MIGRAINE--CAUSES--SYMPTOMS-TREATMENTS.........

Migraine

1.    Migraine is a condition, in which a person experiences tremendous headache.

2.    Generally, this headache affects only one side of the head and body.

3.    Migraine attacks are more common to those people who take too much of stress or are workaholic.

 In such people, the blood flow in the brain muscles drops, as a result of too much load, squeezing the arteries. When the person suddenly relaxes, these tight brain muscles expand, stretching the blood vessel walls. The blood pumped with each heartbeat, then, pushes the vessels further, causing immense pain.

 Though the exact cause of migraine has not been identified, there are a number of factors that can trigger the severe headache. In the following lines, we have listed the various causes and symptoms of migraine.

Migraines are severe, disabling recurrent headaches that are generally accompanied by other symptoms such as visual disturbances or nausea.

There are two types of migraine

1.    A classic migraine has an "aura" or warning associated with it that precedes the headache. The aura is often a visual disturbance (like seeing stars or zigzag lines or a temporary blind spot.) 

2.    A common migraine does not have such a warning before the head pain begins, typically accompanied by nausea, vomiting and visual disturbances.

Commonly lasts from 6 to 48 hours

Accompanying symptoms that may precede or occur at the same time as the migraine include:

1. Nausea and vomiting
2. Dizziness described as lightheadedness or even vertigo (feeling like the room is spinning)
3. Fatigue Loss of appetite
4. Irritability
5. Eye pain
6. Extreme sensitivity to light (called photophobia)
7. Parts of your body may feel numb, weak, or tingly
8. Light, noise, and movement?especially bending over?make head hurt worse

Symptoms that may linger even after the migraine has resolved:

• Feeling mentally dull, like your thinking is not clear or sharp increased need for sleep
• Neck pain  

Causes Of Migraine

• Low blood sugar
• Allergy infection
• Excessive intake of certain drugs
• Nutritional deficiency
• Consistent overwork
• Improper sleep and rest
• Excessive smoking
• Too much consumption of alcohol
• Sexual indulgence
• Menstruation in women
• Hormonal changes
• Certain foods
• Too much of stress
• Sensory stimuli, such as bright lights and sun glare
• Physical factors
• Changes in the environment
• Birth control pills
• Family Hisory

Symptoms:-

The most common symptom of a migraine headache is a throbbing pain on one side of your head. You also may have other symptoms before, during, and after a migraine. Different people have different symptoms. But many headaches also cause other unwanted symptoms, including nausea and vomiting. This article addresses the most common headache symptoms associated with the different types of headaches.

1.    Migraines are painful, sometimes disabling headaches that are often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light, noise, and smell.

2.    These throbbing headaches usually occur on only one side of the head, although the pain can shift from one side of the head to the other or can occur on both sides at the same time.

3.    Migraines involve changes in chemicals and blood vessels in the brain, which trigger pain signals leading to headache and other symptoms.

4.    Migraine headaches tend to recur. A migraine headache typically lasts 4 to 24 hours but in some cases can last up to 3 days. Some people have symptoms, such as visual disturbances, that occur before a headache starts. These symptoms are called a migraine aura.

5.    Some people have several headaches per month. Others have headaches much less often. Treatment usually includes medicines to prevent a migraine from occurring or to stop a migraine after it begins. In some people, migraines may be triggered by certain foods or smells. No exposure to these triggers may stop the headaches.

Pain on one side of the head, starting from the area behind the eye

• Short periods of depression
• Irritability
• Loss of appetite
• Pounding pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Numbness or weakness in an arm or leg or on one side of the face
• Tingling sensation in the legs
• Digestive problems
• Laziness
• Difficulty in speaking
• Weakness
• Stiff neck
• Yawning
• Confused thinking
• Difficulty in concentrating
• Distorted vision
• Head pain, with a pulsating or throbbing quality
• Inability to follow regular routine
• Sensitivity to light and sound

Home Remedy for Migraine

Migraine is the name given to severe headaches, normally lasting from 4 to 72 hours. It is mainly felt s pulsing or throbbing in one area of the head. During migraine, there is contraction or dilation of the blood vessels. Some of the factors that can trigger a migraine attack anxiety, stress, lack of food or sleep, exposure to light and hormonal changes (in women). In women, menstruation can also result in migraine. The symptoms of migraine are pain on one side of the head, a short period of depression, irritability and loss of appetite, pounding pain, nausea and vomiting as well as numbness or weakness in an arm or leg or on one side of the face. This severe headache can, however, be cured, naturally using home remedies. Read onto know some of the natural ways of treating migraine.

