DEPRESSION IS a very common mood disorder that can be responsible for a vast array of physical signs and symptoms but it isn't always a mentally induced state of mind. Almost one-third of all people diagnosed with depression may actually be suffering from a physical illness masquerading as an emotional problem. Eliminate the cause of the physical problem and in most cases the depression goes away.
According to Dr. Mark Gold author of 'The Good News About Depression', there are as many as 75 hidden physical causes of chronic depression. Dr. Gold a pioneer in the field of diagnosing physically caused depressions suggests that anyone suffering from depression should have a comprehensive physical examination to rule out physical causes instead of just jumping to the customary drug therapy.
Here are six commonly identified physical reasons for depression:
PRESCRIPTION DRUGS
The very same drugs used to treat some diseases may also cause depression. Correcting the problem may be as simple as changing drugs, adjusting dosage or switching to natural non-drug alternatives.
Common drugs with possible depressive side effects include blood pressure medication, some heart medicines, anxiety medications, cortisone and other steroids, glaucoma medication and antihistamines just to mention a few.
THYROID PROBLEMS
An under active thyroid, (hypothyroidism) could be responsible for 10 to 15 percent of all cases of depression. Although there are simple blood tests commonly used for detecting thyroid malfunction, these tests are often inconclusive. A very careful evaluation by your doctor including testing your basal body temperature (Barnes Test) is more important that just blood tests. Unfortunately there are many depressed persons with unrecognised hypothyroidism who are suffering unnecessarily.
BLOOD SUGAR IMBALANCE
Your brain feeds exclusively off glucose (blood sugar). Too high or too low levels of blood sugar can lead to low energy, fatigue, restlessness and sleeplessness, all of which you may experience as depression. These symptoms may be evident long before it is realised that you have a blood sugar problem. If your real problem is, in fact, diabetes, these depressive symptoms may be accompanied by increased urination, excessive hunger and thirst.
LACK OF EXERCISE
There is an abundance of evidence that proves a link between lack of exercise and depression. Research has shown that exercise can cause the brain to produce certain chemicals called 'endorphins' that elevate your mood and relieve pain and depression.
When sedentary people finally do start exercising, they are less likely to have depressive symptoms.
IMBALANCED NUTRITION
Anytime the body doesn't get enough nutrition you can feel sluggish, an effect that can mimic depression. Preliminary research indicates that deficiencies in a number of vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins, selenium and magnesium, may lead to symptoms of depression. Excess simple carbohydrates with inadequate dietary protein can certainly cause depressive symptoms and make a pre existent disorder even worse.
PHYSICAL STRESS
Persistent physical stress e.g. chronic infections, cancer, injuries or surgery can all induce depression, particularly when the individual feels helpless or hopeless to correct the problem. Remember, whatever the problem, always look for an underlying cause.
DO NOT BE CONTENT TO JUST TREAT THE SYMPTOM!
You may e mail Dr. Vendryes at info@drvendryes. com or listen to An Ounce of Prevention on POWER106FM on Fridays and Saturdays at 8.00 p.m.
