Complete depression. Causes of Complete Depression

Posted on October 2, 2019  in Uncategorized

1. Biological theories a. Inherited. Numerous studies have been conducted that confirm the involvement of heredity in the development of a depressed state. The incidence is apparently significantly higher among relatives of individuals with this disorder than in the general population (DSM-III-R, 1987). b. Biochemical. Violations of electrolyte balance, apparently, play a role in the development of a depressive state. An error in metabolism leads to a transposition of sodium and potassium within the neuron (Gibbons, 1960). Another biochemical theory gives importance to biogenic amines – noradrenaline, dopamine and serotonin. Concentrations of these chemicals are inadequate in depressed individuals (Janowsky et al., 1988). Biochemical theories are contradictory. It is also necessary to establish whether depression is caused by biochemical changes or whether biochemical changes occur in response to the development of a depressive state. 2. Psychosocial theories a. Psychoanalytic. In this theory (Klein, 1934), importance is given to unsatisfactory relationships in early childhood between a mother and a child as a factor predisposing to the development of a depressive state. The baby’s needs remain unmet, which creates a condition that is seen as loss. The grief reaction does not find its solution, as a result of which rage and hostility turn on themselves. The “I” remains weak, while the “superego” strengthens and becomes punishing. b. Cognitive. Proponents of this theory (Beck et al., 1979) are convinced that a depressed state results from impaired cognition. Disturbed forms of thinking support the individual’s negative assessment of himself. Perceptions of their inconsistency and worthlessness prevail. Future prospects are pessimistic and hopeless. at. Theory of Learning. This theory (Seligman, 1973) suggests that the individual is predisposed to the development of a depressed state that he does not sufficiently control his life circumstances. It is believed that this belief arises from life experience leading to failure (imaginary or real). After numerous failures, the individual feels helpless in achieving his aspirations and therefore refuses any further attempts in this direction. This memorized helplessness is regarded as a predisposition to the development of a depressed state, d. Theory of the loss of an object. This theory (Bowlby, 1973) states that a depressive state occurs when a child is separated from loved ones during the first six months of his life or the latter refuse him. The process of forming bonds is disrupted, and the child moves away from people and the environment.

Clinic and classification of depression

• Traditional classification : – endogenous depression – reactive and neurotic / psychogenic depression – somatogenic (symptomatic / organic) depression 
 

• The current classification is based on the severity and course of the disease : – mild / moderate / severe / psychotic – depressive episode or recurrent form of depression 

• The following forms are distinguished as special forms : – postpartum depression – atypical depression – age-related depression – seasonal (autumn-winter) depression 



The main symptoms of depression

The main symptoms include depressed mood, decreased stimuli and speed of thinking, as well as sleep disorders.

Mental symptoms of depression :
• Depressed mood, joylessness
• Loss of interest
• Decreased motivation, loss of energy
• Self-doubt / guilt / internal emptiness
• Decreased thinking speed / inability to make decisions
• Fear / pessimism about the future
• Delusions are possible
• Daytime fluctuations
• Suicidal thoughts

Somatic symptoms of depression :
• Vital disorders
• Sleep disturbance (early awakening, the ability to wake up)
• Disorder of appetite
• Constipation
• Sensation of compression of the skull, dizziness, feeling of compression
• Vegetative symptoms

Examples of erroneous depressive judgments in depression :
1. Excessive generalization. General conclusions are drawn on the basis of individual events, for example: “Nobody likes me.”
2. The effect of “short circuit”. In the absence of supporting facts or in circumstances completely opposite to the prevailing judgment, a conclusion is arbitrarily drawn, for example: “Other people look down on me, I will always be depressed.”
3. Personalization (close perception). For no apparent reason, the events are projected onto their own personality, for example: “It’s my fault that N.’s colleague is in a bad mood.”
4. “Tunnel effects.” Attention focuses only on certain, in most cases negative things, events, for example: “My colleague does not like me” (and what other colleagues do is ignored).

