Depression is one serious illness that needs to be addressed as early as possible. Depression anxiety symptoms vary and may include one or a combination of the following: sadness or disinterest and displeasure in the simplest of activities or undertakings, weight loss or weight gain, insomnia or sometimes oversleeping, lack of energy and enthusiasm, feelings or delusions of self-pity and worthlessness, and on the extreme sometimes suicidal tendencies. The patient is oftentimes confused at his or her own irritability, irrational anger, worrying and agitation, pessimism, lethargy, guilt feelings and indifference.

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Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), also known as electroshock therapy, is a controversial medical treatment that induces a seizure by passing electricity through the patient s brain. ECT was a common psychiatric treatment until the late 20th century, when it fell into disuse as better drug therapies became readily available for more psychiatric conditions. It is now reserved for severe cases of depression in such illnesses as major depression and the depression associated with bipolar disorder. It can also be used to treat a manic episode.

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Like many other mental disorders, Bipolar disease cannot be cured. With proper treatment, however, those suffering from Bipolar disease can manage their disorder. A good prognosis depends largely on the individual and the way in which they manage their disorder.

Successful treatment plans for those suffering from Bipolar include becoming as informed as possible about their disorder and its treatment. Treatment also includes taking the right kind and correct dosage of medicines as prescribed by their doctor. A support system comprised of a competent medical doctor, therapist and family members or friends is also crucial to the Bipolar individual. Finally, these individuals should also seek to establish a balanced lifestyle with a low level of stress.

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Lexapro has fewer and milder side-effects than other drugs in the Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) family of drugs used in the treatment of depression and general anxiety disorders. One common side-effect of this however is weight gain though it is far less than with other SSRI drugs. Weight gain however is a very undesirable side-effect because of the mood swings and low self-esteem that weight gains can cause to people already suffering from depression or general anxiety disorders. It should however be noted that not every person on Lexapro treatment gains weight.

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SSRI drugs are very effective in providing symptomatic relief to women suffering from premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Though these drugs are the safest of all groups of anti-depressants, there are indications when SSRIs should not be used.

What SSRI drugs are:

SSRI is abbreviation for ‘Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor’ family of drugs. These drugs enable the brain to better utilize serotonin, the neurotransmitter that impacts the mood of a person. A good supply of serotonin to each brain cell as it flows through them is essential for maintenance of a good mood. However, if the serotonin supply falls below optimum, the person suffers a bad mood resulting in depression or generalized anxiety problems. It

should be noted that SSRIs do not produce more serotonin in the brain. They just inhibit the retention of small quantities of serotonin by each brain cell through which the neurotransmitter circulates. By inhibiting such retention, each brain cell gets more serotonin when the stream of serotonin enters it and passes on to the next cell. In reality, it is not as simple as written here, but it helps give a rough idea about how SSRIs improve mood.

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