Home Remedy For Migraine

• Migraine can be treated effectively with the help of fresh grape juice. Grind grapes to extract the juice. Consume the juice in the concentrated form, without adding water.
• Increase the intake of niacin (vitamin B3), as it has been found to be helpful in alleviating migraine pain. Some of the foods rich in niacin are yeast, whole wheat, green leafy vegetables, tomatoes, nuts, sunflower seeds, liver and fish.
• Cabbage leaves are helpful in relieving the pain of a migraine headache. Squash cabbage leaves and place them in a cloth. Place the cloth on your forehead for sometime. Once the cabbage leaves become dry, remove the cloth and make a fresh one.
• Lemon peel is helpful in solving migraine headache. Grind lemon peel to form a paste and apply it on the forehead. Let it dry and then rinse off with cool water.
• A mixture of carrot juice, either with spinach, beet or cucumber juice, works effectively in curing migraine. Combine 300 ml of carrot juice with 200 ml of any other juice and drink it.
• You can also mix 100 ml each of beet and cucumber juices, with 300 ml of carrot juice and drink it on a regular basis.
• Massaging the forehead with primrose oil is beneficial in curing migraine. It works as an excellent anti-inflammatory agent, preventing any kind of constriction in the blood vessels.
• Include garlic in your diet. Either chew a piece of garlic in the raw form or mix it with other food items.
• Another effective method would be to have chamomile tea. This is effective in reducing the occurrence of migraine.
• Taking lukewarm water enema is effective. It cleanses the bowels, thereby removing the toxins from the body and helping prevent migraine.
• Take some sandalwood powder and add a few drops of water to it, so as to form a paste. Apply this paste on the forehead and let it dry. Once dry, rub it off by hand and wash it.
It is advisable to avoid direct sunlight; smoking and drinking alcohol, as all these can aggravate migraine.

Top Five Homeopathic Medicines to Cure Migraine

If ever there was a permanent cure for migraine, homeopathic medicines are the only one that can do this miracle. It may sound like an overstatement and quite quackerish, but it’s true. Long term treatment with homeopathy has an excellent cure for migraine headaches. The top five homeopathic medicines that I have found to work best to cure migraine headaches are Glonoine, Belladonna, Iris Versicolor, Epiphegus and Nux Vomica.

Glonoine for Migraine Headaches

Glonoine, I have used it as a general medicine for migraine and have succeeded in many obstinate cases of migraine. There are no hardcore specific symptoms to prescribe Glonoine but general features of migraine like congestive headaches, throbbing headaches. Glonoine works well to treat headaches that result from an exposure to sun, heat etc. Other indication when Glonoine is strongly indicated is that Head feels enormously large as if the skull were too small for the brain. It is also very useful for headaches that result during the period of menopause. Another very important indication for Glonoine is the strong relationship that headaches have with sun. ‘Sun Headaches’ as they are often called as are related with the increase and decrease in the sun. Headache with strong throbbing are quite typical of Glonoine. I have used glonoine in various potencies ranging from 30c to 10m depending upon the merits of the case.

Belladonna for Migraine with congestive headaches

Listing of Belladonna here at number 2 in this article, doesn’t mean that it is any less effective than glonoine. On number of occasions (When indicated) belladonna has been my first choice. Symptoms that lead to prescribing glonoine in headache are quite similar to glonoine as both of them are used for congestive headaches. Sun aggravation usually differentiates belladonna form glonoine. Main indication for use of belladonna is headaches that become worse with light, noise, jar, lying down. Another important indication for belladonna in Migraine is that headaches tend to aggravate in the afternoon. Belladonna is also useful for headaches that usually occur in the forehead region. In a Calcarea patient belladonna usually works well to treat all kinds of headaches.

