Preventing depression
An article in the Cinncinati Enquirer says new research shows that preventive treatment for depression can be effective in at-risk populations, like those with SAD, or people with diabetes and heart disease. In two studies the preventive treatment was antidepressants. In the third it was psychotherapy.
I've used this strategy myself in the past, to grapple with pretty dramatic depression due to PMS. I used to take Zoloft for a week before the PMS, and then stop it when I got my period. It worked for a long time, but the Zoloft ultimately caused side effects I didn't feel like dealing with, so I don't take it anymore.
However, this kind of treatment makes me nervous. While it's true that heart disease sufferers are at higher risk for depression, does it make sense to start the meds before knowing if this particular patient will struggle with those symptoms?
I think I'd only employ this treatment strategy in relation to postpartum depression, which is a major factor in my not wanting to have a baby biologically.
Depression can sometimes be prevented
[Don't the Zoloft round things look just like the characters in the Korean anime Doggy Poo?]
Comments
i'm curious, what were the zoloft side effects you talk about?
Posted by: suzy | March 30, 2007 12:05 PM
For another take on the little ovoid creatures featured in Zoloft ads: http://www.astonishedhead.com/images/OVOID_123.swf
Posted by: Joe | March 30, 2007 12:41 PM
when your heart is broken, no matter the reason, heart "disease" seems inevitable, don't you think? You struggle with everyday life and you get hurt by job rejection, for example, because you might be too shy, and thus not given the chance to overcome that. It's not worth the investment for someone who is older but new to the job - considerable life experience is worthless.
Posted by: gina | March 31, 2007 01:02 AM
Those Zoloft ovoid things always remind me of some kind of citrus fruit - either lemons or limes, I think. It seems like they'd be good squeezed into a glass of iced tea.
Posted by: Kent | April 1, 2007 03:23 PM
You might be interested in a new DVD on Depression just released by my company called EVERYTHING YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT DEPRESSION presented by UK Consultant Psychiatrist, Dr Darryl Britto at www.TimeTrappers.co.uk
Cheers
John Edmonds
CEO
TimeTrappers
Posted by: John Edmonds | April 1, 2007 03:40 PM
I am sure you are aware of the way SSRIs such as Zoloft work. Taking them for a few days and then stopping will do absolutely nothing. In any case, you might be setting yourself up for highs and lows from starting and stopping the drug over and over again.
SSRIs need at least 3 weeks and often up to 6 weeks before they have a theraputic affect.
You have described an abusive and unwarrented use of SSRIs. The down side of all of this, you are only hurting yourself in the process.
Posted by: Max | April 1, 2007 07:25 PM