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Ways to Manage Clinical Depression

Ways to Manage Clinical Depression

Clinical depression is the severest form of depression that can impact a person’s ability to participate in routine or major life activities. Treatment is a process that focuses on curing depression and its symptoms through different treatment methodologies. On the other hand, management is about treating the disease and giving proper emotional and psychological care. Effective management of depression is vital to improve the quality of life of the affected person.

Management of clinical depression
The typical steps in the management of depression include:
Detection of symptoms
Screening and diagnoses
Patient and caregiver education
Treatment
Follow up

Given below is detailed information about the different steps doctors and mental health professionals follow to manage clinical depression:

Detection of clinical depression
A person or a family member may reach out to their primary physicians when they experience persistent symptoms of depression. Doctors identify the following as the most visible and common symptoms of clinical depression:
Persistent sadness
Loss on interest
Loss of pleasure
Everyday insomnia or hypersomnia
Slowed speech
Decreased movement
Fatigue
Feeling worthless
Decreased concentration

If one notices such symptoms within themselves or anyone around them, it is best to seek professional help.

Screening for clinical depression
A primary physician would refer a person to a psychiatrist if they continuously notice any of the above symptoms for two months. Doctors use the following tools to screen for symptoms of clinical depression:
Blood tests to check for chemical or hormonal imbalances
Patient health questionnaire – 9
The standardized depression ratings scale

Management of clinical depression
Clinical depression can be chronic, where symptoms last for more than three months, episodic, or continuous, lasting up to 6 or 24 months. The following are the different methods used to manage clinical depression:
Treatment
For the first three months after diagnosis, doctors use a combination of pharmacological treatment, psychotherapy, interventions, and lifestyle modification for treatment. The primary goal of management is the remission of symptoms, restoring the ability of a patient to function normally, and preventing the symptoms from returning.

Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is a group of techniques developed to examine a person’s thoughts and emotions and their impact on their behavior. Based on their observations, psychotherapists would then decide on providing guidance and interventions like mindfulness and relaxation techniques. The psychotherapy techniques that are used to treat clinical depression are:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy combines cognitive and behavioral therapy. It is one of the most effective forms of psychotherapy to treat clinical depression. It is a problem-oriented strategy that identifies patterns in a patient’s thoughts, attitudes, and expectations and replaces them with realistic and less harmful thoughts. CBT helps patients control their thoughts better and change behavioral habits that result from their thoughts and emotions. CBT is effective for those who give up pleasure, or isolate themselves. Typically a session lasts for an hour a week. While a few may feel better after a few sessions, some may require long-term sessions. If needed, therapists also can facilitate CBT as a group therapy.

Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT)
Interpersonal psychotherapy is a short-term treatment approach for clinical depression and is best suited for treating children and adolescents. ICT is used to treat depression symptoms that relate to a person’s relationships with family, friends, and peers.

Alternative therapies
Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)
Electroconvulsive Therapy is an FDA-approved procedure where therapists pass short and controlled bursts of electric currents to change brain chemistry that can reverse symptoms of mental health conditions. It is done under general anesthesia. It is only done as a last resort, as it is not always effective, and is used only when other therapies are unsuccessful. It may also be used for those who need a quick response. The treatment consists of multiple sessions, like three sessions a week for two to four weeks. Patients likely to receive EGT include women with severe depression during pregnancy, those who stop eating or drinking, and people with psychosis. It is also administered for catatonia patients who may be unaware of themselves or the world around them.

Transcranial Magnetic Simulation (TMS)
Transcranial Magnetic Simulation (TMS) is an FDA-approved noninvasive procedure where therapists use magnetic fields to simulate brain signals and activate inactive cells that can cause depression. It is done for patients who did not respond to pharmacology and psychotherapy treatments.

Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS)
Vagus Nerve Stimulation is a procedure where surgeons implant a silver-coin-sized, battery-powered device in the patient’s body. The device is attached to a stimulating wire along the Vagus nerve, which travels through the neck to the brain. Since this area controls mood activity, the device stimulates the Vagus nerve through electric pulses, which transmit them to the brain.

Patient and family education
Patient and family education can help early detect clinical depression and help patients and families overcome the stigma attached to the condition. It empowers them to ask for help instead of avoiding it.

Follow up
Systematic and consistent follow-up is done by support staff to ensure that patients adhere to the treatment procedures, monitor if they are attending therapy sessions, and see if they have any side effects from any of the treatment methods.

Lifestyle changes
Many critical studies accurately pinpoint the relationship between lifestyle and depression. Using data from conclusive studies so far, doctors have suggested the following lifestyle changes that can benefit people with clinical depression:
Increasing foods rich in Omega-3 and Omega – 5, micronutrients, and amino acids.
Exercising for 30 minutes a day enables the production of natural antidepressants, which can reduce stress and improve mood.
Meditation can reduce symptoms of anxiety and stress and help a person relax.
Developing regular sleeping habits that can reduce fatigue and can help calm the brain.
Developing positive relationships can help a person overcome challenging and stressful times.
Learning to manage stress by developing new hobbies and spending time on activities that help a person relax.

