Tuesday, January 20, 2015

Clinical Depression Symptoms - What to Watch For?

Most of us will end up with a case of the blues during our lifetime; this is a normal reaction to rapidly changing life events. Clinical depression however is a deeper more persistent problem that does not go away after a few days and is characterized by feelings of hopelessness and despair. There are two basic types of depression disorders, major or unipolar depression, and manic or bipolar depression. While both depression disorders include the same depressive state, bipolar depression also has a manic phase which is characterized by heightened elation and reduced inhibitions.

What is Major or Unipolar Depression?

Of the two depression disorders major depression is the most common. Major depression is characterized by a near constant state of sadness and depressed mood, which persists past a few weeks. Depression disorders differ from mood cycles in that they do not necessarily have a specific cause, and they do not go away when the cause is resolved. An old saying states that time heals all wounds, but in the case of depression disorders the healing process must often be helped along with the appropriate professional help. When a person has been coping with a lengthy bout of depression, and is unable to feel better for any period of time, a trip to the doctor is likely to end up with the diagnosis of clinical depression.

Major Depression Symptoms

While depression disorders vary somewhat, all clinical depressions are characterized by certain symptoms. The following symptoms are the main symptoms a doctor will search for when attempting to diagnose depression disorders. Doctors will look for at least five of these symptoms which the patient has been struggling with for two weeks or more.

• Feelings of intense Sadness
• A very low frustration level and becoming irritable easily
• The inability to have fun or enjoy hobbies
• A lack of interest in sex
• The inability to sleep or sleeping too much
• Poor appetite or overeating
• Unable to concentrate
• Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
• Thoughts of suicide or death

Depression disorders are different for different people, the unipolar depression may also include symptoms such as confusion, slowed thinking, or impaired memory. There might be crying spells that have no apparent reason, unexplained pain, and agitation and restlessness. Anxiety might be so high that the person complains that their nerves are "shot" and term used to describe the agitation and sense of heightened awareness that occurs during anxiety and depression. 

What is Manic or Bipolar Depression?

Of the two depression disorders, bipolar disorder is the most difficult to control. This is because the manic phase brings such a sense of euphoria that most people simply do not want to believe there is anything wrong with them. When they do understand that they are suffering from depression disorders, they feel so good that they do not want to come back down from the high they are one. For this reason when people suffer from this type of depression disorder they often refuse medication. Depending on the severity of the depression disorders, they may need to be hospitalized until they are a stable.

Bipolar depression is characterized by two phases. A depressive phase and a manic phase. There is no set time or cycle for these phases, and they can last for hours, days, or weeks.

Bipolar Depression Symptoms

Like other depression disorders, bipolar depression has many of the symptoms of clinical depression during the depressive phase. During the manic phase the symptoms of this depression disorder are quite different.

• High almost unimaginable levels of energy
• Inability or lack of desire to sleep
• Rapid talking and activity
• Increased excitement or irritability
• Inappropriate sexual behavior
• Racing thoughts
• Poor judgment and out of control and impulsive behavior

Depression Disorders Can Be Treated

There are a number of treatments available for depression disorders once they have been properly diagnosed. Psychotherapy, cognitive therapy, and in the most serious cases medication can help people to get their lives back on track and help them to overcome the depression disorders which have taken control over their lives.

Depression Disorder and its Natural Remedies

In everyday conversation, depression refers to misery, sadness, hopelessness or general unhappiness, and these emotions are justified by the circumstances an individual finds himself in. Though clinical depression disorder is loosely based on this idea, it is much more serious. According to International Classification of Diseases (ICD 10), a depressive disorder can be categorised into mild, moderate and severe, depending on the severity of the symptoms. The common physical and psychological manifestations of depression include, low mood, lack of appetite, disturbed sleep, reduced energy and interest in activities, poor attention and concentration, increased tiredness, decreased self-esteem and confidence, ideas of guilt and unworthiness and suicidal ideas and intentions.

