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WELL Duquesne University Mylan School of Pharmacy
UPDATE from the Center for Pharmacy Care
September-October 2005
Major Depressive Disorder Battling the Blues
M
ajor depressive disorder (MDD), or depression, is a mood disorder that affects nearly 19 million Americans. While most people are able to overcome feelings of sadness rather quickly, individuals with MDD are unable to shake the “blues.” The depressed person’s feelings of sadness or hopelessness do not go away and lasts for two weeks or longer. Depression leads to eating disturbances, changes in sleep patterns, decreased self-esteem, loss of interest in pleasurable activities, or agitation. These symptoms cause significant impact upon family, friends and work relationships. In the most serious cases, depression can lead to suicide or suicidal attempts. Depression affects nearly twice as many women as men and can occur at any age. Although the most common age of onset is between 25 to 44 years of age, the incidence of depression in teenagers and the elderly has been steadily rising. Another specific type
Upcoming Events
of depression is post-partum depression, which affects mothers who recently gave birth to children.
What Causes Depression? Many external factors have been known to begin a depressive episode. Examples may include a traumatic or overwhelming event, such as the death of a loved one, financial problems, or the loss of a job. However, MDD isn’t always triggered by an event. Research indicates that there may be genetic origins. For instance, studies show that children of depressed individuals are up to three times more likely to develop the disorder. Depression also may be induced by a medical condition such as diabetes, thyroid conditions, cancer, or heart disease. In addition to the medical conditions themselves, some of the medications used to treat these diseases have been known to cause depressive symptoms. The use of alcohol and/or illicit drugs also can trigger depression.
One of the most dangerous problems associated with depression is the risk of suicide. Depressed women threaten or attempt suicide three times as often as men who are depressed. However, men are twice as likely to carry out a suicide attempt. In addition, the elderly are up to three times more likely to commit suicide than the general population. It is important to remember that all suicidal thoughts and attempts in a depressed person should be taken seriously.
Mark Your Calendar SEPTEMBER – Focus on Fitness
All events held in the Center for Pharmacy Care, Room 320 Bayer Learning Center, unless otherwise noted.
OCTOBER – Talk About Prescription Month
• September 19 & 26, 2005, 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Center for Pharmacy Care Wellness Mondays
• October 3, 10, 17 & 31, 2005, 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Center for Pharmacy Care Wellness Mondays
• September 14 & 28, 2005, 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Blood Pressure Screening Locations: Union Concourse, 3rd Floor
• October 12 & 26, 2005, 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Ask the Pharmacist — bring your prescriptions and questions Blood Pressure Screening Locations: Union Atrium, 2nd Floor (Oct. 12) Union Concourse, 3rd Floor (Oct. 26)
CENTER FOR PHARMACY CARE – Wellness Mondays The Center offers the following complimentary screenings on Mondays by appointment: bone density, body composition analysis, facial skin analysis & cholesterol screening. Please call x5874 for an appointment.
www.duq.edu
Major Depressive Disorder–Battling the Blues Treatment Options There are medical reasons why the depressed person is unable to escape the “blues.” Depression is caused by an imbalance of natural chemicals in the brain, called neurotransmitters. These neurotransmitters are known as serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine, and they work to stimulate feelings and emotions.
Signs and Symptoms of Depression Depression can start slowly or suddenly affect you. Other people may see changes before you see or feel them. Some symptoms of depression include: • Crying more easily
TOBACCO CESSATION PROGRAM The Center for Pharmacy Care offers a five-week program. Any employee or student interested in joining a group to quit tobacco should call x5874.
Only a physician can diagnose a patient with depression. After diagnosis, doctors can proscribe many safe and effective treatment options. Currently, treatment involves the use of medications, called antidepressants, and counseling, known as psychotherapy. While depression can be treated with either of these methods, patients receive the best results with a combination of both. This combination therapy helps the patient discover and cope with many of the issues that may be troubling to them, while simultaneously treating the imbalance in neurotransmitters.
• Feeling tired all the time, or having trouble sleeping
Dates will be determined after sign-up.
• Losing or gaining weight without trying, or losing your appetite
CHRONIC PAIN INITIATIVE
Today’s antidepressant medications are very safe, effective and non-habit forming. Some medications act to restore normal levels of a specific neurotransmitter, such as serotonin. Others work to restore the balance of multiple neurotransmitters together, such as serotonin and norepinephrine. Antidepressants often take about two weeks to produce therapeutic effects, but may require as long as six weeks of use to achieve substantial benefit. As with all medications, antidepressants have side effects. However, these are usually mild and can be easily tolerated by most patients.
• Performing everyday tasks more slowly or speaking more slowly
ATTENTION LIGHTEN-UP PARTICIPANTS!
• Feeling hopeless, and sometimes even thinking about hurting or killing yourself or killing others.
If you completed Lighten Up in June 2005, you are eligible to participate in the Lighten Up Check-Up.
• Not wanting to be with other people
Duquesne University participates in the Chronic Pain Initiative, which provides support and informational resources for families and caregivers of those who are suffering from pain.
• Having overwhelming feelings of guilt or anxiety
If you have a question about chronic pain, call x5874 for a confidential referral.
• Having aches or pains every day • Not caring about the way you look, or losing interest in sex
• Trouble with your thinking or memory
If you or someone you know experiences five or more of these symptoms for 14 days or longer, medical attention should be sought from a physician.
Please contact Bobbi Skwarla at skwarlar@duq.edu or x5874 for more information.
Along with medications and counseling, positive lifestyle changes can alleviate depression. Increasing physical activity and changing dietary habits can improve a person’s sense of well-being by increasing self esteem. Depression is a treatable medical condition. Many medical and non-medical treatment options are available to individuals who seek help. If you or someone you know would like more information about depression, please contact your physician or visit the following Web sites: • www.depression.com • www.depression-screening.org • www.depression.about.com • www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ depression.html
Newsletter Contributors John R. Tomko, Pharm.D. Debra L. Pruss, Pharm.D. Candidate Lauren R. Vitale, Pharm.D. Candidate
A publication of the Duquesne University Mylan School of Pharmacy Center for Pharmacy Care & Pharmaceutical Information Center (PIC) Additional information on any of the topics discussed may be obtained from the Pharmaceutical Information Center by calling x4600 or sending an e-mail to pic@duq.edu. Questions about screenings or programs: Christine O’Neil, Pharm.D, B.C.P.S. , x6417 9/05 306590 CG