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Known Signs of Hemophilia and Anemia

Bleeding disorders refer to a group of conditions like hemophilia or anemia that interfere with normal blood functions in the body. Hemophilia affects the ability of the blood cells to clot naturally, while anemia lowers hemoglobin count in the red blood cells. These conditions exhibit a unique set of symptoms that can be identified. Early diagnosis helps doctors form a viable healthcare plan. So, it pays to know and identify the following symptoms. Hemophilia and Anemia: Understanding the difference Both conditions are common bleeding disorders. However, anemia & hemophilia signs are distinctly different from each other when it comes to the disease progression. The latter is a genetic disorder that affects the red blood cell’s ability to clot and close wounds. Certain clotting factors in the blood bind with the red blood cells to prevent uncontrolled bleeding. Anemia is a condition where the body lacks sufficient healthy red blood cells in the first place. Also, a low hemoglobin count affects the red blood cell’s ability to carry oxygen to vital organs and extremities via the circulatory system. Genetic mutation triggers most known types of hemophilia, while certain nutritional deficiencies in the body trigger common forms of anemia. Symptoms of hemophilia The absence of essential clotting factors in the blood can trigger a variety of noticeable and unusual symptoms. Uncontrolled bleeding Bleeding is one of the primary symptoms of hemophilia. It can happen under the skin or in the joints. As the red blood cells are unable to bind and clot, this pool of blood can trigger swelling, pain, and tightness in the joints. This symptom is most commonly noticeable in the knees, elbows, and ankles. Blood collecting under the skin can lead to buildups under the muscle and soft tissue to cause more painful bruising. This symptom is called hematoma in medical terminology. Frequent nosebleeds When the bleeding is triggered externally, it can result in frequent nosebleeds that can be difficult to stop. Note that external environmental factors and physical injuries generally cause nosebleeds. So, any unexplained bleeding could indicate a developing condition. Bleeding caused due to cuts, bruises, and vaccinations Lack of essential clotting factor VIII can trigger bleeding from the lightest of impacts, cuts, bruises, or even after losing a tooth. Some people experience sudden bleeding after taking a vaccination. This could be the body’s reaction to producing antibodies, but the strain could be too much to bear, resulting in bleeding from the extremities. Blood in urine or stool Excess blood in the urine or stool is a clear sign of disease progression. The urine and stools appear dark red or even blackish due to the presence of red blood cells mixed with the excreta. Immediate medical assistance is advisable for visual symptoms. Bleeding in infants Complicated pregnancies can be physically taxing for both the mother and the child leading to possible symptoms of hemophilia at birth. But in some rare cases, infants may experience internal bleeding in the head. Symptoms of anemia The most common types of anemia, including iron deficiency anemia and vitamin deficiency anemia, develop due to the lack of nutrients in the body. Therefore, anemia exhibits more physically taxing symptoms as the condition worsens. Tiredness Increased fatigue and weakness for no apparent reason is one of the main indicators of nutritional deficiencies. An unexplained decrease in overall stamina with no physical exertion or any activity during the day could mean low iron in the blood. Without iron, the body cannot produce enough red blood cells. And low hemoglobin means not enough oxygen is being circulated around vital organs in the body, thus resulting in fatigue induced by low energy levels. Respiratory symptoms Experiencing shortness of breath, chest pains, and even noticing an irregular heartbeat could indicate a possible anemic condition. An iron deficiency lowers hemoglobin count, and this means not enough oxygen is being circulated by the blood. Low hemoglobin affects the breathing rate as the body struggles to extract more oxygen resulting in shortness of breath. The heart must also put in extra efforts to pump the low hemoglobin blood forcefully, thus resulting in irregular heartbeats. Doctors refer to this condition as heart palpitations. These symptoms can also induce chest pains due to the sheer stress being put on the organ. Pale skin and damaged hair Skin and hair symptoms are visible indicators of a developing anemia condition. An iron deficiency results in low red blood cell production and indirectly affects the shade of the skin. Pale skin is noticeably visible around the face, gums, lower lips, lower eyelids, and even on the nails. This symptom is more visually obvious among people who flaunt a lighter skin tone. Also, hair thinning, hair fall, and a damaged scalp is a clear sign of iron deficiency. Treatment options Note that anemia & hemophilia signs never overlap. Once the primary indicators are confirmed, doctors quickly suggest blood tests to identify the leading causes or triggers. Knowing the differences can help with prompt diagnosis even though both the conditions are bleeding disorders. It is even possible to recover from common forms of anemia within 2 to 3 months. Hemophilia is a more serious bleeding disorder that is treated by introducing the missing clotting factors. Doctors also suggest prescriptions that help stimulate the body to release more clotting factors. However, a transfusion offers more promising results for moderate to severe progression. Effective preventive measures and home remedies can help lower the risk of bleeding. These conditions cannot be completely cured. But it is possible to improve the quality of life by incorporating healthy lifestyle habits. Prescriptions and treatments only help slow down the disease progression.