Depression result from certain neuro-chemical changes in the brain of a person, which is increased due to negative and adverse life events. Episodes of depression can be recurrent or alternating with mania, according to the type manifested in the person. These symptoms, if gone untreated, can make the individual take that last, fatal step of self-harm. This is why the treatment methods for depression are given a lot of importance.

Depression and anxiety disorders, which can be included in the lifestyle psychological disorder list, are mostly treated using pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy, because these improve the basic mood of the person. However, long term use of drugs is known to cause dependency, which is why other forms of depression and anxiety cures are heavily researched upon. Among these, natural depression relief methods using herbs are most preferred due to its relatively lower rates of dependency and side effects. The most important herbs used for this are,

St. John’s Wort – This drug has proven to be equivalent to tricyclic antidepressants in its action in treating mild to moderate depression. Though its action was initially compared to Monoamine Oxidase (MAO) Inhibitors, later it was indicated to be closer to SSRIs. Therefore, St. John’s Wort taken with MAO or SSRIs is contraindicated as the side effects could result in serotonin syndrome, which is potentially fatal.
SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine) – This supplement is used to treat osteoarthritis, liver disease and depression. Researchers speculate its natural depression relief effect results from its influence on the levels of serotonin, noradrenalin and possibly dopamine.
5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) – Supplement made from the seeds of an African plant, Griffonia simplicifolia, it is used to treat fibromyalgia, ADHD, binge eating, insomnia and depression. However, major side effects like nausea, diarrhoea, anorexia, restlessness, anxiety, aggressiveness, insomnia and hypertension are reported with its usage.
Kava Kava – Belongs to the pepper family from South Pacific, it is used to treat depression, anxiety and some other illnesses. It can be ingested in the form of a drink or pills.
Siberian Ginseng – Used to treat depression, sleep and appetite problems and increases resistance to stress, along with treating a variety of other illnesses.

Though the importance of herbal medicine in natural depression relief is widely discussed, there are many factors a user should pay attention to, while taking these medicines. The user should know which medicine should be taken for a specific illness, and the dosage must be strictly followed. This can be availed by a proper consultation with a certified doctor. Self-medication should be avoided as one needs to relieve illness, not aggravate it.

How to treat anxiety?

Anxiety falls under the most common psychiatric disorders in the whole world. The situation is made worse by people perceiving it as less harmful and easily manageable. But just like anybody who has suffered from serious anxiety would tell you, it is not only difficult to manage but also ruins your day to day operation and have serious effects. Prolonged anxiety can have more serious long term effects including; increased chances of stroke, emotional distraction and insomnia. It is therefore important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Though there are so many anxiety drugs treatments available in the market they have serious side effects which may also affect your day to day life. Addiction, dizziness, drowsiness and weight gain are the main side effects. This has raised the need for natural anxiety remedies. Natural anxiety remedies have fewer side effects and works effectively. For a long time Mind-body techniques have been the most popular natural anxiety remedies. However, they face various challenges as they are very involving and therefore require a lot of commitment.  The emergence of so many natural anxiety remedies is meant to solve the existing problems but surprisingly this has brought a lot of confusion.

So how do you go about natural anxiety remedies?

Before starting on natural anxiety remedies you need to have enough information about it. Efficacy, safety and benefits are the most important factors you should consider. If you are looking for a product that combines all these factors then you are in the right because Alpranax offers you these and more.

What is Alpranax?

Alpranax is one of the natural anxiety remedies that is highly effective and offers a lot of benefits. It contains natural ingredients that work in different ways.

How does Alpranax relieve anxiety?

Unlike the other natural anxiety remedies Alpranax has the ability to work from all points of the body. It works directly with the body and the mind to not only reduce the symptoms of stress but also relieve the anxiety completely. The unique combination of natural ingredients distinguishes it from the other natural anxiety remedies. They work in the following different and specific ways;

For any anti-anxiety to be effective it must utilize the body neurochemistry, this similarly applies to all natural anxiety remedies.

