STRESS AND DEPRESSION

What is Stress? Definition:Stress is the emotional, physical and mental strain caused by our response to pressures from the outside world.

THE FIGHT -FLIGHT RESPONSE: Physiology of stress THE FIGHT -FLIGHT RESPONSE: Hypothalamus Pituitary gland Adrenalin Cortex: Cortisol: maintains BP and glucose levels Video:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RyP8L3qTW9Q Adrenal Medulla: - Adrenalin: Increases bloodflow, HR, Glucose levels

Some Facts 75-90% of adult visits to primary care physicians are for stress related problems. The commonest problems world-wide are a mixture of anxiety and depression.

Causes Major life changes Work Relationship difficulties Financial problems Being too busy Children and family

Symptoms [3]

Mind and Body relationship

STRESS LEADS TO MANY OTHER PROBLEMS Heart disease Pain of any kind Digestive problems STRESS Obesity Skin conditions, such as eczema Autoimmune diseases Sleep problems

TREATMENT COUNSELLING: Talking therapy MEDICATION: sedatives, which help you to relax and calm you down, antihistamines, which help to relax your brain, certain types of antidepressants, and beta blockers. STRESS MANAGMENT: Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), talking treatments specific anger management.

Prevention 1. Relaxation 2. Regular exercise 3. Eating right. 4. Avoid chemicals: alcohol and drugs

DEPRESSION Definition: A mental disorder that presents with depressed mood, loss of interest or pleasure, feelings of guilt or low self-worth, disturbed sleep or appetite, low energy, and poor concentration especially when this lasts for a long period of time (WHO)[4]

..FACTS [4] Depression is common, affecting about 121 million people worldwide. Depression is among the leading causes of disability worldwide. Depression can be reliably diagnosed and treated in primary care. Fewer than 25 % of those affected have access to effective treatments. Women are almost twice as likely to become depressed as men. The higher risk may be due partly to hormonal changes brought on by puberty, menstruation, menopause, and pregnancy.

Depression: Causes and Risk factors • Loneliness • Lack of social support • Recent stressful life experiences • Family history of depression • Marital or relationship problems • Financial strain • Early childhood trauma or abuse • Alcohol or drug abuse • Unemployment or underemployment • Health problems or chronic pain  

Signs and Symptoms

TREATMENT Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) Interpersonal therapy (IPT) Counselling Antidepressants

Sources [1] http://www.timethoughts.com/stress/definition-of-stress.htm [2] http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Stress/Pages/Introduction.aspx [3] http://helpguide.org/mental/stress_signs.htm [4] http://www.who.int/mental_health/management/depression/definition/en/ http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Depression/Pages/Introduction.aspx