英語閲讀之抑鬱症

最近看到很多關於抑鬱症的`文章，大多不是認為他們心理調節能力差就是大灌心靈雞湯。臨牀診斷的抑鬱症一般不是靠“調節”可以解決問題的!請不要再武斷地對患有抑鬱症的親友説’你要調整心態.......一時的生活不順利心情不好不能稱之為抑鬱症。而臨牀抑鬱症和遺傳和生理因素都有很多關係。

　How Is Biology Related to Depression?

　　生理和抑鬱症 - 患者大腦的不同

Researchers have noted differences in the brains of people who are depressed as compared to people who are not. For instance, the hippocampus, a small part of the brain that is vital to the storage of memories, appears to be smaller in some people with a history of depression than in those who've never been depressed. A smaller hippocampus has fewer serotonin receptors. Serotonin is one of many brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters that allow communication across circuits that connect different brain regions.

Scientists do not know why the hippocampus may be smaller in some people with depression. Some researchers have found that the stress hormone cortisol is produced in excess in depressed people. These investigators believe that cortisol has a toxic or "shrinking" effect on the development of hippocampus. Some experts theorize that depressed people are simply born with a smaller hippocampus and are therefore inclined to suffer from depression. There are many other brain regions, and pathways between specific regions, thought to be involved with depression, and likely, no single brain structure or pathway fully accounts for clinical depression.

One thing is certain -- depression is a complex illness with many contributing factors. The latest scans and studies of brain chemistry suggest that antidepressants can help sustain nerve cells and allow them to form stronger connections that withstand biological stresses (called "neurotrophic effects"). As scientists gain a better understanding of the causes of depression, health professionals will be able to make better "tailored" diagnoses and, in turn, prescribe more effective treatment plans.

　How Is Genetics Linked to the Risk of Depression?

　　遺傳和抑鬱症 - 家族抑鬱症

We know that depression can sometimes run in families. This suggests that there's at least a partial genetic link to depression. Children, siblings, and parents of people with severe depression are somewhat more likely to suffer from depression than are members of the general population. Multiple genes interacting with one another in special ways probably contribute to the various types of depression that run in families. Yet despite the evidence of a family link to depression, it is unlikely that there is a single "depression" gene, but rather many genes that each contribute small effects toward depression when they interact with the environment.

　　Can Certain Drugs Cause Depression

　　藥物和抑鬱症 - 某些藥物可能導致抑鬱症

In certain people, drugs may lead to depression. For example, medications such as barbiturates, benzodiazepines, and the acne drug Accutane have sometimes been associated with depression, especially in older people. Likewise, medications such as corticosteroids, opioids (codeine, morphine), and anticholinergics taken to relieve stomach cramping can sometimes cause mania, which is a highly elated and energized state that can also be associated with bipolar disorder.

For in depth information, see WebMD's Medicines That Cause Depression.

　　What’s the Link Between Depression and Chronic Illness?

　　疾病和抑鬱症 - 有些疾病可能引發抑鬱症

In some people, a chronic illness causes depression. A chronic illness is an illness that lasts for a very long time and usually cannot be cured completely. However, chronic illnesses can often be controlled through diet, exercise, lifestyle habits, and certain medications. Some examples of chronic illnesses that may cause depression are diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, kidney disease, HIV/AIDS, lupus, and multiple sclerosis (MS). Hypothyroidism may also lead to depressed feelings.

Researchers believe that treating the depression may sometimes also help the co-existing illness improve.

　Is Depression Linked to Chronic Pain?

　　生理疼痛和抑鬱症 - 暫時的疼痛一般不會導致抑鬱症

When pain lingers for weeks to months, it's referred to as being "chronic." Not only does chronic pain hurt, it also disturbs your sleep, your ability to exercise and be active, your relationships, and your productivity at work. Can you see how chronic pain may also leave you feeling sad, isolated, and depressed?

There is help for chronic pain and depression. A multifaceted program of medicine, psychotherapy, support groups, and more can help you manage your pain, ease your depression, and get your life back on track.

For in depth information, see Depression and Chronic Pain.

Does Depression Often Occur With Grief?

　　悲痛和抑鬱症 - 一時的悲傷不是抑鬱症

Grief is a common response to loss. Losses that may lead to grief include the death or separation of a loved one, loss of a job, death or loss of a beloved pet, or any number of other changes in life, such as divorce, becoming an "empty nester," or retirement.

Anyone can experience grief and loss, but not everyone will experience depression, which differs from grief in that depression involves feelings of low self-worth and suicide, while grief involves feelings of loss and longing for a loved one. Each person is unique in how he or she copes with these feelings.

For in depth information, see Grief and Depression.