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Example research essay topic: Seasonal Affective Disorder Risk Taking Behavior - 3,198 words

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Depression is a disease affecting the entire mind and body, causing a person to feel miserable in many ways. Changes in brain chemistry make it happen. It is a brain disease. When speaking of depression Im not referring to the normal down periods that everyone goes through once in a while, that can be brought on by a rainy day, a broken heart, the flu or even for no particular reason. People mope around, listen to sad music and feel sorry for themselves. These moods go away within a couple of days, and we can enjoy life again.

Clinical depression is much more than that, It is an illness that can affect appetite, sleep patterns, powers of concentration, and even slow down movement and speech. While the strongest feeling depression brings is often sadness or a blue mood, it can also be a numb, empty feeling, anxiety, hopelessness, loss of self-esteem or self-worth, inability to make decisions or a combination of these. Unlike a passing mood, clinical depression dominates a persons life and brings it to a screeching halt. Depressive illnesses can last for months or years with varying patterns. A person with a depressive illness cannot talk themselves into feeling good. They cannot snap themselves out of it.

Suffering or not suffering from these illnesses does not have anything to do with a persons willpower. Many times, society assumes a person suffering from depression is just lazy, or lacks motivation to get his or her life together. One might be labeled as simply having a behavior problem. This simply is not true. There are many different types of depressive illnesses, each with various symptoms, degrees of severity, and duration. A Major Depressive Disorder is a sad mood of at least 2 weeks duration, with loss of interest or pleasure, appetite disturbance with resultant weight change, sleep disturbance, psychomotor changes (agitation or retardation), decreased energy, tiredness and fatigue, sense of worthlessness or guilt, impaired ability to think (with poor concentration, distract ability and poor memory), frequent thoughts of death or suicide.

Associated features may include tearfulness, irritability, brooding, obsessive thoughts, anxiety, phobias, excessive worry about physical health and complaints of pain. In young people, separation anxiety, academic problems, school failure and truancy are likely to be associated. The main features are the same in children and adolescents as they are in adults although somatic complaints, irritability and social withdrawal may be more common, whereas psychomotor retardation, hypersonic and delusions are less common. Delinquency or school phobia or obsessive compulsive disorder with depression) is a major feature. In the case of an Adjustment disorder with depressed mood this category excludes bereavement, but does include the appearance of depressed mood, tearfulness, feelings of hopelessness and poor results of social, occupational and academic functioning within three months of, and is clearly associated with a specific stressful event. A Seasonal Affective Disorder is an illness that has to do with a persons reaction to the amount of light a person receives.

Symptoms of depression low energy, fatigue, overeating may appear when the days begin to get shorter and there is less sunlight. People who have Seasonal Affective Disorder may produce an excess of the hormone melatonin, which is related to the bodys sleep cycle and biological clock. When the person is suffering from Unipolar Depression there are times when he / she feels normal, and other times when he / she feels depressed, slowed-down, or in a fog. Their ability to function normally may be significantly impaired.

A person may have only one or two episodes, or may continue to have episodes throughout his or her lifetime. Bipolar Illness or Manic Depression consists of two forms of this disease. With the first type, Bipolar I, a person may have dramatic mood swings, from severe lows to extreme highs (mania). A person who is experiencing mania may have excessive energy, he or she may feel restless and unable slow down, appearing hyper. This state causes grandiose thinking, impaired judgment, and often times embarrassing social behavior. With the second type, Bipolar II, the manias are milder (hypomania) and the lows may be of any severity.

A person experiencing hypomania may be very talkative and social, their thinking may be extraordinarily clear and sharp, with a lot of creativity. They feel in a wonderfully good mood, but eventually fall into a low period. Bipolar disorder generally occurs before the age of 30 years and may first develop during adolescence. Bipolar Affective Disorder can be reliably identified in adolescence, first signs appear early and there is a strong family history. In young people it is more common for the depressive episode to occur before the first manic episode. Dysthymia is chronic mild to moderate depression.