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Dry Eyes – Symptoms and Home Remedies

Dry eyes is a common health condition that occurs when the eyes do not produce sufficient tears. It could result from hormonal changes, certain autoimmune diseases, or other factors. Whatever the cause, you can follow a due course of treatment with the advice of an eye doctor to manage the problem. Here are a few common symptoms that help identify dry eyes and simple home remedies to treat the same. Signs and symptoms The following are four signs of the condition: Changes in the eyes When affected by the disorder, you may notice slight changes in the eye. For instance, the surface may turn red, and the eyelid may look inflamed. This will likely be accompanied by pain, itching, or a burning sensation. You may also feel like a particle of sand is stuck in your eyelid, which you cannot remove. Since the symptoms can overlap with other eye-related diseases, visiting a doctor for an accurate diagnosis can help get treatment early. Excess formation of tears While the term "dry eyes" seems to imply that the eyes are dry, excess tears could be a sign of the ailment. When the eyes do not produce sufficient tears and irritate, the brain sends signals to make more tears as a response. Reduced tear production is a common condition that affects women during menopause. Burning sensation and redness Those with dry eyes often have this nagging feeling that something is in their eyes. Your eyes feel stingy, and the irritation could increase in certain situations, such as when riding a bike, traveling in an airplane, staring at your computer screen, or being exposed to the wind. Although you might have a strong urge to rub your eyes, avoid doing so, as it could worsen the symptoms. Increased eye sensitivity Increased sensitivity to light is a common symptom of dry eyes. It is usually mild and develops gradually. The surface of dry eyes does not scatter light regularly, and as a result, you may also develop blurred or double vision, making it difficult to perform daily tasks. An increase in sensitivity to light could also lead to eye fatigue, where the eyes generally feel heavy after reading for some time. These are only a few signs of the ailment to look out for. A string or film of mucus around the eyes is also an indicator that should not be ignored. Home remedies The following remedies help manage the condition at home: Using a warm or cold compress Placing a warm or cold compress over the eyes can relieve irritation and scratchiness. You can switch between warm and cool as needed. The heat from the warm compress can help alleviate the inflammation, if any, and catalyze the meibomian gland to secrete more tears. On the other hand, a cold compress may relieve pain, swelling, and other discomforts. Getting sufficient sleep Resting the eyes and reducing screen time is necessary when suffering from this disorder. Sleep can help reduce inflammation if the problem is due to an autoimmune disease. Closing the eyes for a prolonged time also reduces strain. Try using a humidifier in the bedroom if your dry eyes are a hurdle to getting a good night's sleep. Using a humidifier A humidifier will help control the humidity in your room. If dry eyes are caused due to extended computer usage, keep the humidifier turned on the entire time you use the computer. The machine lessens the rate at which tears evaporate from the eyes by retaining the moisture in the atmosphere. It can also help with other health issues like sinus congestion and dry throat. Do not forget to factor in your budget and the room size before choosing a humidifier. Choosing omega-3-rich foods Incorporating omega-3 fatty acids into the food plan can relieve some symptoms. Research shows that this nutrient reduces the risk of dry eyes, improves tear quality, and nourishes the eyes. Doctors may recommend fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and herring as these are the best sources of omega-3. They also have anti-inflammatory properties that benefit overall health. Staying hydrated Asking dry eye patients to drink more water might seem obvious. All body parts require adequate amounts of water to perform efficiently, including the eyes. Water ensures the eyes are moist. Aim for at least eight to ten glasses daily and eat water-rich foods like cucumber and watermelon. At the same time, avoid caffeinated beverages like tea and coffee. Wearing sunglasses As mentioned, people with dry eyes are sensitive to wind and light, and exposure to these can worsen the condition. So, wear sunglasses to protect your eyes when outdoors. They protect the eyes from UV damage and other environmental triggers and ensure tears do not evaporate rapidly. Some models are specially designed with a foam insert that acts as a barrier from the wind. Shatterproof glasses keep pollen and dust away. Eyelid massages Massaging the lower and upper eyelids in a circular motion can release the oils from the glands and provide relief. After the massage, use a cleaning solution to eliminate oil residue from the lids. Ideally, you should massage the eyelids after keeping a warm compress, as the heat would help loosen the glands. Visit a doctor immediately if you experience dry eye symptoms so that treatment can be started before the condition worsens. The home remedies listed here have proven effective for many. But if the symptoms are severe and make it hard to perform easy day-to-day activities, a specialist may recommend an eye exam and a few other tests before suggesting specific treatments. To prevent hassle, the best thing to do is prevent dry eyes by following general hygiene of the eyes and a healthy lifestyle.

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