Important : A pronounced risk of suicide in patients with depression! 15% of patients with severe depressive disorders die due to suicide. 20-60% of patients with depression have a history of suicide attempts, from 40 to 80% of patients during depression have suicidal thoughts.

If depression is based on physical symptoms, we can talk about somatized (larvir ovannoy / masked) depression.

Endogenous depression. Affective insanity

Hereditary diseases exist everywhere, occurring in the form of cycles lasting up to several months or more. In modern classifications, two types of the disease occur: monopolar depression, or depressive disorder, in which only endogenous depression develops, and bipolar disorder, in which manic phases develop, often followed by depression. Cases of manic episodes without depression are well known, but are rare. A depressive episode can develop without provoking factors, although it is often preceded by stressful situations or the loss of a loved one within a few months. The patient experiences depression, sadness or decreased mood, deep pessimism and a sense of hopelessness. Along with affective disorders, there is a loss of interest in all matters and feelings of pleasure, decreased performance, mental and physical fatigue, sleep disturbance (often with early morning awakenings), loss of appetite, weight loss, weakened sex drive and various pains, including headaches . Many patients, especially the elderly, develop agitation and anxiety, while others experience psychomotor inhibition. Typical signs of depression include self-abasement, a sense of personal worthlessness and guilt, suicidal thoughts, excessive fixation on somatic diseases (dermatological, rheumatological, etc.). Expressed complaints of worsening physical well-being or memory impairment may be mistakenly regarded by a doctor as manifestations of latent somatic disease or early dementia. Manic episodes are characterized by an increased background of mood and activity (excessive volume and speed of speech production, as well as all forms of psychomotor activity). With euphoria, the need for sleep is reduced. In severe manic states, inconsistent thinking is possible. The patient has many plans, but not one of them is fully implemented. Criticism is reduced or absent. The patient loses the ability to critically evaluate his own problems; inappropriate actions are possible with negative consequences for social status and material well-being. Despite increased activity and expansiveness, tolerance to frustration is often reduced, and euphoria is combined with irritability. In some cases, distinct paranoid symptoms and aggressiveness are formed. A particular problem is patients with schizoaffective conditions – a combination of symptoms of depression and schizophrenia. It has been proven that most of these patients suffer from manic-depressive psychosis. According to most neurologists and psychiatrists, genetic factors play the most important role in the etiology of manic-depressive illness, although the provoking effect of stress and other environmental changes is not ruled out. The high frequency of monopolar and bipolar disorder in the families of patients, as well as the 75% level of concordance in monozygotic twins confirm the genetic basis of the disease. Attempts to study pathogenesis based on measurements of serotonin, adrenaline, corticosteroids, dopamine and other metabolic products have not yet led to convincing results. At the present stage, in the management of patients with depression, drugs are successfully used. In monopolar depression, serotonergic or tricyclic antidepressants are usually used as first-choice drugs. Serotonergic drugs are more preferred as they cause fewer side effects. If these antidepressants are not effective, then MAO inhibitors are used. In acute manic conditions, it may be necessary to prescribe antipsychotics (haloperidol, torazine, olanzapine), and lithium carbonate can be used to prevent them. Approximately 20% of patients do not help the above medicines. In such cases, other drugs are used under the supervision of an experienceda psychiatrist. A sufficiently long medication may be required – several weeks before the onset of a clear effect and an additional 6 to 12 months of maintenance therapy. When prescribing any of these drugs, you need to know their side effects and interaction with other drugs well. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is used to treat patients who do not respond to or tolerate antidepressants. ECT is the most effective method for the treatment of agitated and catatonic depression in patients of middle and old age; it can also be used to interrupt a manic episode. The main side effect of ECT is memory impairment, usually short-term. ECT is contraindicated in cases of increased intracranial pressure or severe hypertension.

Depression. Endogenous depression. Psychogenic (reactive) depression. Somatogenic depression. Clinic (signs) of depression. Emergency (first) relief for depression

Depression is defined as a state of depressed mood in combination with mental-speech and motor inhibition, somatic symptoms of the sympathic-tonic series (melancholic depression, melancholy). Allocate endogenous psychogenic reactive ) and somatogenic depression .     