A person usually continues to function, but just doesnt experience the pleasure out of life like a healthy person does. The essential feature is a chronically depressed mood lasting longer than a year. There may be similar associated cognitive and somatic features to a depressed episode, even if these are of somewhat lower grade. Dysthymia often proceeds major depression. The term Cyclothymia has been employed in three ways. ?

One use of the term is simply as a synonym for bipolar disorder. ? A second use of the term is to describe a kind of temperament in which people have frequent mood shifts within a normal range. ? A third use refers to sub-threshold mood disorders in which people experience mild highs and lows. ? This latter conception was introduced by the German psychiatrist Karl Kahlbaum in a paper in which he also described dysthymia (low mood) and hyperthermia (high mood). Cyclothymia appears to be genetically related to bipolar disorder. ? At least two major studies found increased rates of cyclothymia in the relatives of people with bipolar disorder, but no increase above the population rate in relatives of people with major depression. ?

Studies have also found that about 1 / 3 of people with cyclothymia at one point in time are later diagnosed with bipolar disorder, most often bipolar II disorder. ? Because cyclothymia is a mild condition, its treatment is more difficult to study than bipolar disorder: the diagnosis is less clear, those with the condition are less likely to seek psychiatric attention, they may be less likely to need medication, and their response to medication might be more subtle. Whether stress makes cyclothymia worse is not certain as careful studies of this relationship have not been carried out. ? In general, though, people with an unstable mood probably benefit from creating stability in the structure of their life. ? This stability may act to soften the impact of mood swings. ? Stress, on the other hand, may blow up the extremes of mood making them more difficult to cope with. ?

Its also possible that stress triggers mood swings, but, again, research is not clear on this point. ? When suffering from Atypical Depression a person can still have fun and experience pleasure if an opportunity presents itself, such as a party or good news, but the feeling is short-lived. Heaviness, fatigue, and lack of motivation then recurs until the next pleasurable occasion comes up. There may be moodiness, plus at least 2 of these 4 symptoms; oversleeping, overeating, extreme fatigue and rejection sensitivity. Premenstrual Syndrome seems to be related to depression in some people, with symptoms of irritability, nervousness, sadness, low energy, and physical symptoms of body aches and bloating presenting themselves prior to a womans menstrual period.

A number of medical conditions may cause mood symptoms and it is clear from the history, examination and investigations that the depression is the direct physiological consequence of the general medical condition. For the obvious reason that fewer medical cases occur in young people this is less common, but still occurs as a consequence of viral and other infections, and metabolic and endocrine conditions. It is not for sure what causes depression, doctors used to think it was due to something unhappy in the person? s life or to a psychological hang-up. they now know, however that this disease happens to people who have no reason? to be depressed. ?

Depression can strike normal and healthy people. The thought to be main cause for clinical depression is due to biological factors. There is recent increasing interest in the complexity of physiological change in teenagers and how this might influence the appearance of depression. In contrast to adults, cortisol secretion has not been shown convincingly to differentiate depressed from normal adolescents. ? Thyroid stimulating hormone and growth hormone hyper secretion have been shown to occur, but at this stage, functioning of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in depressed adolescents is not well understood.

It is not surprising therefore that studies on dexamethasone suppression in young people are confusing and inconclusive. Dexamethasone non-suppression may increase the confidence in a biological diagnosis, but the converse is not true. ? Overall it seems that the more mature the teenager, the more likely they are to show the classic profile of depressive illness, and the more likely they are to respond to treatments shown to work for adults. This should not allow us to imply that young people do not suffer from true depression; simply, treatment has to be carefully examined to the individual presentation. Depression is the most common disease seen in all of medicine; however, it is often confused with other illnesses. For example, many people who are told they have low blood pressure, vitamin deficiency, sinus headaches, low sugar, menopause, burnout, and feel constantly tired actually have depression that causes their troubles.

