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Mindfulness may be as effective as an antidepressant for anxiety symptoms

Mindfulness may be as effective as an antidepressant for anxiety symptoms

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For certain individuals, anxiety treatments, which vary from psychological interventions to antidepressants, can be highly successful. Experts also suggest self-care, which includes abstaining from illegal drugs and alcohol, exercising frequently, maintaining regular eating and sleeping schedules, and practicing mindfulness and other relaxation techniques. According to a recent study, mindfulness can reduce anxiety just as well as antidepressants.

The World Health Organization estimates that 301 million people worldwide, or about 4% of the population, suffer from an anxiety disorder. While occasional anxiety is to be expected in life, persistent anxiety or anxiety that seems excessive for the situation it was triggered by could indicate a mental health issue.

General or specific worry, fear, or anxiety; difficulty focusing or making decisions; irritability, tension, or restlessness; nausea or abdominal distress; heart palpitations; sleep issues; and a sense of impending danger, panic, or doom are all common symptoms of anxiety disorders, which can cause significant distress and interfere with a person’s daily life. Treatment options include beta-blockers (to lessen the physical symptoms of anxiety), benzodiazepines (which are typically only prescribed temporarily due to their rapid tendency to cause dependence or addiction), and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a type of antidepressant.

According to a recent study conducted by the National Institute of Mental Health in Bethesda, Maryland, mindfulness-based stress reduction techniques may be just as useful as escitalopram, a popular SSRI used to treat anxiety and depression, in easing the symptoms of a variety of anxiety disorders in patients.

The results were well received by psychologist and Essentialise Workplace Wellbeing founder Lee Chambers, who was not involved in the research. She noted that the study had some validity and interest due to its randomized design and sizable sample size. Given that the effectiveness is the same after 8 weeks, mindfulness may be a good substitute with fewer adverse effects and a lower risk of addiction.

Mindfulness vs. medication for anxiety
A total of 276 adults with a diagnosis of agoraphobia, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, or social anxiety disorder were gathered by the researchers. Subsequently, they allocated the participants in a 1:1 random order to either an 8-week escitalopram treatment or a mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program. The participants self-reported their levels of anxiety and depression at the trial’s midpoint and conclusion.

The researchers previously published the same study group’s clinician-assessed results using the Clinical Global Impression of Severity scale (CGI-S). According to this evaluation, MBSR was just as successful as escitalopram at reducing anxiety symptoms. The MBSR group practiced mindfulness daily after attending weekly group sessions where they learned about the theory and application of various types of mindfulness meditation. The medication group saw a weekly clinical follow-up in addition to taking 10–20 mg of escitalopram daily.

Evaluators evaluated the participants using a variety of patient-reported measures of anxiety and depression, such as the PROMIS depression scale and the Beck Anxiety Inventory, at the 4-week trial midpoint and the 8-week primary endpoint. The participants’ treatment group remained unknown to the evaluators.

No significant difference after 8 weeks
Escitalopram-treated participants reported a higher decrease in anxiety symptoms at the halfway point of the study, but by eight weeks, there was no discernible difference between the groups. However, there were more adverse effects in the drug group. In contrast to just 21 (15.4 percent) in the MBSR group, 110 individuals (78.6 percent) reported at least one adverse event during the study. The two treatments significantly reduced anxiety levels; for instance, the PROMIS Anxiety Scale, a measure of anxiety, decreased 8–9 points in the drug group and 7–3 points in the mindfulness group. There was no statistically significant difference between these differences.

Mindfulness could be an alternative to medication
MBSR was initially developed in 1990 and incorporates both formal and informal meditation practices along with hatha yoga. It has been demonstrated to help people manage their emotions, which lowers stress, depressive symptoms, and anxiety symptoms. Although the medication had a quicker effect, this study found that it was just as effective as escitalopram at reducing symptoms of anxiety over 8 weeks. Even though escitalopram shows noticeable results quickly, the research indicates that more comprehensive treatment approaches for anxiety may be used in the future, and individualized care will always be crucial. Hoge informed MNT that compared to the medication group, participants in the MBSR program might have profited from greater interaction.

The higher level of contact in the mindfulness group which met weekly for 2.5 hours may have had an effect on participants. In contrast, patients on the medication saw a prescriber only once a week for roughly 30 minutes. According to her, the mindfulness group practiced mindfulness meditation at home virtually every day. Despite this drawback, the researchers recommend that MBSR be provided to patients with anxiety disorders in a clinical setting because, according to their research, it appears to be just as effective as escitalopram while having fewer side effects.

In my clinical practice, I see that patients usually have strong opinions about the type of treatment they would like to receive. If they are interested in mindfulness, it’s usually because they are looking for non-pharmacological options. However, some patients would prefer to take the medication rather than put in the effort to develop a meditation practice. Therefore, mindfulness may be a useful substitute for SSRIs for people who would rather not take the chance of experiencing side effects when treating anxiety disorders.