Endogenous depression is characterized by the so-called “ depressive triad ”: asthenic affect (low mood, depression), mental-speech and motor block. 

Diagnosis of depression begins with the detection of manifestation of asthenic affect in the form of a decrease in mood from the hood, sadness, to a physical feeling of longing, localized in the region of the heart or behind the food, which sometimes reach a degree of “physical suffering”: patients declare “unbearable pain”, “breaks the heart ”,“ Squeezes like a vice ”, etc. Thinking and speech are slowed down. The whole world is perceived in a gray light. The patient has delusional ideas of self-accusation and self-humiliation, reaching the point of absurdity: a person recalls minor offenses of many years ago, etc. 

Mental and speech retardation is manifested by lethargy, passivity, lack of initiative, etc.

Motor inhibition is manifested in the fact that patients prefer to lie down, have difficulty trying to attract them to any activity, lose their sense of correctness in the actions they perform. The highest degree of motor inhibition is depressive stupor – a state of complete immobility. 

Depressive conditions are the most common cause of suicide. 

Psychogenic (reactive) depression refers to protracted reactive psychoses that occur after severe mental experiences associated with the death of relatives or close people, a real oufose for the life of the patient or his relatives, a sudden violation of familiar well-being, etc. The patient’s mood is depressed. He constantly thinks about the former incident, often begins to consider himself his culprit. If a loved one died, blames himself for being inattentive to him during his life, treating him badly. All these experiences are vividly demonstrative. Sleep is disturbed, somato-vegetative disorders appear. 

Somatogenic depression occurs with somatic diseases, mainly due to endogenous intoxication (see the topic ENDOGENIC INTOXICATION SYNDROME) and is manifested by a decreased mood in combination with asthenic syndrome: weakness, fatigue, irritability, and vascular reactions. 

Emergency (first) relief for depression

1. The appointment of antidepressants such as imipramine (synonyms: melipramine, imizin, depsonil, etc.) in a dose of 1-2 ml of 1.25% solution or amitriptyline in an amount of 2 ml of 1% solution in oil.  

2. Isolation of the patient in a separate room and careful monitoring to prevent self-harm and suicidal attempts.  

3. The call of the psychiatric team 

Hospitalization for depression . With manic-depressive psychosis, the patient must be urgently hospitalized in a psychiatric clinic.

Female depression in family life

Depression is a painful condition that manifests itself in a violation of the mental and physical functions of a person. The characteristic signs of manifestation of depression are the loss or decrease of volitional qualities, loss of appetite and sleep, decrease in body weight and interest in life, depressed mood, impaired memory and attention, slowness and passivity. 

According to global statistics, women suffer from depression 3 times more often than men. However, among men and women under the age of 28, the prevalence of depressive disorders is the same. In married women, the number of such violations increases markedly. Worker women are also less likely to be depressed than female housewives.  

This predisposition of women of childbearing age to depression is largely associated with changes in hormonal levels. Depending on the physiological characteristics of the female body, the composition and amount of hormones in her body often changes, which affects the metabolic processes of the brain and the mental state of the woman.  

The cause of depression in women is also a feature of her character. After all, everyone knows that the weaker sex is more emotional, reacts brighter to difficulties in life. Many modern women have problems with expressing anger. This is mainly to blame for the social norms of a society that requires women that she, no matter how difficult it is, should always be sweet and charming. Trying to always be a good wife or mother, a woman, when she has anger at loved ones, begins to cry, reproach, be offended and feel guilty about herself. And this is not anger at all, but simply an insult. Thus, women suppress the feeling of anger, and the constant suppression of this crucial emotion leads to depressive disorders. 

