiveness in treatment, however offer less tolerable side effects than SSRIs and are therefore often prescribed secondarily when SSRIs are found ineffective. Nardil and other MAOIs necessitate adherence to strict dietary measures and often bring on severe and lasting side effects; therefore, they are rarely prescribed unless no other option has worked successfully.
Anxiolytics
Anxiety may manifest itself in numerous and varying ways--there are several distinct anxiety disorders. Drug therapy will depend largely on what type of anxiety a patient experiences, as in generalized versus social anxiety, panic versus obsessive compulsive disorder, or any combination of two or more. Benzodiazepines are a class of drugs that work well to soothe symptoms of anxiety on an as-needed and acute basis. Xanax, Klonopin, Ativan and Valium are effective examples. Buspar, another form of anxiolytic, may take up to a few weeks to denote efficacy, but it is designed for ongoing daily usage to manage overall symptoms.
Memory Loss
Memory loss as a symptom of Alzheimer's disease or dementia can be targeted with many different drugs. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Aricept, Akatinol, Cognex, Razadyne and Exelon specifically for improving memory loss related to Alzheimer's disease in 2009. Gingko Biloba, a plant extract that can be bought over the counter, may deter deterioration of memory, but conclusive evidence is unavailable. Clinical trials are currently studying the potential neuro-protective properties of B vitamins as well as the ability of Neotropin to effectively increase processes of nerve cells and stabilize their viability, with the goal of improving memory loss.
Caution
All prescription medications have the potential for causing side effects. These side effects can range from the minor inconvenience of an overly dry mouth to permanent nerve damage or the development of a secondary medical condition such as high blood pressure. Often, as is the case with some anti-depressants and anxiolytics, side effects diminish or disappear with time as the body adjusts to the medication. With the exception of Akatinol, a known prevailing side effect of the medications for memory loss is gastrointestinal discomfort that may or may not continue throughout the course of treatment. A physician should be consulted in circumstances of side effects that are uncomfortable, linger, interfere with daily life or increase in severity.
