Depression In Women.

 

Clinical studies shows many contributing factors which leads to depression. Hormonal balance or imbalance, which are evident during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, as well as after giving birth or experiencing unintentional abortion, are considered as some of the contributing factors of depression among women.

Considered as the contributing factors of depression are hormone fluctuations occurring in the monthly menstrual cycle of women probably contribute to premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a severe syndrome marked especially by depression, anxiety, and mood swings that occur in the week before menstruation and interfere with normal activities.

Learning about the factors can help young, middle-aged and elderly women minimize the risk of depression and obtain the help of a physician to treat it more effectively.

Medical study findings show that it is not advisable to be under antidepressant medication such as Zoloft because it tends to worsen the condition the most.

Depression, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), social anxiety disorder(SAD), and premenstrual dysphoric mood disorder (PDMD) are the common illness among patients which uses Zoloft, the antidepressant drug as treatment.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) member Sertraline Hydrochloride also known as Zoloft increases the amount of neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain as it blocks the resorption of serotonin from synapse.

The side effects which are commonly expressed is headaches, drowsiness, nausea, insomnia, and dryness of the mouth. The other side effects causes great discomfort among patient because it doesn’t subside until the medication is discontinued such as decline in sexual performance, mainly ejaculation-related problems, as well as Zoloft birth defect among women. There are also side effects which doesn’t subside until the medication is discontinued which severe anxiety is being experience through decline in sexual performance, mainly ejaculation-related problems, as well as Zoloft birth defects.

When it comes to the men and women, the effect of depression is not the same.The effect of depression in men and women is not the same in pattern and symptoms to which women are more prone to depression compared to men.

There are more depressed women compared to men and are most likely to develop clinical depression as men.In the United States, about 15 million people experience depression every year and majority of them are women, whom nearly two-thirds do not get the help they need.

Psychotherapy and antidepressant therapy is recommended to lower the number of depressed women who are depending on antidepressant medication.

 

 

Psychotherapy As Management For Depression

 

In the U.S., an estimated 17 million adult Americans are known to have depression during a 1-year period. Depression is a mental disorder that has been misunderstood over time. People view it as a sign of weakness rather than an illness that requires support and medical attention. Misdiagnosis is also common in major depression because its symptoms can also be found in other mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder. When a confirmed diagnosis has been made, the first line of treatment will usually consist of antidepressant medications. A medication prescribed for depression is Zoloft. However, this can be a disadvantage because antidepressants including Zoloft are linked with the increased risk of suicide thoughts in children and young adolescents. Aside from that information, reports have surfaced that Zoloft can cause more than the cardiac birth defects when taken by pregnant women. There are alternative treatments to depression aside from medications and that includes psychotherapy.

 

What is Psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy is a treatment modality done in patients suffering from depression. This treatment plan sees the individual as a person with normal response to experience and survival. Psychotherapy tries to understand the person and heals him/her knowing the root of the condition unlike the medical model where it is viewed as a disease. Psychodynamics regards depression as a defense mechanism to shut down from future emotional pain or suffering.

 

How Can Psychotherapy Help?

Initially, it helps by gain insight and self-awareness. Your therapist can help identify problems contributing to your depression and might help in making you understand which of those can be solved or improved. He or she can also pinpoint negative behaviours or ideas that accompany the illness. However, the main role of your therapist is for you to uncover the real meaning behind all your thoughts and feelings. Your therapist will help you develop the coping mechanisms best suited for your situation so you may be able to regain control and enjoyment in your life. Psychotherapy can be used in adjunction with medications as this is also helpful in mood stabilizing. However, side effects can occur like the birth defects caused by Zoloft, a kind of SSRI antidepressant.