The most common causes of depression are loss: the death of a parent or child, the breakdown of a love or marital relationship, tremors associated with the loss of expensive things. Women more emotionally perceive problems in families and react to them more painfully. Especially housewives who devote themselves only to home are deprived of psychological support and they have underestimated the self-esteem that professional activities provide. Often husbands behave dishonestly and disregard women’s domestic work, which complicates the already not very cloudless life of women.  

A simple decline in strength and mood does not mean that you have depression. If phenomena such as insomnia, nightmares in a dream, constant anxieties that prevent you from sleeping soundly have appeared, then you can talk about the first signs of depression. And if such situations are repeated systematically, a woman should pay special attention to her health condition and seek medical help. You should not expect that this condition will go away on its own, because depression is a disease, and like any other disease it must be treated. The sooner you seek help from a specialist, the better. 

Depressive disorder can last for years, and with timely treatment for depression, you can get rid of it in a month. Having ascertained the specific events and situations that contributed to the manifestation of depression, having studied the characteristics of the character, upbringing, and habits of women, experts give advice on how to properly respond emotionally to life situations, better understand their feelings and thoughts, and increase a woman’s self-esteem. 

In addition to the course of psychotherapy , in more complex cases of depression associated with metabolic disorders in the brain, a specialist prescribes antidepressants. All modern antidepressants are effective and safe drugs. Today, the pharmaceutical industry produces a huge number of depressants, which differ in therapeutic actions, methods of administration and dosage. 

Many women neglect to fight depression and do not pay much attention to the manifestation of depressive disorders. However, all women should clearly understand that such a neglect of their health is harmful not only for her body, but it has a huge impact on the quality of life of all her surrounding people. Indeed, with depression, it’s hard not only for a woman, but her personal and professional life completely freezes.  

Depression – synonyms, epidemiology, causes

Synonyms . Depressive Disorder, Deep Depression, Melancholy

Definition of depression. Reduced mood, accompanied by a loss of pleasure and interests, changes in psychomotor skills and functional physical disorders 

The clinical syndrome of (deep) depression / depressive episode is a heterogeneous group of different types of depression (see. Classification)

Epidemiology of Depression

• Depressions are among the most frequent in the structure of mental illness
• Prevalence is 17% (women – 23%, men – 17%)
• In Germany, direct costs for treating depression are about 4 billion euros

Depression is recorded in the following categories of patients :
– 10% among patients observed by family doctors (depressive syndromes manifest in 25%)
– 15-25% among people living in nursing homes and boarding schools
– 15% among people over 65 years old
– 50% among people with Parkinson’s disease
– 25% among patients with Alzheimer’s disease
– 50% of people who have suffered an apoplexy stroke develop depression over the course of a year

Etiopathogenesis of depression

• Multifactorial conditionality (concept of vulnerability):
– interaction “neurobiology-stressors”
– the degree of depressive effect of life events on a person is determined primarily by individual predisposition

• Genetic factors / heredity:
– special family studies, studies of twins and adoptions confirm a hereditary predisposition. The risk of developing depression in children, one of whose parents suffers from this disease, is up to 20%, a similar indicator in identical twins is up to 65%

• Neurobiological factors:
– decrease in the volume of the hippocampus, neurodegenerative hypothesis
– neurobiochemistry:
hypothesis of a deficiency of endogenous amines (noradrenaline / serotonin deficiency)
concept of neurotransmitter imbalance

– hypothesis of the influence of stress hormone (confirmed by neuroendocrinological studies)
dysregulation of the hypothalamus, pituitary, adrenal cortex and thyroid gland, as well as an increase in plasma cortisol

– chronobiological factors seasonal rhythm the
so-called daytime fluctuations shortening the phase of REM sleep

– pharmacogenic and somatogenic reasons (see. Differential diagnosis)

• Psychosocial factors / stressors – often have a psychoreactive expression (stressors, a difficult life situation, such as the loss of loved ones or other hardships) – psychodynamic and psychoanalytic models – cognitive and educational-theoretical models – cognitive triad: negative perception of self, environment and of the future – dysfunctional cognitive abilities – “forced helplessness” – the extinction of drives and needs – lack of ability to overcome – impaired self-perception and low self-esteem 
• Personal factors – “melancholic type” (accuracy, excessive correctness, sacrifice, accuracy down to pedantry) – “oral character structure” (low frustration tolerance, strong dependence on others, “dependent personality”) – “anal character structure”: obsessive traits 

