By Kendall Owczarzak Girl Scout Gold Award Troop Health Fair March 29, 2012 Hillview Elementary School Lancaster, New York

Transcription

1 By Kendall Owczarzak Girl Scout Gold Award Troop Health Fair March 29, 2012 Hillview Elementary School Lancaster, New York

2 What is Depression? It is a feeling of chronic sadness and anxiety. It interferes with daily life and normal functioning. It causes pain for both the women with the disorder as well as those who care about her. Women are diagnosed with depression twice as often as men. Depression is something that I suffer from and most people don't understand it at all. It makes everything in my life difficult, even very simple things. Maybe if there was more awareness about depression, more people would understand.

3 Types of Depression: Major depressive disorder is a combination of symptoms that interfere with a person s ability to work, sleep, study, eat and enjoy activities. It is disabling and prevents a person from functioning normally. This type may only occur once/lifetime. It may recur throughout a person s life. Dysthymic disorder symptoms are longterm( could be 2 yrs or longer). This type of depression is less severe and may not disable those affected.

4 Signs and Symptoms: Persistent sad, anxious, or empty mood Feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism Irritability, restlessness, anxiety Feelings of guilt, worthlessness and/or helplessness Loss of interest in activities or hobbies Fatigue and decreased energy Difficulty concentrating, remembering details and making decisions Insomnia, waking up during the night, or excessive sleeping Overeating, or appetite loss Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps or digestive problems that do not ease even with treatment

5 Causes of Depression: Genetics Women may be at increased risk if she has a family history. Research shows that the risk of developing depression may involve a combination of multiple genes with environmental or other factors.

6 Chemicals and Hormones Brain chemistry may be a significant factor for depression. MRI s have shown that brains of individuals that have depression look different from those that don t. The parts of the brain that controls mood, thinking, sleep, appetite and behavior does not appear to function properly. Neurotransmitters also appear to be out of balance. Female hormones also play a role in depression. Hormones directly affect brain chemistry that control emotions and mood. During specific times in a women s life depression may occur more frequently.

7 Chemicals and Hormones cont. Premenstrual dysphonic disorder- Premenstrual dysphonic disorder (PMDD) is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome. Those who suffer from PMDD experience depression, anxiety, irritability and mood swings the week before menstruation. It can interfere with daily activities. Research continues on how the cyclical rise and fall of estrogen and other hormones may affect brain chemistry that causes depression. Postpartum depression- After giving birth, women may be susceptible to depression. Hormonal and physical changes along with caring for a newborn can be overwhelming. Some mothers experience a brief and mild change in mood, sometimes called baby blues. Some research has shown that women who suffer from postpartum depression may have already experienced depression prior to giving birth.

8 Chemicals and Hormones cont. Menopause - Many women who go through menopause will not suffer from depression. As small number will have an increased risk. Depression becomes less common after menopause.

9 Stress Life events such as trauma, loss of a loved one, difficult relationships or any stressful situation helps bring on depression. Additional work and home responsibilities, caring for children, and aging parents, abuse, and poverty also may bring on depression. Women seem to react differently to these situations then men do, thus making them more prone to depression

10 Other illness Depression often coexist with other illnesses. Some illnesses like anorexia and bulimia, anxiety disorders like post traumatic disorder (PTSD), obsessive compulsive disorder, panic attacks and social phobia also accompany depression. Alcohol and substance abuse or dependence may also occur with depression. Serious medical illnesses, like heart disease, stroke, cancer, HIV/AIDS, diabetes, Parkinson s disease, thyroid problems and multiple sclerosis along with depression can increase symptoms of both illness and depression. Treating depression along with the illness will help ease both conditions.

11 Depression in Adolescent Girls and Older Women Girls experience depression more than boys in adolescent years. Biological and hormonal changes occur during puberty is most likely the reason for increased rates in depression for adolescent girls. Girls feel bad longer after experiencing difficult situations or events, thus the susceptibly to depression. Girls also doubt themselves, their problem solving abilities and view their problems as unsolvable more than boys. Girls also need more approval and feeling of success than boys do. Also, girls may undergo more hardships like poverty, poor education, sexual abuse or other traumas that can lead to an increase in depression in adolescent girls.

12 Depression in Adolescent Girls and Older Women cont. Older women experience depression more than men the same age. Depression is not a normal part of aging. Moving from work to retirement, losing a loved one or dealing with a chronic illness can leave women feeling sad or distressed. Older women can regain emotional balance after a period of adjustment to changes in life. Women are less likely to discuss their feelings of sadness or grief or less obvious symptoms of depressions, so physicians may not suspect the illness.

13 Diagnosis of Depression A doctor or mental health provider can complete a diagnostic evaluation. They will get a full history of symptoms, start, how long they lasted and how severe. If there is family history. Is there any use of drugs or alcohol? For diagnosis, the symptoms of depressed mood and reduction of interest need to be present for at least 2 weeks. Also, sleep disturbance and appetite or weight changes need to be present. Doctors will also need to get a history of medications taken as well as medical history of conditions like viruses or thyroid disorder can cause similar symptoms of depression. Also, need to rule out other mental illness like bipolar disorder

14 Treatment of Depression Antidepressants work to normalize brain chemicals like serotonin and norepinephrine. These chemicals get involved with regulating mood. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI s) are some of the common drugs used to treat depression: Fluoxetine (Prozac) Citalopram(Celexa) Sertraline(Zoloft) Paroxetine (Paxil) Escitalopram (Lexapro) Fluvoxamine (Luvox)

15 These drugs have fewer side effects and are more popular than the older antidepressants such as tricyclics. Any antidepressant taken must be taken regularly for at least 3-4 weeks, sometimes longer to get the full effect of the drug. Patients should continue taking the medication for the length of time specified by their doctor, even if they are feeling better. This is so that the patient doesn t relapse back into the depression disorder. Some medications need to be gradually stopped to give the body time to adjust. Antidepressants are not habit forming or addictive, but abruptly ending the drug can cause withdrawal symptoms or lead to a relapse. Some individuals may need to stay on medication indefinitely. Some individuals may not response well to certain drugs, so a health care provider will work with patients to get the perfect combination to treat the illness.