Iris Versicolor for migraine with vomiting and nausea

I have used this medicine for migraine headaches that are attended with severe nausea and vomiting.  Nausea can be so strong that the patient is not relieved by even by vomiting. Iris is indicated in headaches that are attended with visual disturbances. Headaches that begin with blurring of the vision are very effectively treated with it. Headaches in the frontal area and right temple, respond more favorably to this drug. Migraine headaches when associated with heartburn often respond very well to this homeopathy medicine

Epiphegus for migraine headaches

A lesser known drug for migraine but does wonders if symptoms match. I can personally vouch for Epiphegus .I treated my cluster headaches with Epiphegus which would settle over my left eye. Epiphegus is very effective for cluster headaches. This drug has more affinity for left side. It is indicated when headaches come on with MENTAL EXERTION or MENTAL TIRE. Headaches that are triggered by going out in the sun or, shopping or any deviation from normal routine. Mainly headaches that are caused by overwork or fatigue, Epiphegus does wonders in curing them miraculously.

Nux Vomica for gastric Migraines

Gastric migraine is a new terminology that is being used in modern medicine nowadays. It refers to a condition where the headaches are accompanied by gastric disturbances. The gastric disturbances that are usually accompanied with migraine headaches are constipation (this could be in the form of ineffectual desire to pass stool; or not getting complete evacuations) bloating of abdomen or feeling of gas; or a feeling or an inability to release gas. Nux is also used for headaches that brought on by eating fatty, rich fried food. Alcohol consumption when leads to triggering of headaches are effectively treated with Nux Vomica.

Natural Remedies for Migraine

1) Feverfew

The herb feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) has been used for centuries as a folk remedy for headache, migraine, arthritis, pain, and fever in Europe. It became especially popular in England in the 1980s as an alternative to conventional drugs for migraines.

Several studies have evaluated the effectiveness of feverfew for the prevention and treatment of migraines. There was a significant decrease in migraine frequency with feverfew, which decreased by 1.9 migraines per month.

Not all studies have shown that feverfew is effective, that feverfew was effective for preventing migraine.

Side effects of feverfew may include abdominal pain, gas, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and nervousness. People with allergies to chamomile, ragweed, or yarrow should not take feverfew. Feverfew may increase bleeding time, so it should not be taken by people with bleeding disorders or two to three weeks before or after surgery. The safety of feverfew in pregnant or nursing women or children has not been established.

 Feverfew may interact with "blood-thinning" medications, such as aspirin and warfarin (Coumadin) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). People taking these medications should consult a healthcare practitioner before taking feverfew.

2) 5-HTP (Hydroxytryptophan)

5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) is a compound produced in the body from the amino acid tryptophan. It is used in the body to make the neurotransmitter serotonin and the hormone melatonin.

5-HTP is also available in supplement form. It is made from the seeds of an African plant, calledGriffonia simplicifolia. Since supplements that affect levels of serotonin are used for migraines, 5-HTP has been explored as an alternative.

Some research indicates that 5-HTP may prevent migraines and reduce the frequency and severity of migraines, however large randomized controlled trials are needed. 5-HTP was found to be as effective as methysergide in reducing the severity and duration of migraines.

3) Magnesium:- Magnesium is a mineral found naturally in food such as green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains and in nutritional supplements.

Magnesium is needed for more than 300 biochemical reactions. It helps regulate blood sugar levels and is needed for normal muscle and nerve function, heart rhythm, immune function, blood pressure, and for bone health.

Several studies have evaluated the effectiveness of magnesium for migraine and have had promising results.

Other studies have found that magnesium reduces the severity and frequency of migraine.High dose of  Magnasium may cause diarrhea, nausea, loss of appetite, muscle weakness, difficulty breathing, low blood pressure, irregular heart rate, and confusion. It can interact with certain medications, such as those for osteoporosis, high blood pressure (calcium channel blockers), as well as some antibiotics, muscle relaxants, and diuretics.

4) Butterbur

The herb butterbur (Petasites hybridus) is a shrub-like plant that grows in northern Asia, Europe, and parts of North America. Extracts made from the herb have been used to treat migraines, stomach cramps, coughs, allergies, and asthma.

Several studies suggest that butterbur helps to prevent migraines. Side effects were mild and included mild digestive complaints, predominantly burping.Side effects of butterbur may include indigestion, headache, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrha, or constipation. Pregnant or nursing women, children, or people with kidney or liver disease should not take butterbur. 

Butterbur is in the ragweed plant family, so people who are allergic to ragweed, marigold, daisy, or chrysanthemum should not use butterbur.