Risk factors for developing depression :
• Female gender
• Presence of family history of
depression • Early history of depression
• Early loss of parents • History of
experienced violence
• Personality traits
• Stressors (separation, guilt)
• Alcohol / drug addiction
• Neurological diseases (Parkinson’s disease, apoplexy)

Sleep deficiency and health: risk of depression, decreased immunity

Modern life leaves its mark on most people and can negatively affect health. Constant stress, poor nutrition, inactivity – all this seriously affects the body. And if you add bad sleep, chronic lack of sleep or insomnia – the problem is exacerbated. The brain works in a multitasking mode throughout the day, simultaneously controlling all processes in the body, memorizing information, generating speech. If you do not give him proper rest, there is a decrease in working capacity, headache and depression. But not only does the brain suffer from lack of sleep, the body can also decrease immunity, form excess weight or increase pressure in response to persistent sleep problems. Why sleep is so important, why do you need to sleep every day? 

A third of life is in a dream: why?

As adults, people spend on average about a third of their lives in a dream. At least this amount of sleep is recommended by experts to preserve health. And accordingly, a third of the day is 8 hours, a standard recommendation on the duration of sleep in order to get enough sleep and maintain working capacity. But does everyone know why precisely such recommendations?

Despite the fact that sleep is one of the basic, vital functions of the body, and this is what all people, as well as animals with complex nervous systems, do, there are still a veil of mystery and a lot of myths around the mechanisms and theories of sleep. Scientists are still not quite sure why people sleep (and it is a third of the day), how exactly this mechanism developed. However, many hypotheses have been put forward today to explain why sleep is so important to health and how it affects the human brain and body function.  

Brain Function: The Effect of Sleep

Although the body goes into sleep, the brain does not turn off completely or sleep. However, during sleep, its mode of operation is significantly different from daytime. The analysis and “laying out in strips” of the information received per day, self-cleaning of metabolic products and “reboot” of the system: and a change of activity is also a vacation. Therefore, without enough sleep, the brain will not be able to function normally. Lack of sleep leads to problems with concentration, performance, cognition, memory, and brain productivity. However, when a person gets enough sleep, studies show that both children and adults improve memory and problem-solving skills.

Cardiovascular risk

The effect of constant lack of sleep on the health of the heart and the state of the vessels is known. People who sleep less than 7 hours a day are at a much greater risk of heart disease (such as stroke, coronary heart disease) than those who get from 7 to 8 hours of full sleep. In addition, people suffering from insomnia, naturally have a 15-20% higher blood pressure, which increases the risk of complications.

Depression, emotionality

It is proved that insomnia and depression are related. Often, sleep problems are considered the result of depression, although many researchers tend to believe an inverse relationship. Through years of research, scientists have identified several mental health problems, including depression, which were closely associated with inadequate sleep and sleep disturbances (insomnia, waking up at night, nightmares). One example of pathologies that negatively affect overall health and mood is sleep apnea, which is associated with poor sleep. In people with this syndrome, depression is much more common than in those who sleep normally. Overall, about 90% of people with depression are also experiencing sleep quality problems, including difficulty falling asleep, night awakenings, and shallow sleep.

Some researchers report that inadequate sleep reduces the ability to recognize other people’s important emotional signals, including happiness and anger. This factor can impede social interaction with other people, leading to communication problems and social isolation.

Inflammation and immunity

Against the background of chronic lack of sleep, the immune system suffers significantly . People who systematically lack sleep or suffer from insomnia are 30% more likely to have ARVI. One of the best things you can do to boost your immune system against colds or flu is to get enough sleep. In addition, the activity of immunity is important in the suppression of inflammation, including systemic. Systemic inflammation has been shown to play a crucial role in many serious health problems, ranging from heart disease to asthma, arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and diabetes. Therefore, it is important to know that poor sleep can cause signs of inflammation and cell damage. One example is the relationship between poor sleep and inflammatory bowel disease, which has been demonstrated in a number of studies published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology and in the journal Gastroenterology & Hepatology. 

