| Depression and it's Treatment Options: Which is Better: Antidepressant drugs or Life Style Changes and Therapy? A Collaborative Argumentative Essay Written By: Theresa Klein And Christine L. Watkins Introduction to Research Writing ENGL 299-12 Jason McIntosh May 4th, 2001 Introduction There is only so much a person can comprehend about what another person goes through during depression. Sure, we know the symptoms, but do we really understand them until we actually felt that way ourselves. This is why some people regard depression as "weakness, laziness or lack of will power; however, it is a medical illness that can be treated" (You, para 4). Since everyone who experiences depression is not exactly the same or have had the same life experiences , each individual will have different symptoms. "Many fail to identify their symptoms or attribute them to lack of sleep or a poor diet, the American Psychiatric Association says, while others are just to fatigues or ashamed to seek help" (Nordenberg, para 9). While there are many symptoms of depression, it is possible that a certain individual experiencing depression may not be experiencing all of the symptoms, but still needs to seek help. "Symptoms of depression include the following: feeling sad most of the day nearly every day for two weeks or longer, loss of interest in things you used to enjoy, lack of energy, sleep and appetite disturbances, weight changes, feelings of worthlessness, not being able to make decisions, and thoughts of death and suicide" (How, para 1). Obviously, this subject should not be taken lightly. Depression strikes about 17 million American adults each year or more according to Liora Nordenberg in her article Dealing with the Depths of Depression. We might want to take a closer look at what is being done for those who are affected by this disease. In a majority of psychiatric practices today, the most common methods of treating depression include, therapy, drug therapy, and lifestyle changes. These three probable solutions can be used separately or in different combinations in order to produce the desired effect. Traditionally, therapists and psychoanalysts have gone with a combination of drug therapy and one on one therapy for a patient. Although this is the ideal and frequently used method the question arises as to if it really is the right way to solve the problem. The following arguments and rebuttals we present look at this question and the overall effectiveness of antidepressant medications. Our goal is to determine a way that will allow both sides of the argument a fair standing without the argument continuing. Argument 1::Pro Antidepressant Drug Therapy The exact cause of depression is not known. It is thought to be genetic, however, certain life events, such as the loss of a loved one can also trigger it. Whatever the exact cause, a chemical imbalance seems to be the blame. Depression has been connected with chemical imbalances in the brain. (Depression: You, para 3). People who are suffering from major depression need to seek medical attention because antidepressants have been proven to change your mood by adjusting the chemicals in your brain. There are over twenty different kinds of medicines that treat depression. These antidepressants balance the chemicals in your brain that affect your mood. (Depression-How, para 4). Antidepressants work by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters inside the brain, such as serotonin and dopamine, which are thought to be natural antidepressants. In her article, "Strategies for Choosing Antidepressant Medications," Anne Walling states, "All antidepressants are equally effective in treating depression, and all have approximately equivalent of onset of action." Kari Winters, the author of Why Patients Should Take Psychotropic Medications, agrees by saying, "but many who (have major depression) may be making a tragic mistake by not taking meds." She also argues by saying they can't on their own change the chemicals responsible for these illnesses. For example, a diabetic does not have the power to make their pancreas suddenly produce insulin so why should a depressed person have the power to change their chemical imbalance on their own. When taken correctly antidepressants are of great value. Walling also says that the most common problem with the use of antidepressants is too small a dosage given for too short a time. "Approximately 70 percent of patients respond to the first agent administered if it is given in therapeutic doses for six to eight weeks" (Walling, para 4). So, antidepressant drugs are effective when administered by doctors correctly and taken correctly by the patients. |