Physical dependence: A medical condition caused by the adaptation of the body to chronic use of a tolerance-forming drug. With this type of dependence, abrupt or gradual drug withdrawal causes unpleasant side effects that can be life threatening in some cases. See psychological dependence.
Physical bullying: The most commonly known form of bullying involving the use of force or stealing possessions or vandalism to intimidate victims. Physical bullying usually escalates over time, and often involves groups of abusers singling out individuals they consider to be vulnerable.
Postpartum depression: A form of depression often experienced by women who have recently given birth (and which can also affect new fathers). Affecting an estimated 10 to 15 percent of new mothers, postpartum depression can last for months in many cases and can often subside only to occur again in a new pregnancy. In extreme forms, postpartum depression can also include psychotic symptoms, leading sufferers to pose a danger to themselves and others around them.
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD): A condition trigged by exposure to a traumatic stimulus or situation with imminent threat of death or harm. Symptoms can include chronic hypervigilance, flashbacks, nightmares, emotional distress, and depression.
Psychic pain hypothesis: A hypothesis suggesting that the emotional distress seen in depression is equivalent to how physical pain affects the body. Psychic pain leading to depression can act as a warning that certain activities may be harmful.
Psychoeducational training programs: Programs that focus on educating depressed patients about their emotional issues and the barriers they may face in learning to move on with their lives. Training modules can include anger management, relaxation training, good nutrition and exercise, and meditation.
Psychological dependence: A form of dependence that can lead to emotional and motivational withdrawal symptoms due to the reduced ability to cope without the drug or stimulus in question. Most commonly seen in substance abuse, can also account for compulsive gambling and other behavioral analogs to addiction. See physical dependence.
Rauwolfia: A herbaceous bush found in many parts of Asia and Africa. Teas made from parts of the plant have long been used in herbal remedies for depression and mental distress. One of the first antipsychotic medications, reserpine, was developed from the Rauwolfia plant.
Reactive depression: A form of depression triggered by events in a person’s life but with symptoms much more severe than might otherwise be expected. Also known as exogenous depression.
SAMe Also known as adenosylmethionine, SAMe is a molecule that forms naturally in the body and that plays a role in the synthesis of key proteins, hormones, and neurotransmitters. This includes norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin. Available by prescription in many parts of Europe for decades as an extremely popular treatment for depression, SAMe is mainly sold as a dietary supplement in North America. This has been changing in recent years, however, and it has become increasingly popular as a natural remedy for depression.
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD): A form of depression that is linked to seasonal changes. People typically develop SAD during autumn or winter though mood often improves in springtime. Research suggests that SAD may be due to the reduced sunlight that occurs during winter months.
Secondary traumatic stress: A form of vicarious trauma that can affect family members or friends of trauma victims due to secondhand exposure to traumatic experiences. Can also affect health care professionals dealing with trauma victims.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors: Often referred to as SSRIs, these are the most commonly prescribed antidepressant medications used today. By selectively acting on serotonin receptor sites, SSRIs can significantly boost serotonin levels in the brain while only weakly affecting dopamine and norepinephrine receptors. As a result, they can relieve the symptoms of severe depression with far fewer side effects than other kinds of medication.
Serotonin model of depression: A model of depression based on research findings that reduced serotonin levels in key brain regions can result in clinical symptoms of depression. Has been used in the development of antidepressant drugs that work by reinforcing serotonin activity in the brain.
Serotonin syndrome: A medical condition caused by extremely high serotonin levels in the brain. Symptoms include rapid heart rate, agitation, lack of coordination, excessive sweating, and other more serious problems. Can result from medication interactions as well as inappropriate dosage of medication.
Skill development programs: Programs using an interactive training approach to help group members share their own insights and ideas. Group sessions typically focus on training members to handle anger effectively, forming stronger social networks, coping strategies, relaxation training, and recognizing the triggers that can lead to negative thinking.
St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum): Extracted from the flower of the St. John’s Wort plant native to different parts of Europe and Asia, hypericum has been used for centuries by medical doctors and apothecaries for the treatment of mild to moderate depression. One of the active components of hypericum, hypericin, appears to reduce serotonin receptor density and may also dampen the production of cortisol by acting on the body’s hormonal system. At present, there is no clear evidence that hypericum is as effective as prescription antidepressant medications.
Stress sensitization hypothesis: This hypothesis proposes that individuals exposed to childhood adversity tend to be much more vulnerable to later problems, including depression and generalized anxiety.
Susto: A culture-based syndrome found in Latin America that resembles depression. Symptoms include insomnia, lethargy, diarrhea, lack of motivation, and nervousness.