Physical performance and health

Inadequate sleep can affect health by decreasing physical activity. If a person is a lot in the fresh air, is engaged in daily activities or training, he definitely needs a dream to achieve the best results. For example, in a study in a group of older women, poor sleep was associated with great difficulty in performing daily activities, walking and with a decrease in grip strength. In addition, in people with sleep deficiency, overall health suffers. People who are usually active, such as those who are actively involved in various sports, also have better speed, recovery time. But if they sleep poorly, then the results are sharply reduced. This is especially noticeable in athletes in whom violations of the regime and sleep time reduce athletic performance.

Type 2 diabetes risk

If a person after 40 years sleeps less than six hours a night, then he has an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Poor sleep generally negatively affects blood glucose levels in the general population. Due to stress due to lack of sleep, mechanisms for increasing plasma glucose are activated, which predisposes to diabetes. This negatively affects health.

In addition, the weight changes. Studies have shown that insufficient sleep is associated with a 89 and 55% chance of obesity in children and adults. One reason for this relationship seems to be related to hormones. When a person does not get enough sleep, the work of appetite hormones is disrupted. For example, ghrelin appetite stimulant levels increase, while appetite suppressant leptin levels decrease. These reactions can lead to weight gain.

Social networks do not save from depression

Scientists from the University of Oregon believe that social contacts reduce the risk of depression, but this applies only to offline contacts, not social networking. 

It was previously shown that social exclusion negatively affects human health. And social support is a kind of buffer under the influence of stress factors that increase a person’s level of anxiety, increase his depressive state and emotional problems.

The study involved nearly 600 people who were formerly members of hostilities. None of them at the initial stage of the project had clinical depression, alcoholism and suicidal tendencies. Subjects were recruited via Facebook, but the results are applicable to other social networks.

Observations and polls showed that the frequency of contacts of subjects in social networks did not affect the risk of depression, post-traumatic disorder, alcoholism or suicidal tendency. These findings are consistent with the results of a 2015 study, which proved that only personal social contacts reduce the likelihood of depression, but neither telephone conversations, nor emails, nor paper ones have such an effect.

But another effect was discovered: people who more often communicated on social networks had more offline social contacts. So, of those who went to Facebook daily, at least 37% several times a day crossed with friends or family. Only 19% of those who did not use social networks every day arrived. These data refute the common myth that active users of social networks are less likely to communicate offline than those who are not their followers. Contacts in social networks do not replace offline communication.

Antibiotics: depression, weakness, and other side effects

Posted on August 31, 2019  in Uncategorized

Today, antibiotics, including those from the group of fluoroquinolones, are widely used in the treatment of various pathologies. But it has been repeatedly described that fluoroquinolones can cause rare, but very serious side effects that can be delayed and permanent. One of the most serious problems was the effect on the psyche with the provocation of depression and suicidal attempts, as well as the formation of tendon inflammation and muscle weakness. Another frequent and serious side effect of taking this type of antibiotic, scientists call a decrease in blood sugar, sometimes leading to life-threatening conditions.

Antibiotics in the treatment

Since the first antibiotics were discovered, a lot of time has passed, but the drugs have not lost their relevance today. Moreover, they are being improved, new drugs are being opened and introduced, several groups of antibiotics having different chemical structures and activity against pathogens have been identified. The drugs are used to suppress the activity of bacteria that provoke purulent-inflammatory processes of various localizations.

They treat respiratory, ENT pathologies, infections of the urinary system and skin, pathologies of the digestive system and much more. However, over many years of using antibiotics, not only positive, but also negative effects from their administration, complications from their treatment were revealed. In particular, the use of fluoroquinolones, widely prescribed in the treatment of respiratory, genitourinary infections and some others, is actively discussed.  

