Depression in Women

Women experience depression twice as often as men. The diagnostic criteria for depression are the same for both sexes, but women with depression more frequently experience guilt, anxiety, increased appetite and sleep, weight gain and comorbid eating disorders. 

Causes of depression in women

Women are about twice as likely as men to suffer from depression. Many factors may contribute to the onset of depression, including genetic characteristics, changes in hormone levels, certain medical illnesses, stress, grief, or substance abuse. Any of these factors alone or in combination can bring about the specific changes in brain chemistry that lead to the many symptoms of depression, bipolar disorder and related conditions.

Signs and symptoms of depression in women

The symptoms of depression in women are the same as those for major depression. Common complaints include:

- Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood

- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities, including sex

- Restlessness, irritability, or excessive crying

- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness, hopelessness, pessimism

- Sleeping too much or too little, early-morning awakening

- Appetite and/or weight loss or overeating and weight gain

- Decreased energy, fatigue, feeling "slowed down"

- Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts

- Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions

- Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain

Treating depression in women

In general, the severe depressive illnesses, particularly those that are recurrent, will require antidepressant medications (or ECT in severe cases) along with psychotherapy for the best outcome. Patience is required because the treatment of depression takes time. Sometimes, the doctor will need to try a variety of antidepressants before finding the medication or combination of medications that is most effective for the patient. Sometimes, the dosage must be increased to be effective.

Facts About Depression

What is depression?

Most people have felt sad or depressed at times. Feeling depressed can be a normal reaction to loss, life's struggles, or an injured self-esteem.

But when feelings of intense sadness including feeling helpless, hopeless, and worthless last for many days to weeks and keep you from functioning normally, your depression may be something more than sadness. It may very well be clinical depression - a treatable medical condition.

Depression is a common, serious illness and not a personal weakness. Depression can happen to anyone, at any age, and to people of any race or ethnic group.

Depression, which is treatable, can come from chemical imbalances in the brain, hormonal changes, medications or things going on in your life.

Women suffer from depression twice as often as men. One out of four women may have depression sometime during their lifetime. Many people suffer with depression but do not seek help.

What are the symptoms of depression?

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, people with depressive illnesses don't all experience the same symptoms. How severe they are, how frequent, and how long they last will vary depending on the individual and his or her particular illness. Here are common symptoms people with depression experience:

- Persistent sad, anxious or "empty" mood

- Sleeping too much or too little, middle of the night or early morning waking

- Reduced appetite and weight loss, or increased appetite and weight gain

- Loss of pleasure and interest in activities once enjoyed, including sex

- Restlessness, irritability

- Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment (such as chronic pain or digestive disorders)

- Difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions

- Fatigue or loss of energy

- Feeling guilty, hopeless or worthless

- Thoughts of suicide or death

What causes depression?

Depression isn’t a simple condition with a known cause. Some people are more susceptible to depressive episodes while others are not. It’s important to discuss symptoms with your doctor. There are several possible causes of depression.

• Genetic - Depression may be an inherited condition. You may have a higher likelihood of experiencing a depressive disorder at some point in your life if you have a family member with depression. The exact gene involved in this is unknown.
• Biological - People with depression may have too little or too much of certain brain chemicals. Changes in these brain chemicals may cause or play a role in clinical depression.
• Medications - Side effects of some medications can bring about depression.
• Cognitive - People with negative thinking patterns and low self-esteem are more likely to develop clinical depression.
• Situational - Difficult life events, including divorce, financial problems or the death of a loved one can contribute to depression.

How is depression treated?

Depression is very treatable, with the overwhelming majority of those who seek treatment showing improvement. The most commonly used treatments are antidepressant medication, psychotherapy or a combination of the two.  The choice of treatment depends on the pattern, severity, persistence of depressive symptoms and the history of the illness.  As with many illnesses, early treatment is more effective and helps prevent the likelihood of serious recurrences.  Depression must be treated by a physician or qualified mental health professional.