References:
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/mindfulness-may-be-as-effective-as-antidepressant-relieving-anxiety-symptoms#Mindfulness-could-be-an-alternative-to-medication

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10 myths about depression

10 myths about depression

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There are many misconceptions regarding depression, such as the idea that it only affects specific individuals or that it is not a real illness. These misconceptions not only deter people from getting treatment but also add to the stigma associated with the illness. In the year 2020, approximately 8 percent of adult Americans had at least one major depressive episode. It is therefore among the most prevalent mental health issues in the U.S. S. Even so, there are still a lot of misconceptions about depression. The main causes of this are misconceptions in society and culture regarding the illness, as well as out-of-date science. This article breaks down popular misconceptions about depression, explains why they are untrue, and distinguishes fact from fiction.

Some attempt to discredit depression by asserting that it is a choice made by the individual or the outcome of a personality trait, and thus not a legitimate medical condition. Additionally, depression used to be seen by some as a form of self-pity or sadness rather than as a diagnosable and treatable mental illness. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) lists depression as a mental illness. There are symptoms that are both physical and emotional. To be diagnosed with depression, an individual must meet the requirements listed in the handbook. These include experiencing symptoms that can drastically alter a person’s thoughts, feelings, and behavior and last for at least two weeks. As a result, depression is not the same as being depressed or self-pitying. Medical professionals have connected a number of biological, environmental, and psychological variables to depression. Over 8 out of 100 adults in the U.S. S. suffered from at least one major depressive episode in 2020 that left them seriously handicapped.

Antidepressants are frequently prescribed by doctors to help treat depression because they can enhance how the brain uses chemicals that regulate mood and stress. Antidepressant medication is thought by some to be the best or most efficient way to treat depression. It’s also a widely held misconception that a person cannot avoid depressive symptoms if they take antidepressants for the rest of their lives. Antidepressants do not always work for everyone or in all circumstances, nor are they a panacea for depression. Actually, antidepressants are typically prescribed by doctors in addition to psychotherapy and lifestyle modifications.

Furthermore, although it is true that some depressed individuals will use antidepressants for years to help them manage their symptoms, doctors hardly ever recommend antidepressants for life. Antidepressants usually take a few weeks to start working. It is important to note that it is not safe for people taking antidepressants to suddenly stop taking them. This is because stopping some medications suddenly can have negative effects. Most people schedule a gradual reduction in their dosage with their physician or mental health specialist. It is standard procedure to gradually reduce the dosage once the patient’s symptoms have subsided. This usually happens after taking the drug for a minimum of six months.

Some people think that a traumatic event is always the cause of depression. Trauma may contribute to depression or act as a trigger for it. Depression does not have a single cause; rather, it frequently results from a confluence of various factors. Furthermore, not every person who goes through a traumatic event will become depressed. The illness can also appear in people whose lives appear to be going well.

Adolescence can be a challenging time physiologically, socially, and emotionally. Adolescent effects and depression symptoms can sometimes be confused. These include Anxiety, pessimism, irritability, and oversleeping. This could lead some individuals to conclude that depression is merely a natural part of growing up. There is a high prevalence of depression among adolescents. An approximate of 17% of U. S. In 2020, 12 to 17-year-olds went through at least one major depressive episode.

But typical teenage sadness is not the same as depression, as is the case in adulthood. A doctor may suspect that a teen is depressed if they experience sadness, annoyance, and a lack of enjoyment in activities they used to enjoy for an extended period of time. This implies that not all moody teenagers experience depression, and that depression is neither a biological event or a rite of passage that a person must go through in order to reach adulthood. Teens who do exhibit symptoms, such as a persistently low mood and difficulty managing the rigors of school, should, nevertheless, seek assistance as soon as possible by speaking with a doctor or other trusted adult.

Stereotypes rooted in culture and society have perpetuated the idea that men shouldn’t or shouldn’t experience depression. Because of this, a lot of people have long ignored male depression. Depression can strike anyone at any time. However, the symptoms of depression can differ in men and women, and different variables can make depressive episodes more likely in each sex.


Depression in males:
According to some research, men who are depressed may show signs of anger and substance abuse disorders more frequently than women. They might also be less willing to ask for assistance since they are less willing to discuss their emotions. The stigma that society places on masculinity and masculine behavior may be the cause of this. In order to avoid major complications, males who exhibit symptoms of depression should consult a physician or Mental health professional as soon as possible. This is significant because, when depression is present, research indicates that men are more likely than women to commit suicide.