The raw herb as well as teas, extracts, and capsules made from the raw herb should not be used because they contain substances called pyrrolizidine alkaloids that can be toxic to the liver and kidneys and may cause cancer.
It is possible to remove the pyrrolizidine alkaloids from butterbur products. The daily recommended dose cannot exceed one microgram per day.

MEDICATIONS FOR MIGRAINE OF UNCERTAIN UTILITY

Botulinum toxin injection (BT, Botox). Injections of this medication that paralyzes muscles and removes wrinkles have been used to treat migraine. The injections are made into the neck muscles, muscles in the temples, or forehead. Surprisingly, it seems to reduce headache frequency and also vomiting. The mechanism is unclear and perhaps completely due to placebo effect or some other factor (often wrinkles are treated at the same time). Most studies to date are "open label" design, meaning that a placebo effect could easily be present. As people usually develop antibodies to botulinum toxin, it seems likely the this treatment will not afford permanent relief. Botox is also very expensive and not FDA approved for headache treatment. However, it seems worth a try as a last resort.

Bromocriptine. This dopamine agonist  was reported effective in reducing the frequency of menstrual migraine attacks when given daily. This medication is not commonly used for this purpose, and in fact Not recommended.

Dopamine blockers: Haloperidol (Haldol), Prochlorperazine (Compazine), Domperidone, Chlorpromazine, Flunarizine, Metoclopramide have all been reported helpful for migraine (See Perotka article in reference list). These drugs would seem far more likely than many of the others above to produce significant side-effects. They are not used frequently. Recommended only in refractory situations.

Helicobacter Pylori eradication. It has been reported that eradication of this bacteria from the stomach will improve 20% of Migraine sufferers who test positive for. Whether this will be borne out is unclear.

Garlic's Healing Properties

Garlic

Some of the old stories of garlic's healing properties have doubtful validity, but many of its claimed health benefits have been backed up by modern scientific research. There are two main medicinal ingredients which produce the garlic health benefits:Allicin and  dially sulphides.

Garlic is a sulphurous compound and in general a stronger tasting clove has more sulphur content and hence more potential medicinal value. Some people have suggested that organically grown garlic  tends towards a higher sulphur level and hence greater benefit to health. Whether or not that is in fact the case, in my experience it certainly has the best taste.

Benefits

Various garlic health benefits have long been claimed and the "stinking rose" treatment has been used extensively in herbal medicine (phyto-therapy) down the centuries. It's been considered by many to be a herbal "wonder drug", with a reputation in tradition for preventing or treating everything from the common cold and flu to the Plague!

However there are some very positive garlic health facts that are now widely accepted, much of that is at best unproven. Amongst the most interesting potential applications are suggestions that garlic might be able to assist some people in the management of  blood pressure & cholesterol levels.

Modern science has shown that garlic is a powerful natural antibiotic, albeit broad-spectrum rather than targeted. The bacteria in the body do not appear to evolve resistance to the garlic as they do to many modern pharmaceutical antibiotics. This means that its positive health benefits can continue over time rather than helping to breed antibiotic resistant "superbugs".

Studies have also shown that garlic - especially aged garlic - can have a powerful antioxidant effect. Antioxidants can help to protect the body against damaging free radicals. There are claims that fermented black garlic contains even higher antioxidant levels than normal cloves.

Some people who want the claimed health benefits without the taste prefer to take garlic supplements. These pills and capsules have the advantage of avoiding garlic breath.

Side-Effects

Even garlic isn't a perfect. Apart from garlic breath there are other possible side effects, especially if used to excess. Use common sense and don't overdo it.

Raw garlic is very strong, so eating too much could produce problems, for example irritation of or even damage to the digestive tract.

There are a few people who are allergic to garlic. Symptoms of garlic allergy include skin rash, temperature and headaches. Also, garlic could potentially disrupt anti-coagulants, so it's best avoided before surgery. As with any medicine, always check with your doctor first and tell your doctor if you are using it.

Important: Research published in 2001 concluded that garlic supplements "can cause a potentially harmful side effect when combined with a type of medication used to treat HIV/AIDS".

Garlic makes a wonderful health supplement for many people but the so-called "garlic cure" is no substitute for the basics: sensible eating and appropriate exercise. Garlic should be seen as part of a healthy lifestyle - not as an alternative to it. Always consult your doctor first regarding any medical condition

Medicine for POOR & EDUCATED persons

What is homoeopathy?