Depression and Mental Disorders

Not so long ago, data were published that antibiotics of the fluoroquinolone group can provoke depression and mental disorders in patients who have not previously had such problems. Moreover, a rather large number of suicidal attempts among patients previously treated with these drugs is described. Depression and mental disorders belong to the group of rare but serious side effects that can occur when taking this group of antibiotics.   

They are currently recognized in the United States by the Food and Drug Administration, but after several years of lawsuits from patients, the FDA has proposed a warning of potential risks in the drug annotation. Side effects in the form of depression can last months and years, or be permanent. Among the leading manifestations of mental disorders are described anxiety and panic attacks, as well as suicidal thoughts. Moreover, depression or mental disorders before treatment with fluoroquinolones in patients were not registered.  

Side effects: lowering blood sugar

So, in July this year, the FDA announced that it was necessary to update the information in the instructions for use of fluoroquinolones. Correction of data on side effects and complications, including the development of low blood sugar and side effects from mental health, is necessary. Specialists point out that this is especially important for diabetics, as low blood sugar can lead to serious problems, including coma, especially in older people and patients who take medications to control their blood sugar.

Thus, such comments will be important in the selection of therapy in people of advanced age, if their blood sugar fluctuates or hypoglycemia is frequent. The presence of indications will be one of the reasons for refusing to take fluoroquinolones in favor of safer antibiotic groups.

Movement disorders and tendon inflammation

This is not the first correction of side effects and complications during treatment with fluoroquinolones; in 2008, a remark was added that the risk of developing tendonitis (inflammation of the tendons) and movement discomfort may be increased .

Complaints regarding complications of the musculoskeletal system are controversial, many researchers believe that ligament inflammation can be triggered not by taking an antibiotic, but by the infections and their consequences against which it is used. At the same time, other scientists emphasize the connection between tendon inflammation and antibiotics because the infections treated with fluoroquinolones vary widely, while the side effects are very similar with respect to tendons. In addition, not all patients see a doctor and report similar side effects such as tendon inflammation, taking them for one of the symptoms of the disease or age-related features.

Rare syndrome complex: weakness, rash, neurological complications

In some patients, especially prone to depressive disorders while taking drugs, a special set of symptoms was described. First of all, severe muscle weakness, which did not allow to actively move and lead a familiar life. Due to weakness, patients are forced to travel only short distances. Against the background of weakness, pain in the tendons, joints and their swelling, problems of the peripheral nervous system, such as burning and tingling, are detected.

In addition, weakness was also a symptom of problems with the central nervous system, which were supplemented by blurred consciousness, decreased cognitive functions, and memory disorders. In addition, skin problems were identified due to its slight vulnerability, frequent itchy rashes, digestive disorders, vision, insomnia, palpitations.

Is everyone in danger?

Clinicians emphasize that fluoroquinolones are highly effective and can save lives and overcome severe infections that cannot be treated with other antibiotics. These drugs are extremely important for certain groups of people, for example, in kidney transplantation or urological pathologies.

But often, experts say, the risks of antibiotics are not fully assessed, since side effects can be associated with their combination with other types of drugs. Therefore, the risk of therapy should be weighed against the potential benefit.

For most patients, fluoroquinolones are safe and effective. For its part, the FDA has recommended that doctors use fluoroquinolones more rationally in recent years, especially when other 

Skin health, stress and depression: what is the connection?

Posted on August 27, 2019  in Uncategorized

For many, it may come as a surprise that there is a connection between the health of one’s own skin and the psyche, the brain. Some people suffer from redness and skin rashes when they are stressed, while others get red spots if they are worried. But in recent years, studies have shown that the mental and emotional state of a person can have a profound effect on the largest organ in the body. Stress, depression, anxiety and other psychological conditions can contribute to the development of many skin diseases such as acne, rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, alopecia and vitiligo. 

