FDA Approves
Emsam (Selegiline) as First Drug Patch for
Depression
(February 28, 2006)
The Food and Drug
Administration today approved Emsam (selegiline),
the first skin (transdermal) patch for use in treating
depression.
Depression can be
treated in a variety of ways, particularly with
medications and counseling. Most people benefit from a
combination of the two.
Some studies have shown that
antidepressant drug therapy combined with
psychotherapy appears to have better results than either
therapy alone. |
EPH200 Diet Pill |
DHEA and Dysthymia Depression |
Major
depression
is when 5 or more symptoms
of depression are present for at least 2 weeks. These
symptoms include feeling sad, hopeless, worthless, or
pessimistic. In addition, people with major depression
often have behavior changes, such as new eating and
sleeping patterns. Major depression increases a
person's risk of suicide. The exact cause of depression
is not known. Many researchers believe it is caused by
chemical imbalances in the brain, which may be hereditary
or caused by events in a person's life. |
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Major
Depressive Disorder is a common psychiatric condition
in the U.S. population. Symptoms of depression include
general emotional dejection, withdrawal and restlessness
that interfere with daily functioning, such as loss of
interest in usual activities; significant change in weight
and/or appetite; insomnia; increased fatigue; feelings of
guilt or worthlessness; slowed thinking or impaired
concentration; and a suicide attempt or suicidal ideation.
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Major depression is when
a person has 5 or more of the following symptoms for more than
2 weeks:
- Trouble sleeping or
excessive sleeping
- A dramatic change in
appetite, often with weight gain or loss
- Fatigue and lack of energy
- Feelings of worthlessness,
self-hate, and inappropriate guilt
- Extreme difficulty
concentrating
- Agitation, restlessness,
and irritability
- Inactivity and withdrawal
from usual activities, a loss of interest or pleasure in
activities that were once enjoyed (such sex)
- Feelings of hopelessness
and helplessness
- Thoughts of death or
suicide
Depression can appear as
anger and discouragement rather than feelings of hopelessness
and helplessness. If depression is very severe, it may be
accompanied by psychotic symptoms, such as hallucinations and
delusions. These are usually consistent with the depressed
mood, and may focus on themes of guilt, personal inadequacy,
or disease. |
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