Homoeopathy is a system of medicine that treats the whole person, taking into account mental and bodily types as well as the symptoms of the disease.

One of its main principles is that 'like cures like', in other words the symptoms of an illness caused by a substance will be cured by the same substance given in homoeopathic form.

Homoeopathy is often referred to as an alternative medicine, but it is better thought of as 'complementary' because it can be used alongside conventional antidepressants.

The remedies are made by grinding plants or other substances and then dissolving them in alcohol to produce the 'mother tincture'.

From the mother tincture the remedies are made by a process of dilution (usually 100:1) in alcohol or water and succession (a process of repetitive violent shaking that is believed to energise the medicine).

The dilutions are usually repeated many times, and one of the scientific criticisms of homoeopathy is that the preparations are so dilute that they can hardly contain any of the original substance.

A number of theories have been advanced to overcome this criticism, one of which is the 'memory of water'.

Does it work?

Over the last 200 years homoeopaths have gained an understanding of the remedies. These remedies can now be matched to the person and their symptoms.

Homoeopathic remedies are dilute, safe and free of side-effects. It has been argued that they may act as a catalyst, pushing the body's own systems (including its immune system) in the direction of a cure.

However, a consistent scientific explanation – confirmed on repeated scientific testing and trials – as to why homeopathy should improve people’s health has not been proven.

In February 2010, the House of Commons Science and Technology Committee concluded that the NHS should cease funding homeopathy, that it was no more efficacious than placebo and that the explanations of why homeopathy would work are scientifically implausible.

Is it safe to treat yourself?

Homoeopathic remedies can be used alone or in conjunction with prescribed medication.

It is not always necessary to consult your GP prior to using homoeopathic remedies. You should, however, tell your GP about any herbal remedies that you are taking and you should not discontinue antidepressant drugs without prior consultation.

Remedies can be prescribed by homoeopaths and many are registered with the United Kingdom Homoeopathic Medical Association or the Society of Homoeopathy.

Alternatively, remedies can be bought over the counter in certain pharmacies and healthfood  shops. Always consult your GP if symptoms are persistent, severe or interfere with daily life.

Dosage guidance

The potency (200/1M ) of the remedy is determined by the number of dilutions and is described by a number.

To select a dose, either seek advice from a homoeopath or start on a lower potency such as 1M or 10M.

The potency can be increased, but it is not necessary or advisable to take potencies above 30C without consulting a homoeopath.

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How to take the remedies

Always read the instructions and listen to any advice given.

The basic rule is to take one tablet as directed and observe the effects. The dose may be repeated two or three times a day without danger.

In marked contrast to conventional remedies for depression, the advice is to stop taking homoeopathic remedies as soon as an improvement is seen. If no improvement is seen in 10 days, rather than switching to a different remedy, seek qualified advice to obtain a better match or see your GP.

Depression (Cause,Symptom & Treatment) with Homoeopathy

What is depression?

The word 'Depression' causes much confusion. It's often used to describe when someone is feeling 'low', 'miserable', 'in a mood' or having 'got out of bed on the wrong side'.

However, doctors use the word in two different ways. They can use it to describe the symptom of a 'low mood', or to refer to a specific illness, i.e. a 'depressive illness'. This factsheet relates to depression, the illness.

This confusion is made all the worse because it is often difficult to tell the difference between feeling gloomy and having a depressive illness.

Doctors make a diagnosis of depression after assessing the severity of the low mood, other associated symptoms and the duration of the problem.

Depression is very common. Almost anybody can develop the illness; it's certainly NOT a sign of weakness.

Depression is also treatable. You may need to see a doctor, but there are things you can do yourself or things you can do to help somebody suffering from the illness.

What you cannot do is 'pull yourself together' – no matter whether this is what you think you should be able to do or what other people tell you to do.

People who have experienced an episode of depression are at risk of developing another in the future. A small proportion may experience an episode of depression as part of a bipolar affective disorder (manic depression), which is characterised by episodes of both low and high moods.

Who gets depressed?

• Depression is very common.
• Between 5 and 10 per cent of the population are suffering from the illness to some extent at any one time.
• Over a lifetime you have a 20 per cent, or one in five, chance of having an episode of depression.
• Women are twice as likely to get depression as men.
• Bipolar affective disorder is less common than depressive illness with a life-time risk of around one to two per cent. Men and women are equally affected.