Many drugs used in the treatment of other illnesses, such as cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure or arthritis, as well as oral contraceptives and some antibiotics, can trigger depressive illnesses. Long-term or sudden illnesses can also bring on a depressive illness. And neurological disorders, hormonal disorders, infections, and tumors can mimic the symptoms of depressive illnesses or anxiety. If all medical tests come out negative, or if chronic physical pain does not respond to treatment, there is a strong possibility a depressive illness exists.

Depressive illnesses are not due to personal weakness or a character flaw, but are biological illnesses related to imbalance or disrupted brain chemistry. The brain is an organ of the body and can get sick just like the heart, liver, or kidneys. A combination of genetic, psychological, and environmental factors all play a role in how and when a depressive illness may manifest itself. And because these are illnesses, stress doesnt necessarily have to be present, but can cause a depression. Depression can appear out of nowhere, when everything is going fine, at a time when there would be no reason for a person to feel depressed. People of all ages, including infants and children (who may be born with a chemical imbalance), can suffer from depressive illnesses.

Since they may be genetic, a person who is predisposed may be at a higher risk for developing these illnesses than someone who does not have these illnesses in their family (as in cancer, heart disease, etc. ). This does not mean everyone will inherit a depressive illness. Instead, this is good news. By recognizing the signs of depressive illnesses early on, people can get the help they need, avoiding needless suffering for months or even years. The effects depression has on each individual suffering from this disease depends on the type of depression they are suffering from and the degree of it. Effects also vary from children to teenagers as well as adults.

In children, depressive illnesses may be disguised as school phobia or school avoidance, social phobia or social avoidance, excessive separation anxiety, running away, obsessions, compulsions, or everyday rituals, such as having to go to bed at the exact time each night for fear something bad might happen. Chronic illnesses may be present also since depression weakens the immune system. Depressive illnesses / anxiety in adolescents may be presented as eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia, drug / alcohol abuse, sexual promiscuity, risk-taking behavior such as reckless driving, unprotected sex, carelessness when walking across busy streets, or on bridges or cliffs. There may be social isolation, running away, constant disobedience, getting into trouble with the law, physical or sexual assaults against others, obnoxious behavior, failure to care about appearance / hygiene , no sense of self or of values / morals , difficulty cultivating relationships, inability to establish / stick with occupational / educational goals. Adults tend to feel various of the following symtoms of depression. Persistent sad or empty mood.

Feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, guilt, pessimism, or worthlessness. Chronic fatigue, or loss of interest in ordinary activities, including sex. Disturbances in eating or sleeping patterns. Irritability, increased crying; generalized anxiety (may include chronic fear of dying / convinced dying of incurable disease), panic attacks.

Hypochondria in which the person actually feels symptoms, they are real and not imagined. Thoughts of suicide; suicide plans or attempts. In chronic depression, day-to-day functioning is impaired to a greater or lesser extent. Depressed individuals are more likely to abuse alcohol or drugs, due to their temporary antidepressant effects. A person who has depression will usually feel he is an ineffective, worthless person, even though there is no reason to feel that way. He will also often have a headache that is present most of the time.

Almost any chronic pain elsewhere such as in the stomach or back can be caused by depression. These pains are not imaginary; they are quite real and often severe. He will find it difficult to concentrate, make decisions, remember things and getting things done. If depressive illnesses are left untreated, they can be fatal. 30, 000 people kill themselves in the U. S. every year.

It is estimated that the actual figure may be 3 times that number due to inaccurate reporting, i. e. suicides recorded as accidental instead. The Journal of the American Medical Association has reported that 95 % of all suicides occur at the peak of a depressive episode. Healthy people do not kill themselves. Depressive illnesses can distort a persons thinking, so they dont think clearly or rationally.

They may not know they have a treatable illness, or they may think that they cant be helped. Their illness can cause thoughts of hopelessness and helplessness, which may then lead to suicidal thoughts. The topic of suicide has always been taboo. It is a subject that is so misunderstood by people, thereby allowing myths to be continued.