B complex vitamins

B-vitamins are depleted when the body is experiencing stress; this causes more anxiety and worsens the situation. Therefore there is need to replenish the depleted B-vitamins.

GABA

This is another Alpranax natural ingredient that distinguishes it from the other natural anxiety remedies. It is responsible for healthy functioning of the brain,  it makes the brain change from an exited state to a calm state.

L-thiamine

It is unique in that it’s able to cross the blood –brain barrier and therefore works directly on the brain cells to reduce stress. This unique property places Alpranax way above the other natural anxiety remedies.

Valerian extract

It has the ability to attach itself to special brain receptors resulting to a mild sedation.

Ashwagandha

It has the ability to calm the body emotionally and physically. The major benefit of Alpranax is its reduced side effects because it’s natural. Don’t allow anxiety to reduce your productivity, we have the best natural anxiety remedies.

Major Depressive Disorder

Major depression disorders, also referred to as anxiety disorders, unipolar depression, recurrent depression or clinical depression, is a disorder that affects the activities ran by the brains and in the process lowers pleasure and enjoyment of various activities leading to low self esteem. Various antidepressants are suggested medically as solutions to the disorder; however, most of them do not work as intended. However, alpranax is designed to help reduce the difficulties of treating the disorder.

Major depression adversely affects individual performance at school, eating habits, sleeping routines, working experience and general family life. It is estimated that about 60 percent of the US suicides are committed by people with major depression disorders; it is further asserted that about 3.5 percent of people with major depression disorders attempt suicide. This worrying statistics are a reality, and they may continue to haunt the society if the right remedies are not administered. Most anxiety disorders solutions tranquilize the brains and dampen the moods of the users; this is undesirable because the solution should replace low self esteem with high spirits not with anything much worse.

How Alpranax Works?

Knowing that anxiety disorders kills, it was important to develop remedies that would solve the problem, Alpranax was designed to reduce the effects of depressions through a different approach. Alpranax is a different kind of a solution because it does not only reduce depression, but it so in a unique way. As opposed to most antidepressants which lower the mood of the user, Alpranax interacts with the neurochemistry part of the brains that is responsible for stress and anxiety, thus cuts off depression without affecting the mood of an individual. This makes Alpranax a better solution for anxiety problems.

Many remedial solutions for anxiety disorders are addictive and may in the long run affect the health of the users; however, this is not the case with alpranax. It is a natural product that is designed to take care of anxiety without causing the user more pain. As a natural supplement, alpranax acts as a perfect solution as compared to normal tranquilizers that have a trail of side effects on the users.

Although all clinical solutions for anxiety target the brains, that does not mean that anxiety only affects the brains; contrary to this, anxiety affects the entire body. After a long time anxiety disorders can lead to a drop in body immune response, heart attack or cardiovascular problems, outbreak of the skin, gaestroesophageal and even fertility problems.

Alpranax has a formula that is able to solve anxiety and all the other issues related to it. It is made from a combination of neuroactive and botanical substances with together works to reduce the effects of anxiety within a very short period of time. It replenishes the body and relaxes the brains; this way the body is about to restore itself to the initial levels within a short time. However, this is not the same energy curve that is used by other anxiety remedies; a good reason for anyone to pick alpranax from the list of solutions. Alpranax usually targets the main symptoms associated with anxiety; tension headache, accelerated heartbeat, nausea, stomach upsets, diarrhea, stiff neck, clouded and unfocused mind, et cetera.

Anxiety disorder

Anxiety disorder is a general term used to define various psychological problems that are associated with uneasiness, fear, and apprehension, rumination based on future uncertainties or imaginary occasions.  This disorder affects individuals both physically and psychologically. Individuals diagnosed with anxiety disorder can be split into two categories based on whether the symptoms are episodic or continuous. However, recent diagnostic formulas have shown that there exist many and different types anxiety disorders. This may have been prompted by the rising number of cases around the world; in America for instance, it is estimated that up to 18 percent of the population experiences on or more types of anxiety. In Europe the number is a bit lower, currently standing at around 14 percent of the Europe population.