Getting depression is not a sign of weakness. There are no particular 'personality types' that are more at risk than others.

However, some risk factors have been identified. These include inherited (genetic) factors – such as having parents or grandparents, who have suffered from depression, and non-genetic factors – such as the death of a parent when you were young.

What causes depression?

• We do not fully understand the causes of depression.
• Genes or early life experiences may make some people vulnerable.
• Stressful life events, such as losing a job or a relationship ending, may trigger an episode of depression.
• Depression can be triggered by some physical illnesses, drug treatments and recreational drugs.

It's often impossible to identify a 'cause' in many people, and this can be distressing for people who want to understand the reasons why they are ill.

However depression, like any illness, can strike for no apparent reason.

It's clear that there are definite changes in the way the brain works when a person is depressed.

• Modern brain scans that can look at how 'hard' the brain is working have shown that some areas of the brain (such as at the front) are not working as well as normal.
• Depressed patients have higher than normal levels of stress hormones.
• Various chemical systems in the brain may not be working correctly, including one known as the serotonin or 5-HT system.
• Antidepressants may help to reverse these changes.

Symptoms of Depression

Stress can lead to you to feeling 'down' and 'miserable'. What is different about a depressive illness is that these feelings last for weeks or months, rather than days.

In addition to feeling low most or all of the time, many other symptoms can occur in depressive illness (though not everybody has every one).

• Being unable to gain pleasure from activities that normally would be pleasurable.
• Losing interest in normal activities, hobbies and everyday life.
• Feeling tired all of the time and having no energy.
• Difficulty sleeping or waking early in the morning (though some feel that they can't get out of bed and 'face the world').
• Having a poor appetite, no interest in food and losing weight (though some people overeat and put on weight – 'comfort eating').
• Losing interest in sex.
• Finding it difficult to concentrate and think straight.
• Feeling restless, tense and anxious.
• Being irritable.
• Losing self-confidence.
• Avoiding other people.
• Finding it harder than usual to make decisions.
• Feeling useless and inadequate – 'a waste of space'.
• Feeling guilty about who you are and what you have done.
• Feeling hopeless – that nothing will make things better.
• Thinking about suicide– this is very common. If you feel this way, talk to somebody about it. If you think somebody else might be thinking this way, ask them about it – it will not make them more likely to commit suicide.

How is depression diagnosed?

Unfortunately, there's no brain scan or  blood test that can be used to diagnose when a person has a depressive illness.

The diagnosis can only be made from the symptoms.

Generally speaking a diagnosis of depression will be made if a person has a persistently low mood that significantly influences their everyday life and has been present for two weeks or more, and there are also three or four or more other symptoms of depression.

Who treats people with depression?

• General Practitioners, most commonly help treat people with depression.
• Patients may also be seen by counsellors, who are often attached to GP surgeries.
• If the diagnosis is unclear, or the person is particularly ill, the GP may refer the patient to a Psychiatrist.
• Patients may be referred to Community psychiatric nurses by their GP or psychiatrist.
• People suffering from depression may also be seen by CBT therapists and other Psychotherapists.

Treatments for depression

Sometimes when we are going through a 'bad patch' in our life, it's enough to talk through our problems with a friend or relative.

However, this may not be enough and we may need to seek professional help.

The important thing to remember about depression is that it's treatable.

There are many different types of treatment. These include medication and talking therapies (psychotherapy).

Psychotherapy

• There are many different forms of psychotherapy.
• Simply talking to somebody or your doctor about your problems is a form of psychotherapy and can help greatly.
• It's far better to talk about your problems than 'bottling-up' your emotions.
• More formal psychotherapy includes counselling, congestive behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) and dynamic psychotherapy or psychoanalysis.

As a general, rule psychotherapies are as effective as medication for the treatment of mild depression. However, for more severe illnesses, medication is likely to be needed but may be supplemented with psychotherapy.

Exactly which type of therapy a doctor recommends depends on the particular problems a patient is suffering from, the views of the patient and local availability of psychotherapy. There's little evidence to suggest that one form of therapy is better than another.