Education is the key to understanding this incredible tragedy that, in many cases, might be prevented. Talking or joking about suicide. Statements about hopelessness, helplessness, or worthlessness. Example: Life is useless. Everyone would be better off without me.

It doesnt matter. I wont be around much longer anyway. I wish I could just disappear. Preoccupation with death. Example: recurrent death themes in music, literature, or drawings. Writing letters or leaving notes referring to death or the end.

Suddenly happier, calmer. Loss of interest in things one cares about. Unusual visiting or calling people one cares about saying their good-byes. Giving possessions away, making arrangements, setting ones affairs in order. Self-destructive behavior (alcohol / drug abuse, self-injury or mutilation, promiscuity).

Risk-taking behavior (reckless driving / excessive speeding, carelessness around bridges, cliffs or balconies, or walking in front of traffic). Having several accidents resulting in injury. Close calls or brushes with death. Obsession with guns or knives. All these behaviors and thoughts can be signs of a person considering committing suicide. There are various ways of treating depressive illnesses depending on the type of illness, the severity, and the age of the person being treated.

Much of the research has shown that a combination of antidepressant medication along with psychotherapy is the quickest, most effective treatment. Many times, antidepressant medication is first needed to clear the foggy head, thereby allowing a person to concentrate better and think more clearly in their therapy sessions. The brain has to be in good working order before problem-solving can begin. Antidepressant medications correct the chemical imbalance or the chemical disruption in a persons brain.

They are not addictive like common street drugs, because they arent pep pills or uppers. If a person took antidepressant medication who didnt have depression, the medication wouldnt have any effect on them. It wouldnt make them happier or give them any more energy. Thats why theyve never been bought or sold on the street, because they arent mood-altering in the sense that street drugs are. If a person took an aspirin, but didnt have a fever, the aspirin wouldnt do anything to his / her normal body temperature. Antidepressant medication cant treat something that doesnt exist in the first place.

Some people take antidepressant medication for a year or so, others may take it for the rest of their life. Diabetes is treated with insulin, heart disease is treated with heart medication, and depressive illnesses are treated, many times, but not always, with antidepressant medication. Psychotherapy is A talking therapy. There are several types of psychotherapy, but two have been proven to be very beneficial in the treatment of depressive illnesses.

Cognitive therapy focuses on trying to change a persons negative thinking and the inaccurate perceptions they have of themselves and their environment. People are taught to think logically. Example: If I cant do this project perfectly, I cant do it at all. (illogical). Interpersonal therapy teaches a person how to successfully interact with others.

Depressive illnesses interfere with how a person treats his or her family, friends, and co-workers, which consequently affects how he or she is treated in return. Interpersonal therapy focuses on social skills. Although depression often goes undetected and untreated, among the general population it is estimated that between two and four percent of people suffer from clinical depression. In hard figures this means that during the course of a year, 17. 5 million Americans suffer from clinical depression. The figures are even higher among specific populations. Five and ten percent of patients under primary care suffer from clinical depression and among hospital inpatients, the chronically ill and confined elderly, the rate ranges from ten to fourteen percent of the population.

While men and women each suffer from depression and experience the same symptoms, women are disproportionately affected by depression, experiencing it at roughly twice the rate of men. During any six month period, approximately 6. 6 percent of women and 3. 5 percent of men will have a depressive disorder. Men with clinical depression are more than twice as likely to develop coronary artery disease as their non-depressed counterparts. Depression is one of the most common psychological problems, affecting nearly everyone through either personal experience or through depression in a family member. Each year over 17 million American adults experience a period of clinical depression. The cost in human suffering cannot be estimated.

Depression can interfere with normal functioning, and frequently causes problems with work, social and family adjustment. It causes pain and suffering not only to those who have a disorder, but also to those who care about them. Serious depression can destroy family life as well as the life of the depressed person. ?


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Research essay sample on Seasonal Affective Disorder Risk Taking Behavior

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