Anxiety disorder can also be regarded as a normal reaction to strenuous conditions, and it can also be beneficial to individuals. However, there are many disadvantages, which adversely affect the individuals. Although individuals may be aware of the anxiety and the problems it causes them, it is not easy to control it or wish it away. Anxiety disorder can affect both the social well being of an individual as well as the physical health. Anxiety disorder may take several forms, which may include obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-trauma stress disorder or panic disorder. These are just but a few mental problems that affect people in our society.

Causes of Anxiety Disorder

Research conducted on the causes, prevention, diagnosis and possible treatment of anxiety disorder have brought to light many possibilities. Different approaches have been attempted to find an explanation on what roles the environmental factors and also how genetic factors play a role in anxiety disorders. Environmental factors such as diet, psychological and physical factors as well as pollution are other important factors that are being researched on to establish their relationships with the rising cases of anxiety disorders around the world.

Science seems to support the assertion that genetic, psychological, environmental and even developmental factors play a role in cause conditions such as diabetes type 1, heart diseases and also psychological cases. Already it has been established that anxiety disorder may be caused by PTSD which emanates from trauma. Through advanced studies on genetics, answers to what leads to some traumatized people developing PTSD can be achieved.

Brain is the ultimate processor of all body activities; it is also responsible for anxiety and fear which anguishes the entire body. Science exploits have reviled that hippocampus and amygdala are the ones responsible for anxiety disorder. It is with this background that Alpranax is built, in order to satisfactorily carter for all the psychological and physical problems that result from anxiety.

Amygdala is the part of the brain that is thought to be the center for all communications of the body. It is the hub through which signals from various parts of the body converge, and are interpreted. It warns the other parts of the brain about an incoming danger, thus leading to fear and anxiety. It is believed that this crucial part of the brains can be central to anxiety disorder, which may even be responsible to the fear exhibited by individuals who fear diving, driving, walking at night, et cetera.

Alpranax solves the problem by acting from the center. It stimulates the brains and removes the anxiety, and in the process restores confidence in the individual.

Herbs for Anxiety

There are many traditional herbal remedies that are made from herbs, shrubs and tree barks. They have been used for treatment of anxiety for centuries around the world. Herbal medicines are so beneficial because they can be supplemented with other anxiety management or treatment strategies.

Anxiety medications actually suppresses anxiety and the brain too much making it dull making it much harder for the patient to learn to cope with stress, while as herbs for anxiety and other natural remedies keep the mind alert so the patient is able to control prevalent anxiety symptoms.

Some of the known herbs for anxiety treatment include Chamomile, Kava, Valerian root, Phellodendron bark, Passionflower and St. John's Wort. Alpranax contains several of these herbs as part of its ingredients so in this article we will focus on discussing the herbs contained in alpranax.

Passion flower

Passion flower is known by its botanical name (Passiflora incarnata) or by another name passion vines. Alpranax contains this herb for anxiety and insomnia treatment. A study on the herb showed that passionflower is comparable to benzodiazepine drugs. It boosted improvement in the patient’s job performance and he showed less drowsiness signs when he was treated using passionflower as compared to the drug mexazolam. However, neither of the side effects was statistically significant. Some notable side effects of passionflower may include nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, and rapid heartbeat.

St. John's Wort

St John’s Wort is referred by its botanical name as (Hypericum perforatum). This herb is also referred to as a herb for anxiety because it is an effective mood lifter. It is not specifically designed for anxiety, but it works very effective in fighting depression, which in most cases comes as a co morbid with anxiety symptoms. It is also known to treat diarrhea, gastroenteritis, viral infections of the lungs, chest and genitals among other valuable uses.