Depression in females:
However, depression is more prevalent in women. After giving birth, women may also suffer from a form of depression known as postpartum depression. This typically has the following effects: weariness, anxiety, and a lingeringly depressed mood. Researchers think that abrupt changes in hormone levels are one of the many reasons why postpartum depression arises. It can be difficult for people suffering from postpartum depression to take care of both themselves and their infants due to their extreme sadness and exhaustion. A specialist in this kind of depression should provide professional assistance to those who display these symptoms.

Depression increases the risk of mortality among people living with diabetes

Depression increases the risk of mortality among people living with diabetes

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More than 462 million people worldwide suffer with type 2 diabetes, making it the ninth most common cause of death. People with type 2 diabetes frequently experience mental health problems; research indicates that the likelihood of depression is twice as high in those with the disease as in those without it. According to a recent study, the risk of dying young is four times higher for those who have type 2 diabetes and depression combined than for those who don’t. The authors advocate for the inclusion of mental health services in type 2 diabetes patients’ medical regimens.

Using data from the Global Burden of Disease dataset, a study conducted in 2017 projected that 462 million individuals worldwide, or 6.28% of the total population, had type 2 diabetes. Since then, the number has grown, and by 2050, it is anticipated that there will be more than 1.3 billion type 2 diabetics globally. Individuals who have diabetes are more likely than those who do not to experience depression. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 5% of persons worldwide suffer from depression, also known as depressive disorder. Research has also shown that people with type 2 diabetes have twice the risk of developing depression compared to the general population.

Type 2 diabetes and depression together can raise the chance of death by up to four times, according to a recent study. Both illnesses increase the risk of mortality. Professor of public health at current Mexico State University and lead and corresponding author of the current study Dr. Jagdish Khubchandani told MNT that “it is estimated that almost a fifth of people with diabetes may also have depression symptoms of varying severity” globally. Data from 14,920 participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, conducted between 2005 and 2010, were analyzed by the researchers. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) death records up to December 31, 2019, were then linked to these data.

When it came to the participants’ diabetes status, the researchers recorded it as diabetes if they replied “yes” or “borderline” to the question, “Other than during pregnancy, have you ever been told by a doctor or other health professional that you have diabetes or sugar diabetes?”. They measured depression using the PHQ-9, a tool for gauging depression severity. Anyone who received a score of 10 or higher on the questionnaire—which has a maximum score of 27—was deemed to have depression. 10% of the cohort had type 2 diabetes, and 9 points08 percent had depression. Sixteen percent of people with type 2 diabetes also experienced depression. The researchers discovered that, overall, individuals with type 2 diabetes had a 1:7 chance of dying before their time after adjusting for sociodemographic variables. The risk of dying young was more than four times higher for those with type 2 diabetes and depression than for those without either illness.

“Considering the range of additional conditions, including depression, that often coexist with diabetes, specialists in diabetes care may not be able to provide assistance on their own,” he continued. Dr. This viewpoint was echoed by Gabbay, who stated that “[t]he American Diabetes Association Standards of Care recommends routine screening for depression because it is a common condition in people with diabetes, predicts poor outcomes, and, shockingly, now increases the risk of death.”. “It is crucial to screen for depression, which can be as easy as asking a PHQ-2 question [about the frequency of depressed mood], and then concentrate on appropriate treatments, given that there are effective treatments for depression,” he said. According to Dr. Gabbay, there are a number of factors that may contribute to diabetes and depression, including inflammation, sleep disturbance, an inactive lifestyle, poor dietary habits, and environmental and cultural risk factors.

There are several possible explanations for the link between type 2 diabetes and depression. He pointed out that people who are depressed are frequently less likely to lead healthy lifestyles, which can result in poorer glucose regulation and an increased risk of diabetes complications. We may not fully understand the biological connection, but it appears to play a significant role in the relationship between depression and type 2 diabetes, Dr. Gabbay continued. Dr. Khubchandani stressed how critical it is to treat both illnesses. He informed us that a combination of antidepressants and hypoglycemic drugs are recommended for optimum management of both the disorders and to prevent worsening of any of these, although receiving treatment for any one of the two disorders is still preferable to receiving none at all. He continued, Frequent monitoring and screening is essential for this to occur, and diabetes care practitioners must remain vigilant about mental health issues among patients.. Dr. Khubchandani further emphasized the need for prompt action to stop needless diabetes-related deaths. He emphasized that by 2050, the number of people with diabetes worldwide will have rapidly doubled from 400 million today, adding that diabetes imposes a lot of social, economic, and emotional burdens.. In the absence of a more thorough and serious approach to mental health issues, the number of diabetics who pass away too soon will increase. .