16 Side Effects of Antidepressants Headache Insomnia and nervousness Agitation Constipation Blurred vision Nausea Dry mouth Bladder problems Drowsiness during the day

17 Psychotherapy Talk Therapy Some treatments are short-term (10-20 weeks) depending on the needs of the patient. This type of therapy is use for y mild to moderate depression. Major depression may be treated with both antidepressants and Psychotherapy. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)- helps people change negative styles of thinking and behaving that may contribute to their depression. Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) Helps people understand and work through troubled personal relationships that may cause their depression or make it worse

18 What to do if you know someone that has depression? Help her get an appropriate diagnosis and treatment Encourage her to stay in treatment or seek different treatment if no improvement after 6 to 8 weeks. Offer emotional support, understanding, patience and encouragement Engage her in conversation and listen carefully Never disparage feelings she expresses, but point out realities and offer hope Never ignore comments about suicide, and report them to your friend s or relative s therapist or doctor. Invite your friend or relative out for walks, outings and other activities. Keep trying if she declines, but don t push her to take on too much too soon. Although diversions and company are needed, too many demands may increase feelings of failure. Remind her that with time and treatment, the depression will lift.

19 Where can I go for help? Mental Health specialists, such as psychiatrists, psychologist, social workers, or mental health counselors. Health maintenance organizations (HMO s) Community mental health centers Hospital psychiatry departments and outpatient clinics Mental Health programs at universities or medical schools. State hospital outpatient clinics Family services, social agencies or clergy Peer support groups Private clinics and facilities Employee assistance programs Local medical and/or psychiatric societies

20 Famous Women with Depression Ashley Judd Actress Ashley Judd spoke in 2006 about her depression and eating disorder. Brooke Shields A profile of actress Brooke Shields and her experiences with postpartum depression. as spoken candidly about his past alcohol abuse and depression. Delta Burke In 2008, Delta Burke, star of the TV series Designing Women, spoke in an interview about being hospitalized for depression. Diana, Princess of Wales A profile of Diana, Princess of Wales and her struggles with depression and eating disorders. Emma Thompson Nanny McPhee star Emma Thompson has admitted that she suffered from depression related to her struggles with infertility. J. K. Rowling When interviewed by Adeel Amini for a student magazine at Edinburgh University, Harry Potter author J. K. Rowling spoke about the fact that she had once been depressed and suicidal. Olivia Newton-John In an interview with the Australian Women's Weekly magazine, singer Olivia Newton-John spoke about how she had struggled with depression after her long-time partner Patrick McDermott disappeared. Rosie O'Donnell During her tenure on The View, Rosie O'Donnell discussed her depression following the Columbine High School shooting and how she currently uses inversion therapy to help control her depression. Sheryl Crow A profile of musician Sheryl Crow and her experiences with depression.bottom of Form

21 Some Statistics: Depression Awareness Month Everyone knows that October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, but few people know that it's also Depression Awareness Month. Just because it's not cancer doesn't mean that depression isn't serious. Depressive disorders affect approximately 18.8 million American adults or about 9.5% of the U.S. population age 18 and older in a given year. This includes major depressive disorder, dysthymic disorder, and bipolar disorder. 15% of the population of most developed countries suffers severe depression. 30% of women are depressed. Men's figures were previously thought to be half that of women, but new estimates are higher. 54% of people believe depression is a personal weakness. 41% of depressed women are too embarrassed to seek help. 80% of depressed people are not currently having any treatment. 92% of depressed African-American males do not seek treatment. 15% of depressed people will commit suicide.

22 Statistics cont. Depression will be the second largest killer after heart disease by and studies show depression is a contributory factor to fatal coronary disease. Depression results in more absenteeism than almost any other physical disorder and costs employers more than US$51 billion per year in absenteeism and lost productivity, not including high medical and pharmaceutical bills. Antidepressants work for 35 to 45% of the depressed population, while more recent figures suggest as low as 30%. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has an 80% relapse rate in the long term. Physiological problems, plus learned beliefs and behaviors, make functional decisions difficult, and the results reinforce the depression in a vicious cycle.

23 Statistics cont. Depression can somatize, or become expressed in the body. 80% of people who see physicians are depressed. Studies are increasingly linking more illnesses to depression, including: osteoporosis, diabetes, heart disease, some forms of cancer, eye disease and back pain.

24 References: National Institute of Mental Health Healthy Place Athealth Scrangie Story on Abe Lincoln Famous women with depression n.htm

25 Thank you to everyone that helped with this project: Project Advisors: Shelia M Donovan, PhD, LMSW Buffalo VA Medical Center Girl Scout Advisors: Mariah Kramer and Lois Will Girl Scouts of WNY Thank you to Tops Markets, French and Transit location and Target, Transit and Losson Rd for a donation of Gift cards to our event.