Johns Hopkins Health Alert
Is Your Depression Triggered By Stress?
Here's a question from a subscriber in New York.
Q. If your depression is triggered by stress, should it be treated with medication?
A. The relationship between mood disorders and stress is complicated, but we do know that they are closely interconnected. Stressful events can potentially cause changes in brain chemistry that predispose people to depression and anxiety.
It is also possible that some people's brain chemistry is already vulnerable to depression, and a stressful event -- such as the death of a loved one, moving to a new town, or losing a job -- triggers a depressive episode.
An acutely stressful event or chronic stress may spark depression by prompting feelings of helplessness and negative self-talk, especially if an individual has experienced major depression in the past.
The issue of whether medication is needed for stress-induced depression is also complex. No one should automatically be prescribed antidepressants for any problem. Your doctor should perform a physical examination and ask about your symptoms and medical history before recommending a course of treatment. In many cases, antidepressants have a crucial role in treating depression triggered by stress.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) may also help in cases of stress-induced depression. A Canadian study showed that people who recovered from a major depressive episode through medication were more likely to fall back into negative thought patterns than people who had treated depression with CBT. The ability to recognize dysfunctional thinking and disengage from such thoughts can be a valuable tool.
Posted in Depression and Anxiety on March 25, 2009
Medical Disclaimer: This information is not intended to substitute for the advice of a physician. Click here for additional information: Johns Hopkins Health Alerts Disclaimer
Notify Me
Would you like us to inform you when we post new Depression and Anxiety Health Alerts?
Comments
Health Alerts registered users may post comments and share experiences here at their own discretion. We regret that questions on individual health concerns to the Johns Hopkins editors cannot be answered in this space.
The views expressed here do not constitute medical advice, and do not represent the position of Johns Hopkins Medicine or Remedy Health Media, LLC, which has no responsibility for any comments posted on this site.
Post a Comment
Already a subscriber?
Login
New to Johns Hopkins Health Alerts?
Excellent article highlightling the relationship between the stress and depression. Help from qualified mental health professional is the first choice for dealing with deep depression.
In my personal experience exercise helps a lot with depression alongwith good friends and family support. Volunteering for social work and meeting people also help alleviate the symptoms of depression. In addition to this stress reduction by meditation is also a good way.
http://www.clicktomeditate.com
provides all free guided meditation, it can be tried for the stress reduction. It has guided meditation with soothing music and calming instructions.
Posted by: clicktomeditate | June 13, 2009 3:40 PM