Older men aged over 65 are more depressed than normal men. Low levels of male sex hormone, Testosterone is responsible for depression in older men. Research findings were published in the “Archives of General Psychiatry”. Testosterone is a sex hormone that is responsible sexual drive in men. Australian researchers of University of Western Australia conducted survey on 3,987 men aged 71 to 89 to find the causes of depression in older men. Old men who are under depression have low levels of male sex hormone, Testosterone. They have 3 times lesser levels of testosterone than healthier older men. Depression affects more than 6 million Americans aged above 65. Women are under more depression until the age of 65 while men are depressed after the age of 65. Normal testosterone levels in men: 300 to 1,000 nanograms per decilitre of blood. 25% of men over 60 generally tend to have low levels of testosterone (<300 ng). Depression and death is high in these men than those with normal levels of testosterone. Obesity, smoking and lack of physical exercise are some causes for low testosterone levels in men. According to another study, low levels of testosterone raise death risk by 33%. Testosterone replacement therapy has shown beneficial effects on men with Alzheimer’s disease. But scientists failed to explain the exact relation between Testosterone levels and depression in older men. … [Read more...]
Suicide: preventable public health problem
Suicide is a preventable public health problem and occurs in all ages according to World health organisation and International association of Suicide prevention. Use of pesticides and other poisonous materials is the most frequent form of suicide. Treatment of mental health problems is another major factor in preventing suicides. Suicide Statistics: According to WHO, 3,000 people commit suicide every day in the world, one person every 30 seconds. For every 1 person that succeeds in their suicide attempt, there are at least 20 persons who fail in their attempts. Global suicide rate was up 60% over the last 50 years. Developed countries are reporting steep rise in mental health problems. Reported suicide is among the 3 leading causes of deaths in the 15-34 age group persons across the world. Outside Asia, 3-4 men died by suicide to each women who killed herself. Compared to men, women consult psychologists more often for their mental health problems. Most suicide victims are found in the above 60 age group. But, old age persons respond better to preventive measures than all other age groups. Suicide rates are low in elderly people especially in developing countries. Compared to developed countries, people of the developing world rarely consult doctors for the treatment of mental health disorders. These people have less awareness on mental health problems compared to physical health problems. Suicide is a health problem influenced by psycho-social, cultural and environmental risk factors. But it is the major preventable public health problem. Social and family help and psychologist intervention will help in preventing most of suicidal deaths. … [Read more...]
Depression is more harmful than Diabetes and angina
According to first global research study on the health impact of depression, it is more harmful than chronic diseases like Angina, Arthritis, Asthma and Diabetes. This extensive research study was conducted by World Health Organisation. Undiagnosed and untreated depression will cause more damage than some major chronic diseases put together. Results of the research study were published in the September 8 issue of Lancet. WHO conducted this research study on 2, 50,000 persons across 60 countries. Depression is a state of intense sadness, melancholia or despair that has advanced to the point of being disruptive to an individual's social functioning and/or activities of daily living. It often leads to constant negative thinking and sometimes substance abuse. People suffering from chronic diseases likely to be depressed and this depression disturb the mental and emotional aspect of patient life. Depressed patients less likely follow treatment regimen and may not consult doctor making the situation much worse. Depression statistics: 1. 70% of depression cases are generally misdiagnosed or undiagnosed. These undiagnosed persons will suffer more health impacts than diagnosed ones. 2. 3.2% of people had experienced a depressive episode in the past year. 3. 9-23% of people had depression in addition to another chronic disease. 4. Less than 30% people are diagnosed and receive treatment while 70% misses diagnosis. Depressive patients should take either pharmacological treatment (anti-depressants) or psychological treatment (cognitive behavioural therapy). Better treatment for depression would greatly improve people’s overall health especially if they have chronic illnesses. This research study highlighted the urgent need for intensive care for depression patients. There should be more CME programmes for physicians on diagnosis and treatment of depression. … [Read more...]
Why suicide rates are rising in American youth?
According to CDC (Centre for disease control and prevention), Suicide rates for males and males in America aged 10-24 rose by 8%. This is the largest 1-year rise in 15 years. Suicide rates which are in decline from 1990 onwards are again rising especially in youth. Suicide rates are almost doubled in the 10-14 year old girls. We may know in the coming years whether it is a changing trend or statistical fluctuation. It is not a surprise to see “how to commit suicide?” and “best way to commit suicide” as popular Google search terms. If you check Google trends for suicide, 7 out of top 10 cities are American cities. Most surprising aspect is increase in suicide rates coincided with decrease in SSRI prescription rates. But we should not come to conclusion just basing on 1 year data. In late 2004, Food and Drug Administration called drug manufacturers to put a “Blackbox” warning on the drug labels, cautioning about the possibility of increased suicide risk in minors. Contrary to FDA reports, several research studies conducted in the last year suggested that antidepressants are more likely to reduce suicide risk than increase it. According to a research study published in American journal of Psychiatry, decrease in prescription of anti-depressants by few percentage points, coincided with 14% spike in suicide rates. Along with changes in prescriptions, increased rates of mental health disorders and increase in Alcohol and drug use are other causes for these suicides. Most common methods used to commit suicide: 1. 1990: The most common method was with a firearm for both males and females. 2. 2004: The most common method was by hanging/suffocation among girls. 3. 2004: Boys used forearms to commit suicide as the common method. We may need more comprehensive approach to control the rising suicide rates in American youth. FDA should conduct more research studies to know the effects of antidepressants on suicide rates especially in youth. Please share your opinion. … [Read more...]
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