This herb is used also to treat mild depression in children and adolescents because it has similar effect as standard antidepressants but with fewer side-effects. In but just one study, St John's Wort was not found to be effective to patients suffering from dysthymia which is a less severe but more chronic variety of depression. It is worthy to note that alpranax contains extracts of this herb.

Valerian root

Valerian which is scientifically known as (Valeriana officinalis, Valerianaceae) is a hardy perennial flowering plant that has sweetly scented pink or white flowers that blossom in the summer months. Valerian root is classified as a herb for anxiety because it is an incredibly effective sedative. Primarily, it is used as a sleeping aid, but its sedative qualities very are effective at soothing muscles and reducing physical and mental tension so that the patient can relax easily.

It can also be used to possibly relieve uterine cramps, bronchial spasms and persistent coughs. It is worthy to note that alpranax contains this herb’s extracts which interacts with the body's GABA-A receptor, which has a mildly sedative effect. In addition it interferes with the brain's reuptake of adenosine A1, which diminishes muscle tension and many of the other physical manifestations of anxiety.

Sometimes, valerian is added to bathing water in aromatherapy to help with restlessness and sleeping disorders. In the manufacturing industry extracts of this herb for anxiety and its oil are made from valerian and are used as flavoring in foods and beverages.

Natural Depression Relief

Here we will be looking at the natural treatments or ways to relieve depression. These natural depression relief remedies are used with or without supplementation with other drugs. Herbs and amino acids are very good natural depression relief products while as other activities like aromatherapy, jogging and yoga are also very good to relief a patient off depression very easily.

For this article we are going to study the remedies that work with our drug alpranax because though it is a prescription medicine it has natural herbs extract which are used as natural reliefs for depression. The ingredients in alpranax that we are going to look at are: - B-Complex Vitamins, Valerian, Passion Flower and St. John's Wort.

St. John’s Wort

St. John’s Wort is a perennial herb that has bright yellow flowers that are full of an oily red substance called hypericin which is the active constituent of Hypericum perfoliatum (which is the botanical name for St. John’s Wort). This natural depression relief herb has also been studied extensively and it has shown to have lower risks of side effects than the conventional anti-depressants. This medicine is administered to the patient in its processed form as pills, capsules or as an active ingredient in drugs like alpranax. This herb should not be combined with other medications.

Passion Flower

This is also another perennial herb that is a relief for natural depression. If a depression patient watches his patterns and he sees that tends to get stressed out and then he just crashes and goes into a state of depression, a herb like passionflower might help him more than an anti-depressant drug or herb, or both he can  use both. What passion flower does it goes to the brain and calms the nervous system a bit unlike antidepressants that just dull the mind.

B-vitamins

One thing that you should note is that B-vitamins are never prescribed alone to a patient but they are usually put into food or other supplementary drugs or juices for ingestion into the body. B-vitamins doses are safe to take with anti-depressants and other medications. B-vitamins are very cheap and can be likened to water on a plant that is wilting when they are been administered to a depressed person. A good quality multi-vitamin combination is what is typically prescribed to depressed patients.

A multi-vitamin combination is a great insurance policy to a doctor because it ensures that nutritional deficiency is not the contributing factor to the patient’s depression. How the B-vitamins work when used from our drug alpranax they help the brain functioning properly and to replenish the B-vitamins levels in the body because B-vitamins are frequently exhausted by anxiety and stress.

Valerian

Valerian which is scientifically known as (Valeriana officinalis, Valerianaceae) is a hardy perennial flowering plant that has sweetly scented pink or white flowers that blossom in the summer months. Alpranax uses this natural depression relief because it complements the soothing formula of the drug. How valerian works is that it interacts with the body's GABA-A receptor, where it causes a mildly sedative effect. Additionally it interferes with the brain's reuptake of adenosine A1 and this helps diminish muscle tension and the other physical manifestations of anxiety.