Transcranial electrical stimulation (tES): A more modern variation on electroconvulsive therapy, it involves the running of minimal electric currents through scalp electrodes applied to different points along the skull. Depending on the polarity of the current, electrical stimulation can either increase or decrease cortical activity in the regions where the current is applied. Along with relieving depressive symptoms, tES has also been used to boost cognitive functioning, including improved memory, concentration, and problem-solving ability.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS): A new alternative to the use of direct electric currents, TMS uses shifting magnetic fields to induce an electric flow in target regions of the brain. Most forms of TMS involve the use of a magnetic field generator, or “coil,” that can be applied to the head of the patient receiving treatment using a specialized headband. Along with its value in treating depression, TMS has also been used in treating neuropathic pain and boosting cognitive functioning in dementia cases as well as in diagnosing different types of neurological damage.
Treatment plan: As the name suggests, a treatment plan outlines the treatment goals that need to be met and the type of treatment to achieve those goals. Typically developed in the first few treatment sessions by the therapist and client working together. Treatment plans are continually revised during the course of treatment to address successes and setbacks as they occur.
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs): Including such drugs as imipramine, amitriptyline, desipramine, and nortriptyline, TCAs work by directly acting on neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine to increase their levels in the brain. Less commonly used today due to adverse side effects such as dry mouth, constipation, excessive sweating, tremors, and weight changes. More rarely, it can also lead to seizures, disorientation (especially in older adults), and changes in heart rate.
Verbal bullying: A form of bullying involving the use of name calling, teasing or mocking, or other verbal abuse aimed at undermining self-confidence or isolating intended victims from their support networks.
Directory of Resources
Helplines
For anyone suffering from depression or contemplating suicide, the following helplines are excellent places to get support.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1 (800) 273-8255
/> National Suicide Prevention Lifeline online chat: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat/
The Samaritans: 1 (877) 870-4673
Boys Town National Hotline: 1 (800) 448-3000
Trevor Project Lifeline (for LGBT youth): 1 (866) 488-7386
Crisis Text Line: text HOME to 741741
ImAlive Online Chat: https://www.imalive.org/
Websites
While most cities have local resources that can be found through your family doctor or mental health organizations, here is a list of online resources that can be accessed for more information.
Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA)
www.ada.org
An international nonprofit organization founded in 1979 for the prevention, treatment, and cure of anxiety, depressive, obsessive-compulsive, and trauma-related disorders through education, practice, and research. ADAA’s website provides online support for millions of people with depression each year and also promotes scientific research and clinical care programs for people in need. ADAA also provides a referral service for local treatment resources and related organizations.
Freedom from Fear
www.freedomfromfear.org
Founded in 1984 as a nonprofit mental health advocacy organization, Freedom from Fear provides mental health advocacy, educational resources, research funding, and community support for people who need help for depression and related conditions. Along with free mental health screening, Freedom from Fear’s website lists numerous resources including internship programs, treatment centers, and online information on a wide range of topics relating to depression and suicide.
Medical News Today
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/
One of the world’s best sources of information on medical issues and available treatments, Medical News Today also has a comprehensive website on a wide range of mental health issues, as well as information sheets on depressive symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options. The site also includes a knowledge center outlining the latest research into depression and suicide.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
www.nami.org
Founded in 1979, NAMI is the largest grassroots organization of its kind in the United States. Providing education programs in thousands of communities across the country, NAMI also has a toll-free helpline allowing people in need to access information and support on local resources.
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml
A federal scientific research institute funded by the National Institutes of Health and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, NIMH is one of the leading federal agencies for research into mental disorders, including depression. Along with summaries of the latest research studies, NIMH’s website also provides basic information on depression, including statistics, and numerous recent publications on diagnosis and treatment as well as links to many other organizations providing services worldwide.
U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA)
https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/res-vatreatmentprograms.asp
The VA offers a number of different treatment options for eligible veterans seeking help for depression issues. Both outpatient and residential (live-in) programs are available at VA sites across the United States where veterans can receive inpatient and outpatient therapy, family counseling, medication for psychiatric conditions, and first-time screening. Special programs are also available for women, veterans of recent deployments, and homeless veterans.
Books
These are books that might be of help in dealing with depression and some of the underlying issues that can be contributing to what is happening.
Treatment Guides
Cobain, Bev. (2007). When Nothing Matters Anymore: A Survival Guide for Depressed Teens. Free Spirit Publishing.
A hard-hitting guide for depressed teens and their families. Provides facts and clears away many of the misconceptions surrounding teen depression and suicide. Written by a psychiatric nurse who is also a cousin of Kurt Cobain who ended his own battle with depression tragically.
Greenberger, Dennis, Padesky, Christine, & Beck, Aaron. (2015). Mind Over Mood: Change How You Feel By Changing the Way You Think. Guilford Press.
Latest edition of a seminal classic by some of the leading authorities in cognitive behavioral therapy. Provides a common-sense program for overcoming depression, social anxiety, and low self-esteem.
