July Edition 2019
Inside This Issue
Antidepressants: What Is the Best Medication for Depression?
Learning About the Different Antidepressants and Treatments for Depression Can Help You Become the Best Advocate for Your Mental Health By Katherine Hancock
W St. David’s Medical Center Opening new Electrophysiology Center See pg. 12
INDEX Financial Forecast............. pg.3 Oncology Research......... pg.6 New Technology................ pg.8 Healthy Heart..................... pg.10
The Renewed Demand for Radiologists See pg. 13
ith 322 million people in the world suffering from depression, it comes as no surprise that those diagnosed with depression experiences different signs and symptoms of the condition. The symptoms of major depressive disorder, or clinical depression, may affect how you feel, think and handle everyday activities. “With a combination of therapy and antidepressants, most people with depression can find a treatment plan that works for them,” said Joy Alonzo, PharmD, MEng, specialist in the pharmacotherapy of mental disorders and a clinical assistant professor of pharmacy practice at the Texas A&M College of Pharmacy. “However, everyone will respond differently to each antidepressant, so you need to work closely with your health care providers to find what works best for you.” Signs and symptoms of depression Depression can present as a constant, persistent feeling of sadness or depressed mood nearly every day for at least 2 weeks can be associated with loss of interest in activities, weight gain or loss, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, decreased ability to concentrate, sleep disturbances or thoughts of suicide. “Everyone feels sad sometimes,” Alonzo said. “However, depression is not something that easily gets better on its own. There are many treatments, including therapy and medications, that can help.” Persistent thoughts of suicide with or without a specific plan can constitute a medical emergency and should never be taken lightly. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please call 911 and ask for mental health responders. If you are worried that you might be
experiencing symptoms of depression, speak with your health care provider. There are easy to answer screening tools your health care provider can administer and they can help set you up with a treatment plan. Treatment plans including a therapist are available for all budgets, including those who might not have health insurance. Depression looks and feels differently for each person. However, some common depression symptoms are… • Depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day • Loss of interest in activities that used to give you pleasure • Weight loss or weight gain, or changes in appetite • Difficulty concentrating, or feeling like your thoughts and movements are slow • Lack of energy • Trouble sleeping • Reduced appetite • Feelings of worthlessness • Recurrent thoughtsof death or suicide, with or without a specific plan SSRIs and SNRIs for depression SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake
inhibitors) and SNRIs (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors) are some of the most commonly prescribed antidepressants. These drugs work by restricting the reuptake process of important neurochemicals that regulate mood, sleep and appetite. By restricting the reuptake of these important neurochemicals, the brain has more of those chemicals to send across brain tissue. Specifically, these drugs can inhibit the reabsorption of serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine—all chemicals that directly influence feelings of happiness and stress. By increasing the amount of these important neurochemicals, the brain is able to better regulate mood, sleep, appetite and other feelings that contribute to depression. “Since SSRIs and SNRIs work by influencing your natural brain chemistry, you may need to wait four to 6 weeks to see the full effect of these medications. Often patients will see a slight decrease in symptoms in about 2 weeks, which is when your healthcare provider will want to see you to check see Antidepressants... page 14
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