According to the president of the 20th Collegium Internationale Neuropsychopharmacologicum (CINP), comorbid mood disorders (such as depression) are so prevalent in this patient group that they may be considered a fundamental characteristic of schizophrenic disorders. Up to 80% of schizophrenia patients experience serious depressive symptoms. There are several reasons why a person with schizophrenia is more likely to experience depression than the average person.

Very common. One in six New Zealanders will experience depression at some time in their lives. It is most common in 16-24 year olds, but can happen at any age.

PHN is nerve pain, and the tricyclic antidepressants seem to lessen pain signals from the damaged nerves. The doses of these drugs used to treat PHN are about one-tenth the dose typically used to treat depression.

Depression is common among ALS patients and may be more common among caregivers. Depression can be minimized through the use of antidepressant medication, counseling, and a strong network of supportive family and friends.

Schizophrenia is more common than most people think. About 1% of the people in the United States will develop schizophrenia over the course of their lives. It's also important to know that schizophrenia has many different symptoms and can show up in many different ways.

We all need friends who stick with us through good times and bad. People with schizophrenia will value your friendship. They are often discriminated against by those who are ignorant about the illness. Many people with schizophrenia have high IQ's. Unless someone is experiencing symptoms of their illness, there will be nothing especially unusual about their behaviour. You can be a real friend by trying to understand the illness and by educating others when the opportunity arises.

If the doctor (GP) suspects a diagnosis of schizophrenia, a specialist (psychiatrist) will admit the patient to hospital for assessment. (This may be with or without the person’s consent. If the doctor believes the person is at high risk of harming themselves or a danger to others, he/she may legally enforce admission to hospital). On confirmation of diagnosis treatment will begin. Antipsychotic drugs* are used to control the strange behaviour.

If you are unsure where to go for help, check the Yellow Pages under “mental health,” “health,” “social services,” “suicide prevention,” “crisis intervention services,” “hotlines,” “hospitals,” or “physicians” for phone numbers and addresses.

Depression that occurs during pregnancy or within a year after delivery is called perinatal depression. The exact number of women with depression during this time is unknown. But researchers believe that depression is one of the most common complications during and after pregnancy. Often, the depression is not recognized or treated, because some normal pregnancy changes cause similar symptoms and are happening at the same time.

A study by the National Institute of Mental Health found that up to 8.4% of adolescents in the United States suffer from depression. Adolescents females are two times more likely than males to develop a depressive disorder. (Back to top)

Yes. There are support groups, phone lines, therapists and books. See the emotional recovery and postpartum depression topic page to find resources to help you. Go here to find postpartum depression books. There are people who have been where you are. There are people who can help you. If you are in need of immediate help, please contact 1-800-SUICIDE right now! The world is a better place with you in it.

Yes, more than in the general population. Depression cannot be cured. However, it can be effectively treated. Please refer to Depression and Cancer, by Chris Woolston at http://www.principalhealthnews.com/topic/depcancer/

About 10-20 percent of women who deliver an infant will develop PPD. This percentage is fairly constant in different countries that have been studied. There seems to be a connection between maternity blues and PPD although they are clearly different conditions. Women who experience maternity blues have a 20 percent chance of having PPD, while women who do not have maternity blues run about a 10 percent chance.

Psychotherapy (talk therapy) and medications are the two most commonly used treatments. (Back to top)

A photo gallery of dog pictures for your viewing pleasure. Browse through these great photos of mixed breed dogs, and send in your own! The Labrador Retriever : includes history, links to photos, rescues clubs, and favourite websites. In the vast majority of cases children and the family dog are a great match. They usually build and share a very close lifelong bond with each other.

Postpartum depression usually occurs within one year of birth. However, undiagnosed, untreated, or improperly treated, PPD can continue for up to two years before it will spontaneously resolve. Even then, a smaller percentage of women will not recover without treatment. Late onset symptoms are seen in women who develop PPD after weaning the infant late in the postpartum course.