High blood sugar levels brought on by diabetes can cause a number of health problems that can impact the body’s organs. Controlling these levels can lower the chance of harm occurring to the entire body. Diabetes can be treated to a lesser extent by receiving an early diagnosis and adhering to a treatment plan that includes medication, lifestyle modifications, and routine medical care. The primary cause of early death for diabetics is cardiovascular disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). According to the CDC, the risk of having a stroke or passing away from heart disease is two to three times higher for those who have diabetes than for those who do not. Moreover, diabetes patients typically experience more severe cardiac issues earlier in life than non-diabetic individuals. Furthermore, diabetes frequently coexists with other heart-stressing conditions like obesity, hypertension, and high cholesterol. Diabetes and cardiovascular disease are both at risk due to poor diet and inactivity. When there is an infection or wound, the body’s capacity to heal is compromised by poor circulation. The lack of blood, oxygen, and nutrients is the cause of this. Diabetes patients should frequently examine their skin for wounds and should consult a physician if they experience any infection-related symptoms, such as redness, swelling, or fever.

One of the most frequent side effects of diabetes is neuropathy, or nerve damage. Nerve damage affects roughly 10–20% of individuals with diabetes at diagnosis. A person’s risk of developing neuropathy increases with the length of time they have diabetes. Over 50% of individuals with diabetes will develop the illness at some point. Any area of the nervous system, including the nerves governing autonomic or involuntary processes like digestion, can be affected by neuropathy. On the other hand, peripheral neuropathy is the most prevalent type. The legs, feet, and toes, as well as the arms, hands, and fingers, are affected, resulting in pain and numbness. The upper legs and hips can also be affected by neuropathy. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), peripheral neuropathy accounts for up to 50% of cases of diabetes, while autonomic neuropathy accounts for over 30% of cases. High blood sugar levels have the potential to harm kidney blood vessels over time. The kidneys’ ability to filter waste from the blood is compromised by this damage. Kidney failure may develop eventually. One of the primary causes of kidney disease, according to the NIDDK, is diabetes. It impacts one in three diabetics.

Diabetes raises the possibility of several ocular issues, some of which can result in blindness. One of the short-term issues is hazy vision from elevated blood sugar. Diabetic retinopathy, macular edema, cataracts, and glaucoma are long-term complications. Controlling blood sugar, avoiding or quitting smoking, and scheduling routine eye exams can all help preserve eye health in diabetics. Nervous system damage can impact autonomic bodily processes, such as digestion. When nerve damage prevents the digestive system from properly moving food from the stomach into the small intestine, the condition known as gastroparesis may result. Diabetes may cause a person to experience nausea, vomiting, acid reflux, bloating, abdominal pain, and, in extreme situations, weight loss. Stress can be reduced by learning as much as possible about diabetes. It may also cause concerns about treatment, health, and potential complications that can lead to stress, anxiety, and depression. Concerns about the cost of treatment and whether or not they are getting it right, especially if symptoms change mood disorders that make it difficult for a person to maintain a healthy lifestyle. A person will feel more in control of their diabetes and its management the more informed they are about their illness. Being aware of what to do in every circumstance can help someone feel more confident and better about themselves in general. Reducing these issues can be achieved by collaborating with a healthcare provider. A physician or therapist may do so.

REFERENCES:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S016383431300011X
https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/managing/mental-health.html
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37898065/
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/317483

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According to a study, running has similar mental health benefits to antidepressants.

According to a study, running has similar mental health benefits to antidepressants.

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Running therapy and antidepressant medication are both successful treatments for patients with depression and anxiety disorders. They could have diverse effects on physical health, though, and they might operate through various pathophysiological processes. This study compared the effects of running therapy to antidepressants on both physical and mental health.

141 individuals with depression and/or anxiety disorders were randomly assigned to receive their preferred 16-week treatment, which was either antidepressant medication (escitalopram or sertraline) or group-based running therapy twice per week, according to a partially randomised patient preference design. Mental (diagnosis status and symptom severity) and physical (metabolic and immunological indicators, weight, lung function, hand grip strength, fitness) health indicators were assessed at baseline (T0) and post-treatment at week 16 (T16). Of the 141 individuals, 45 were given antidepressants, while 96 had running treatment (mean age 38.2 years; 58.2% female). Remission rates at T16 were comparable according to intention-to-treat analyses (antidepressants: 44.8%; running: 43.3%; p =.881). However, there were significant differences between the groups for a number of physical health measures, including weight (d = 0.57; p =.001), waist circumference (d = 0.44; p =.011), systolic and diastolic blood pressure (d = 0.53; p =.002), heart rate (d = 0.36; p =.033), and heart rate variability (d = 0.48; p =.006).

Only a small portion of the individuals agreed to be randomized; as a result, running therapy was more popular and had a bigger sample size. While the therapies had similar impacts on mental health, running therapy beat antidepressants in terms of physical health because both the running therapy group experienced greater improvements and the antidepressant group experienced greater declines.

REFERENCES:

https://www.everydayhealth.com/depression/running-may-offer-mental-health-benefit-similar-to-antidepressants/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36828150/
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/running-therapy-may-be-as-beneficial-for-depression-as-antidepressants

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