Zoloft Sertraline - a medicine used for the treatment of depression

Zoloft (Sertraline) 50/100 mg is used for treating depression or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It belongs to a group of antidepressant medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). This medication is often used to treat depression experienced by adults and teenagers. This medication may also be used to treat adults and teenagers who experience panic attacks, posttraumatic stress, social anxiety, premenstrual dysphoric issues, and obsessive compulsive thoughts and behaviors. Zoloft may help to control the emotions, thoughts, and actions that sometimes accompany these mental health conditions, but it will not cure the conditions.

How should I take this medication?

Zoloft is supplied for oral administration as scored tablets containing sertraline hydrochloride equivalent to 25, 50 and 100 mg of sertraline. You may need to take this medication for several weeks before you begin to feel the effects of this drug. It is important to continue taking this drug as prescribed by your healthcare advisor, even after you begin to feel better.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

As soon as you remember it, take the dose you missed. If it will soon be time for your next regular dose, skip the missed dose altogether. You should not take a double dose to make up for missed medication. Taking two doses over a short period of time may lead to an overdose.

Who should not take this medication?

People who are allergic to sertraline should avoid this medication. Allergic reactions may include difficulty breathing, rashes or hives, and swelling of the lips, tongue, eyes or face. Elderly people should not take this medication unless it is being used to treat obsessive compulsive behavior. Children should not be given this drug.

How Should I Store This Medication?

Zoloft should be tightly sealed in its original container when not in use. Store the container at room temperature. Avoid locations that are exposed to excess heat or moisture (such as a bathroom or kitchen). 

Possible Side Effects of Zoloft

Side effects from Zoloft will be different for each person. Some people who take it experience no side effects at all. Serious side effects from this medication may include: unclear vision; seizures; rapid or irregular heartbeat; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Less serious side effects of taking this drug can include: drowsiness; disorientation; dry mouth; changes in appetite or weight; restlessness; stomach issues, gas, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation; low sodium levels in blood; headache; pain or tingling in extremities; noticeable differences in sex drive or ability; unwarranted tremors or shaking.

How to Safely Withdraw from Zoloft

People who are taking Zoloft should not stop taking the drug all at once. Formulate a plan with your doctor before reducing or discontinuing this medication altogether. You can reduce the symptoms you feel during withdrawal by slowly reducing this medication in your system. Possible symptoms of withdrawal may include: insomnia; abnormal irritability; an increase in general anxiety; headache; confusion; fatigue.

Speak with your doctor about any negative symptoms that you experience when you stop using this medication.

Atarax Idroxizina 25 mg – An effective method to combat anxiety

Atarax is an anti-depressant medications used for treating anxiety, for sedation before and after general anesthesia, and to treat itching due to certain allergic conditions, including hives and contact dermatitis. It works by affecting the brain to reduce anxiety.

Atarax (hydroxyzine) reduces activity in the central nervous system. It also acts as an antihistamine that reduces the natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing and runny nose, or hives on the skin.

Atarax may be used only with doctor's recommendation. This medicine is taken by mouth with or without food. But, if stomach upset occurs, it should be taken with food in order to reduce stomach irritation. The dosage is based on age, medical condition, and response to treatment. In children, the dosage may also be based on weight. 

Atarax must not be used by: people who are allergic to any ingredient in Atarax, people who are taking sodium oxybate (GHB), women's in the first trimester of pregnancy. This medicine may cause drowsiness. It is prohibited to take Atarax with alcohol or certain medicines.
This medication may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

The common less side effects of Atarax are:
-dizziness, drowsiness
-blurred vision, dry mouth
-headache
Stop using Atarax and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effects such as:
-restless muscle movements in your eyes, tongue, jaw or neck
-tremor (uncontrolled shaking)
-confusion
-seizure (convulsion)
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects.

Atarax should be kept at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees). Do not freeze. Store away from heat, moisture, and light in a tightly closed container. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Atarax out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Use Atarax with caution especially in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its effects.

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