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.

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 affects men and women in equal numbers, but women sometimes develop schizophrenia later in life.

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.

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/

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.

Depressed is a word we frequently use to describe our feelings when things are going badly for us and we have difficulty in discovering how they might improve. We feel low and lethargic but soon these feelings will change and we can begin to see a way forward, even beginning to wonder why we were so miserable. Feeling sad, unhappy or discouraged is of course perfectly normal.

It is important for the family to take an active role in the life of their loved ones with depression. Family members should take the time to educate themselves about the disease, so that they can know what to expect and so they can better understand possible treatment options and outcomes. It is important to be patient and supportive of the recovery process and to understand that there is no exact timeline for a full and complete recovery.

Patient #1 received an amniocentesis that revealed a fluorescence polarization (FP) of 30 mg / g, which is immature. One reference laboratory’s FP ranges include Results between 40-54 mg/G cannot be declared "Mature" or "Immature with the same level of confidence and should be considered "Inconclusive".

FDA Licenses New Vaccine for Prevention of Cervical Cancer and other Diseases in Female Caused by Human Papillomavirus

Most of us are in search of a means to increase the brain's feel-good chemicals, serotonin and dopamine. To accomplish this, we look to nicotine, drugs and certain (usually unhealthy and fattening) foods. We begin to rely on these substances to maintain that 'feel-good' sensation. Colostrum is a natural and healthy means of stimulating the brain to release serotonin and dopamine and prolong their re-uptake. Lactalbumin in colostrum has been clinically proven to improve mood during stress.

It is a known fact that depression is more common in the winter than it is in any other season. You might think that it ... If you’ve ever spent time with a depressed person, you probably already know that depression is contagious. If we are constantly exposed to negative ... Most of us spend our lives running to and fro, having meetings, meeting deadlines, and doing tons of stuff that leaves us stressed and frazzled ... The holidays are usually full of expectations and pressures.