Medication

• Antidepressant medication (for example- in modern medicine- Prozac capsules and liquid contain the active ingredient fluoxetine, which is a type of antidepressant) helps to correct the 'low' mood and other symptoms experienced during depression – they are NOT 'happy pills'.
• Antidepressants do not change your personality.
• Antidepressants are NOT addictive.

In the last few years, there has been an explosion of new antidepressant medications. The main advantage of these new drugs is that they have fewer side effects than older drugs and so are more pleasant to take.

Your doctor will choose which medication to prescribe for you based on the side-effects of the drugs and your particular symptoms. We do not fully understand how antidepressants work. However, they appear to act on chemicals in the brain to correct the abnormalities that cause the illness.

When taking medication, it's important to remember:

• to take your medication regularly
• you are unlikely to see any improvement in your symptoms for two to four weeks after starting the medication
• once you have started to respond, you should slowly improve over several weeks
• current World Health Organization guidelines recommend that patients continue to take their medication for six months after having recovered. This is to prevent a recurrence of the illness when the medication is stopped
• antidepressants are effective for both treating episodes of depression and also for preventing further episodes of illness. Some patients who have had severe or many episodes of illness are therefore recommended to take medication for a long time
• stopping to take medication once you feel well is a common cause of a return of the symptoms of depression. You should therefore only stop after discussion with your doctor
• generally coming off antidepressants is not a problem, though usually you should gradually reduce the dose of the medication over a few weeks rather than stopping abruptly. If you stop antidepressants abruptly you may notice anxiety, headache, stomach upset, sleep disturbance or other symptoms.

What happens if you do not respond to treatment?

Some people unfortunately do not get better with simple straightforward treatments.

It may be that they need to try a higher dose or different antidepressants. A combination of medication and psychotherapy could also be helpful.

It may be necessary for these people to be referred to a psychiatrist for more specialised  help. The psychiatrist will want to talk about the problems the person is suffering and find out about background information, such as work and family, previous health or emotional problems and current medication.

The psychiatrist may then recommend different treatments. Rarely, it may be necessary for the person to be admitted to hospital if the depression is very severe. This is only necessary in about 1 in 100 patients with depression.

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)

Most people do not like the idea of electroconvelsive therapy (ECT). It's a treatment that is reserved only for patients who have severe depression, for which it's highly effective and can work faster than medication.

It involves having a brief anaesthetic , which sends the person to sleep for 5 to 10 minutes. While asleep, a muscle-relaxing drug is given and a small electric current is passed through the brain for a fraction of a second.

Once the person has woken, it takes half an hour or so to get over the effects of the anaesthetic.

ECT is only given under the close supervision of an anaesthetist, a psychiatrist and nursing staff.

Most commonly, ECT is administered twice a week and around 6 to 10 treatments are necessary to treat the depression, though an effect may be seen after the first one or two treatments.

There's no evidence that properly administered ECT damages the brain in any way.

What to do if you are depressed

• Talk to people about how you feel. Don't bottle things up. It is NOT a sign of weakness to get help for your problems, in the same way that it would not be to get medical help for a broken leg or a chest infection.
• Although you may not be able to do the things you normally would (such as work), try to keep active as much as you can. Lying in bed or sitting thinking about your problems can make them seem worse. Physical Exercise can also help depression and keep your mind off your worries.
• Do not increase your alcohol intake to try and 'drown your sorrows' or help you sleep better. Alcohol will only make the depression worse and harder to treat.
• If you are having problems sleeping, try not to lie in bed thinking about your problems and anxieties. Do something to take your mind off your worries, such as reading or listening to the radio.
• Self-help books may be helpful. Check out the health section of any good bookshop.
• If you are feeling suicidal or desperate contact a voluntary sector organisation, such as the Samaritans.
• Always remember that you are suffering from an illness. It is not you being weak, and you can NOT simply 'pull yourself together'. Your illness is treatable. You are also NOT ALONE. Depression is extremely common.

What to do if you know somebody who is depressed

Sometimes people are not aware that they are depressed. This can happen when the depression comes on slowly.

In addition many people suffering from depression blame themselves for not coping as they normally would, rather than thinking there might be some illness that has caused them to be this way. The illness can make a person think that it would be a sign of weakness to seek help for their difficulties. If you think that this has happened to somebody, you should try to talk to him or her about it.

Also try to remember the following.

