"In the past few years, much interest has risen in the use of herbs in the treatment of both depression and anxiety."

"Depression is especially prevalent among people with PTSD, a debilitating condition that can develop after exposure to a terrifying event or ordeal in which grave physical harm occurred or was threatened."

Types of Depression


Just like other illnesses, such as heart disease, depression comes in different forms. This booklet briefly describes three of the most common types of depressive disorders. However, within these types, there are variations in the number of symptoms, their severity, and persistence.

Major depression (or major depressive disorder) is manifested by a combination of symptoms (see symptoms list below) that interferes with the ability to work, study, sleep, eat, and enjoy once pleasurable activities. A major depressive episode may occur only once; but more commonly, several episodes may occur in a lifetime. Chronic major depression may require a person to continue treatment indefinitely.

A less severe type of depression, dysthymia (or dysthymic disorder), involves long lasting, chronic symptoms that do not seriously disable, but keep one from functioning well or feeling good. Many people with dysthymia also experience major depressive episodes at some time in their lives.

Another type of depressive illness is bipolar disorder (or manic depressive illness). Bipolar disorder is characterized by cycling mood changes: severe highs (mania) and lows (depression), often with periods of normal mood in between. Sometimes the mood switches are dramatic and rapid, but usually they are gradual. When in the depressed cycle, an individual can have any or all of the symptoms of depression. When in the manic cycle, the individual may be overactive, over talkative, and have a great deal of energy. Mania often affects thinking, judgment, and social behavior in ways that cause serious problems and embarrassment. For example, the individual in a manic phase may feel elated, full of grand schemes that might range from unwise business decisions to romantic sprees and unsafe sex. Mania, left untreated, may worsen to a psychotic state.

"Although changing from one SSRI to another has generally not been shown to be beneficial, one study showed that citalopram (Celexa) did not seem to cause sexual impairment in patients who had experienced such events with another SSRI."

"Medications of any kind prescribed, over-the counter, or borrowed should never be mixed without consulting the doctor."

What Is Major Depression

"Researchers estimate that at least six million men in the United States suffer from a depressive disorder every year."

Medications For Depression Anxiety And Memory Loss

"A good diagnostic evaluation will include a complete history of symptoms, when they started, how long they have lasted, how severe they are, whether the patient had them before and, if so, whether the symptoms were treated and what treatment was given."

Diet To Help Depression

"PsychotherapiesSeveral forms of psychotherapy, including some short term (10 20 weeks) therapies, can help people with depressive disorders."

What Is The True Cause Of Depression

"Symptoms of depression may overlap with those of cancer and other physical illnesses."