The work of the skin, communication with the brain

The skin, as the largest organ on the body, and the central nervous system are closely intertwined, and actively influence each other. Therefore, it is not surprising that almost all skin diseases can be affected by changes in the nervous system. Especially pronounced marks on the skin can leave stress. Human skin, when the host is under stress, produces more sebum. These are fatty, thick secretions that can contribute to clogging of pores and exacerbation of acne. Stress can also provoke or exacerbate systemic inflammation in the body, which can aggravate the course of eczema (a chronic inflammatory skin disease). In addition, stress is known to provoke vesicular eruptions caused by the herpes simplex virus on the lips and skin around them. 

A study published in 2008 in the Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venerology & Leprology found that more than a quarter of the 50 patients with psoriasis – a chronic skin disease that causes thick scaly spots – experienced stressful life events such as unemployment, serious personal problems or death of loved ones. A 2012 study by dermatologists found that 45% of the 100 patients with psoriasis experience constant anxiety and anxiety.

Stress Problem in Dermatology

Many psychological conditions that affect the skin are provoked due to increased levels of stress and anxiety. Experts explain that when the body is not prone to anxiety and stress, hormone levels remain relatively balanced. But when the body is faced with psychological or physical stressful reactions, the “run or fight” program is activated in the body. The sympathetic nervous system then sends signals to the adrenal glands to increase the production of the hormones adrenaline and cortisol, which are the main stress hormones.

Under normal conditions, the parasympathetic nervous system helps restore body balance after the danger has passed. But when the body is faced with ongoing stress or anxiety, the body literally “drowns” in these stress hormones. As a result, the skin suffers from chemical reactions of the body to psychological stressors. Skin – the barrier of the human body from the destructive effects of the outside world – in such situations is almost unable to act like a shield.

The role of the skin in the health of the whole body

Skin serves as the main system of body protection, while maintaining the health and constancy of the internal environment. It provides the first level of protection against infection, not only as a physical barrier, but also as a place of work for white blood cells that begin to attack invading bacteria and viruses. A 2007 study at the University of California – San Francisco showed that mice exposed to psychological stress show a decrease in the expression of antimicrobial peptides in the skin, which makes them more susceptible to skin infections than mice that live under normal conditions. Thus, stress destructively affects the health of the skin and the body as a whole.  

Given that the skin is the most prominent organ, the emotional impact on skin diseases can be huge and devastating. And if the skin ceases to be a reliable shield from external influences, the health of the whole organism as a whole also gradually suffers.

The development of depression and treatment of skin pathologies

Social isolation and a sense of insecurity, the formation of depression only fuel the pathophysiology of skin lesions, often making them even harder. The problem becomes a vicious, perpetual cycle between the skin condition and the nervous system, both exerting a causal effect on each other. That is, depression exacerbates skin problems, and increased skin symptoms, in turn, aggravates the symptoms of depression.

It is important to consult a dermatologist at an early stage in order to begin treatment, alleviate the condition and learn to control chronic recurrent skin diseases. In parallel with this, a psychotherapist is needed, the task of which will be depression, which in latent form is often present in most patients.

Doctors often explain to patients that the condition of the skin is their main problem, which causes them stress and manifestations of depression. A visit to a psychologist or psychotherapist can help deal with stress so as not to aggravate the condition. Such visits can be an additional part of treatment, along with the use of drugs and skin care.

Treatment Plan: Redness, Rash, and Itching

To effectively eliminate any skin problems – rashes, redness, itching, or getting wet, an integrated approach is needed. These are dietary changes, the use of fewer light carbohydrates, an increase in the amount of pure water, complete protein, in combination with rational physical activity. In addition, to eliminate redness and skin irritation, drugs are used both externally and internally.

But the most important thing that patients can do is to change the prevailing focus of their thoughts, to get rid of the influence of stress. It is known that stress hormones suppress the immune system and activate inflammatory reactions, so redness and irritation of the skin can intensify. Often in the treatment of skin diseases include sedatives, and sometimes antidepressants, which work very well, giving pronounced improvements. And this also proves the role of stress in skin problems.