Depression, indeed, is one of the major concerns of today’s generation.  Studies have shown several reasons why a person experiences a  state of low mood with severe aversion to activities of daily living.  Men and women who are depression-stricken may still have hope.  A new treatment approach for breast cancer survivors suffering from depression is now available for use, as said by researchers.

A large portion of the population still considers depression as a taboo; thus it is oftentimes neglected. Men and women who suffer from depression oftentimes keep things to themselves for fear of being labeled.  A person is considered weak if he or she is not able to get a hold of their emotions.  That is why most people with depression are looked upon with indifference.

There are many therapies that are available at present for depression. Traditional approaches have changed.  The recent methods that were developed proved to have better outcome.  Inadequate knowledge has led doctors into trying almost anything to help their patients. They used to drug patients to sleep, hoping that when the patient wakes up, he or she will get back to the old self. Now, we have a better understanding on how to treat depression.

During the 1950s the first type of antidepressants were made. They have introduced the tricyclic antidepressants (TCA) then later the monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI).  Then, again, both medicines were found to have fatal side effects.  This lead to the development of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). SSRIs have lesser side effects than the previous two.

SSRIs do have its own dark side even if it is much safer than that of previous medications.  Side effects that range from the less serious to severe have been reported by people taking SSRIs (i.e. Zoloft).  Among the many side effects are nausea, decreased libido, dizziness and insomnia are the most frequent complaints of users.  A major concern with SSRIs is the risk of increased suicidal thoughts for ages below 25.  The main concern of Zoloft users when quitting is the Zoloft withdrawal symptoms. Some of the former Zoloft users claimed that it has been one of the hardest drugs to discontinue, according to a medical survey.

To eliminate withdrawal symptoms, doctors help their patients lower the dosage.  Symptoms of withdrawal after sudden discontinuation may be compared to addiction withdrawal.  The manufacturer of Zoloft, Pfizer, had faced Zoloft lawsuit from people who had experienced severe withdrawal symptoms.


References:

http://www.upliftprogram.com/depression_stats.html
http://www.emental-health.com/depr_history.htm#20thcentury
http://depression.emedtv.com/zoloft/zoloft-withdrawal.html