• Listening can really help.
• Avoid saying, 'pull yourself together' or other remarks that make the person think that it is their fault that they are ill.
• If the person's problems do not sort themselves out in a week or so, suggest that the person seek professional help. Remind the person that this is not a sign of weakness or of being a failure.
• Don't nag the person or try to get them to do what they normally would. Remember they are suffering from an illness.
• Remind the person that they have an illness, it's not their fault and they'll get better no matter how hopeless they feel.
• Try to help them avoid resorting to alcohol, which does not help the situation. If the person talks of harming themself or committing suicide, take this seriously. Insist that they see a doctor.
Remember that it does NOT increase the chances of a person committing  suicide to talk to them about it.

• Remedies used in the treatment of depression

• Arsenicum album
• Made from white arsenic, this remedy is indicated for people who worry unduly about their health or who are perfectionists and overly critical of themselves and others. They are at risk of depression if they fail to reach their own high standards. People who respond to Arsenicum album are often physically worse in cold weather, very sensitive to pain and suffer most between midnight and 2am.

• Aurum metallicum
• Made from gold and used for people who are workaholics with an excessive sense of duty. This renders them prone to despair, feelings of worthlessness and suicidal thoughts following a perceived failure in their work or personal life. People who do well with Aurum metallicum often feel better by walking outdoors.
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• Calcium carbonicum
• Suits people whose outward strong, dependable and industrious appearance hides a shy and introverted nature. Such people can be left feeling fatigued, anxious, withdrawn and self-pitying by overwhelming work pressures. People who respond to this remedy, which is made from the inner layer of an oyster shell, are chilly people who sweat easily, who periodically feel sluggish and suffer with insomnia – especially when away from home.

• Ignatia amara
• Suits those who become depressed after trying to suppress feelings of grief, despair or emotional upset at the expense of outbursts of hysteria or mood swings. People who respond to the homoeopathic form of the St Ignatius bean may suffer from a lump in the throat and frequent bouts of yawning. The remedy is often used after bereavement.

• Kali phosphoricum
• Benefits people who are normally clear sighted and extrovert, who suffer from the effects of exhaustion from overwork by becoming shy, seeking their own company and flinching at sudden noises. Alongside the change in mood they often develop muscular weakness, yellow discharges and may wake early with hunger pangs.

• Lachesis muta
• This remedy made from snake venom can help depression caused by repression, jealousy or suspicion. Suits people who hate commitment and confinement. They may worry about world affairs and be very talkative. Lachesis may treat menopausal depression, particularly if the woman feels worse on waking and suffers with hot sweats.

• Natrium carbonicum
• Gentle, unselfish people who care deeply for their family and friends may become depressed after a loss or disappointment. They try to hide their feelings from others, which does not help their condition. Constitutionally, they have weak digestive systems and a marked intolerance to dairy products. When suffering, they isolate themselves and may listen to sad music. Natrium carbonicum may help in these cases.

• Natrium muraticum
• This remedy is helpful for sensitive, refined, serious-minded people, whose inner feelings are strong and may be of anger, grief or fear of losing control. The manner in which they bottle up these feelings may lead to depression. They dislike consolation from others and appear stoical and controlled. They need to be alone to cry and can be moved to tears by music. People benefiting from this remedy often suffer from migraines and are fatigued by the sun.

• Pulsatilla nigricans
• People needing this remedy appear childlike with emotions that vary from moody and clingy to yielding and sensitive. When depressed, they cry readily and enjoy consolation and need the support of others. Pulsatilla is a useful remedy for depression due to hormonal changes after childbirth or menopause  . The woman will often crave sweet foods and put on weight.

• Sepia
• Sepia is made from cuttlefish ink. It is used for weary, irritable people – especially when overwhelmed by their responsibilities to family members. They direct their irritability towards loved ones and have trouble in explaining their symptoms. The remedy is used for  postnatal depression, loss of libido and menopausal symptoms, especially when accompanied by a sagging feeling in the pelvic area.

• Staphysagria
• Suppressed emotions, particularly rage, that can erupt under severe pressure, can be helped with this remedy. When the person is well they are mild and yielding, but they can be addicted to work. A high sex drive is often present. Stress related headaches, toothache and stomachache are pointers to the use of this remedy.

All symptom related to disease is openly delivered to Physician very clearly for best results of desease recovery.Physician is your nearest and dearest fellow

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