Symptoms of depression include persistent sadness,

anxiousness, emptiness, feelings of hopelessness, pessimism,

guilt, helplessness, and worthlessness. Also a loss of interest or

pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyed is a

common sign a person is depressed. They may be very tired and

feel a loss of energy to do everyday routines or could suffer the

opposite and not be able to sleep and become extremely restless.

Appetite changes and weight loss or weight gain is an example

of a physical change along with headaches and chronic pains.

Thoughts of death or suicide or suicide attempts are very

serious symptoms of depression and the person needs to seek

the disorder could suffer from it. Whether inherited or not,

In some families depression seems to occur generation after

Depression is treated by first getting a physical examination. Certain medications or medical conditions can be the cause of the same symptoms of depression. A patient will undergo the exam, an interview, and lab tests to rule out the possibility of a physical cause for the depression. If that is the case then a psychological evaluation will be done and the person will be referred to a psychologist or a psychiatrist. This doctor will ask about history the history of the symptoms, when they started, how long have they lasted and how severe they are. The doctor should also ask about alcohol or drug use and if the patient has ever had any thoughts about death or suicide. Another important factor is if anyone in the person’s family has ever been diagnosed with a depressive illness and if that is the case what treatments have they received. Lastly, a diagnostic evaluation will include a mental status examination to determine if speech or thought patterns or memory has been affected.

The newest treatment is herbal therapy. St. John’s wort is an herb used for treatment of mild to moderate depression in Europe and has recently become known in the United States. It is an attractive bushy, low-growing plant covered with yellow flowers in the summer. The National Institute of Mental Health, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine and the Office of Dietary Supplements have sponsored a three year study on this herb to discover the effectiveness of this treatment opposed to a common antidepressant. The Food and Drug Administration has already issued a Public Health Advisory on February 10, 2000 stating that St. John’s wort appears to affect an important metabolic pathway. Many drugs prescribed that treat conditions such as heart disease, depression, seizures, certain cancers, and rejection of transplants use this pathway. This advises that any herbal supplements should be taken after the consultation with a doctor.

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