Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Are You Really That Depressed?

We all know someone who has suffered from depression at some point in our lives, whether it is a friend, a family member, or even ourselves. While many people come out their depression in time, others may choose to seek either medical or therapeutic treatments. Doctors may prescribe antidepressants to patients, drugs intended to help people control their depression so that they may return to their normal activities in life. However, like many treatments, these drugs may have adverse side effects that make one ask if the risk is really worth the reward.

In research presented by the University of Liverpool, the side effects of antidepressants may be more harmful than previously studied. While a high percentage of those aged 18-25 that participated in a survey about their antidepressant use claimed to no longer feel depressed due to the use of antidepressants, many side effects other than the physical effects of weight gain and nausea were reported. These side effects included difficulties with sexual activity, emotional numbness, feeling abnormal from their usual selves, loss of positive feelings, loss of caring about others, withdrawal effects, and even increased thoughts of suicide.

With the severity of the side effects, one would have to question if it would still be beneficial to partake in the use of antidepressants. Furthermore, doctors should have great concern about prescribing such treatments to patients, especially those that are already a suicide risk. In a world where people swallow pills without a second thought on how it may be hurting them more than it helps, we need to learn to deeply consider how terrible a circumstance needs to be before resorting to a concoction of unnatural substances formed into a tablet or bar and if is the only way to find relief.  

Posted by Ashton Brown (4)

9 comments:

  1. Interesting take on anti-depressants. I think society nowadays has certainly become over-prescribed. What would you recommend as alternative treatments to people having these feelings? Depression is tricky to deal with and I think that it is not just something that can be ignored. I agree with you that pills are not always the answer for everybody's problems, though.

    Posted by Taylor Schille

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    Replies
    1. I certainly agree that we are an over-prescribed society, with doctors focusing more on just writing out a script than trying to actually cure a problem, especially when it comes to mental problems. There are many different support groups people can join to talk to others who share similar problems and there they can possibly learn how others have learned to cope with their depression. There's also other forms of therapy that may be used rather than taking anti-depressants. Therapy may not cure depression, but it certainly won't cause side effects like increased thoughts of suicide.

      Posted by Ashton Brown

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  2. I have definitely seen some of negative side effects of antidepressants, however I find that most therapists suggest behavioral therapy with oral medication as well. Do you think that this might be more beneficial? I believe that the risk of taking medications, is outweighed by the potential benefits.

    Posted by: Lindsey Janof

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    Replies
    1. Yes, many do suggest behavioral therapy as well. However, I have seen first hand that even in combination with behavioral therapy, oral medications can still cause adverse side effects. So I completely agree that the benefits are not worth it when the stakes are so high.

      Posted by Ashton Brown

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  3. There are so many people in the world today diagnosed with depression. I have heard that some anti-depressants have actually caused an increase in depression and suicidal thoughts in some patients. There should definitely be more aspects to look at before prescribing patients with anti-depressants. Doctors should definitely look more into the side effects of the drugs as well before prescribing it to their patients.

    Amber Vien

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  4. Many times you don't hear as much about the negative side effects in contrast to the good the medication is doing. I liked how you looked at anti-depressants from this different view. With so much information available about the numerous side effects it seem it would be best to research these medications further or keep in closer contact with the patient the medication is prescribed to to insure these don't outweigh the benefits.

    Posted by Morgan Matuszko

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  5. My group and I are actually doing our digital story project on this topic! We are going to discuss the use of therapy dogs of a somewhat unconventional but great alternative treatment for people suffering from depression, anxiety, and many other mental illnesses. You should definitely read about the studies that have been conducted. They show great results, including decreased blood pressure, increased dopamine and endorphins (makes you feel happy), and decreased cortisol levels (stress hormone) to just name a few.
    -kristen whitehead

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  6. Many of these medication do happen to do more bad than good. Alot of people suffering from depression and anxiety, are quickly prescribed medications rather than referred to therapies. Alternative treatments should be recommended before a person is prescribed medication, because of all the side effects and risk of not even working. I have seen alot of people who have been prescribed medication, and not even really need it. I think that more research should be done on medicines such as anti-depressants.

    Posted By Maylissa Charmant

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