DEPRESSION is a common condition that affects people of all ages, and both sexes. Although classed as a mental disorder it affects both body and mind, with as many physical as mental symptoms. It is a spectrum condition that ranges from mild to very severe, with biological, psychological and social causes. A diagnosis is made on the basis of a detailed history, physical examination, and basic investigations. Treatments are designed to take into consideration the predisposing, precipitating and maintaining factors. The following treatments have been shown to be effective in treating depression, and the individual may need one or more of them to recover safely and quickly.

1. Biological Treatments: e.g.
1. Medication
1. Antidepressants
2. Mood stabilisers
3. Augmenting drugs

      b. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
           

1. Psychological Treatments
1. Counseling
2. Formal psychotherapy e.g. cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
2. Social Treatments, e.g. lifestyle modification

Our current understanding of depressive disorder is that it isn’t just a state of mind, but that it is a serious, debilitating, and sometimes dangerous illness for which there are a number of effective treatments.

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ANXIETY DISORDERS

Anxiety is a common human emotion that occurs in response to threatening or troubling situations. It can be constructive and positive, when it leads to better performance and achievement. However, when persistent and excessive, it impairs normal functioning, affects quality of life, and is disabling. Such anxiety can take the form of a range of disorders, and can either be caused by or themselves lead to physical illnesses. As they may have evolved over time, most individuals suffer them without recognising the possibility that they may be ill. At the same time, psychiatrists can make a positive diagnosis on the basis of a careful history, examination, and basic investigations.
Most importantly, as with depressive disorders, psychological, biological and social treatments can all be helpful, often in combination.

Here are some common anxiety disorders: they aren’t mutually exclusive, and individuals may suffer features of several.

1. Generalised Anxiety Disorder
2. Panic Disorder
3. Agoraphobia
4. Social Anxiety

Treatment depends on the kind of anxiety, and the individual.
Some effective treatments include:

1. Psychotherapy
1. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
2. Behavioural therapy
3. Interpersonal therapy (IPT)
4. Mindfulness
5. Emotional Freedom Therapy (EFT)
2. Medication
3. Life style changes

SYMPTOMS that we commonly get asked for help with

Worry / anxiety / panic / stress
Depression / sadness / unhappiness
Low self esteem / low self confidence
Appetite loss / comfort eating
Motivation problems
Suspiciousness
Fearfulness
Anger / violence / impulsive behaviour
Flashbacks / unhappy memories
Sexual dysfunction
Obsessions / recurrent thoughts
Compulsions / repetitive actions
Bizarre / irrational thoughts
Memory problems / forgetfulness / poor concentration
Addictions - alcoholism, drug problems, gambling
Family problems/other relationship issues
Marital conflicts

Fatigue / tiredness / weakness
Insomnia / disturbed sleep / excessive sleep
Headaches
Pain / aches
Headache
Faints
Fits / seizures
Tremors / shakes
Irritable bowel
Non-cardiac chest pain
Health anxiety / hypochondriasis