Knauss, William J., & Ellis, Albert. (2012). The Cognitive Behavioral Workbook for Depression: A Step-by-Step Program. New Harbinger Publications.
A treatment guide from one of the pioneers of cognitive behavioral therapy. Offers a range of exercises and advice on disrupting negative thinking and developing a more positive mind-set.
Solomon, Andrew. (2011). The Noonday Demon: An Atlas of Depression. Scribner.
This book explores many of the different perspectives about depression from medicine, literature, art, and history. A fascinating look at the many forms of depression and how it affects people around the world.
Strosahl, Kirk D., & Robinson, Patricia J. (2017). The Mindfulness and Acceptance Workbook for Depression: Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to Move through Depression and Create a Life Worth Living. New Harbinger Publications.
Written by the therapists who cofounded acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), this is a revised edition of one of the best classic treatment guides available for people with depression.
Williams, Mark. (2012). The Mindful Way through Depression: Freeing Yourself from Chronic Unhappiness. Guilford Press.
This book explores the use of mindfulness training to help people with depression learn to cope with their symptoms and move on with their lives.
Personal Stories
Some of the best advice that someone with depression can get often comes from people who have endured depression themselves. Here are some excellent examples.
Fard, Nima. (2010). One Survivor’s Guide to Beating Depression and Thriving Thereafter.
This book describes one survivor’s journey through depression as well as provides common-sense advice for people looking for help.
Thompson, Tracy. (1996). The Beast: A Journey through Depression. Plume.
A frank and eloquent autobiography by a journalist whose harrowing experience with depression from adolescence well into adulthood is covered in a way that only an investigative reporter can truly describe.
Index
Ainsworth, Mary, 39
Alcohol, 14, 19, 45, 46, 50, 52, 67
American Academy of Pediatrics, 20
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 29
Amish, 45
Anhedonia, 12
Antidepressant medication, 13, 14, 18, 19, 21, 32, 34, 52, 63, 66–69, 70, 71, 72, 76; MAO inhibitors (MAOIs), 67; reserpine, 66; selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), 67–69; tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), 67
Anxiety, 3, 27, 28, 36, 39, 47–48, 50, 51, 52, 57, 63, 65, 68, 69, 74, 78, 85; generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), 47; hypochondria, 48; panic disorder, 47; phobia, 48; separation anxiety, 48
Attachment, 38–40, 78; fearful avoidant, 39; insecure avoidance attachment, 39; insecure resistant, 39; secure attachment, 39, 96
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), 14
Automatic beliefs, 75
Behavioral shutdown hypothesis, 23
Behavior modification, 75, 76
Bell, Kristen, 58
Bipolar disorder, 5, 8, 34, 51, 52, 68, 73
Bowlby, John, 38
Brain, 8, 15, 16, 24, 27, 31, 32, 33, 42, 43, 45, 46, 54, 67, 68, 70, 71, 77; amygdala, 33; cortex, prefrontal, 15; hippocampus, 15; hypothalamus/supra-chiasmic nucleus (SCN), 31; midbrain/ventral tegmental area, 47; pineal gland, 31
Bullying, 6, 35, 37, 43, 44, 56, 57; cyberbullying, 26, 27, 33, 35, 36; homophobic bullying, 43; physical bullying, 36; relational bully
ing, 36; verbal bullying, 36
Carothers, John Colin, 54
Chronic fatigue syndrome (myalgic encephalomyelitis), 13, 14
Chronic pain, 40–42
Cognitive behavioral therapy for chronic pain (CBT-CP), 41
Collective trauma, 25
Columbine massacre, 55
Complicated grief, 37–38
Cyclothymic disorder, 6
Dependence, 14, 31, 35; physical, 46; psychological, 46
Depp, Johnny, 58
Depression: endogenous, 4; and families, affect, 48; geriatric, 11; postpartum, 5, 28–30, 32, 73; prison of, 6; reactive, 4; signs, 12–13; statistics, 8; stigma, 7, 8, 10, 18, 19, 53, 57–59, 70, 71, 85
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, 8
Depression in the military, 42–43
Depressive disorder, major, 5, 7, 26, 38, 45, 51, 78, 84
Diabetes, 13–14, 106
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), 3, 5, 30, 37, 47
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), 73
Drugs, 19, 32, 45–46, 50, 67, 72
Drug withdrawal, 46
Dysthymic disorder (persistent depressive disorder), 6
Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), 73
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), 70
Emo culture, 55
Family history, 9, 13, 33
Fight or flight, 32
Food and Drug Administration (FDA), 72
Ford, Harrison, 58
Functional analysis, 75
Gaga, Lady, 58
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), 47
Goth culture, 54–55
Herbal and dietary remedies, for depression, 71–72; omega-3 fatty acids, 72; St. John’s Wort, 72
Depression Page 16