Depression is a common response to health problems and is an often “underdiagnosed” problem in the patient population. People may become depressed because of injury or illness; may be suffering from an earlier loss that is compounded by a new health problem; or they may seek health care for somatic complaints that are bodily manifestations of depression.
Clinical depression is differentiated from daily emotions or sentiments of sadness by its gravity and extent. Most people occasionally feel down or depressed, but these feelings are short-lived and do not result in impaired functioning.
Clinically depressed people usually have had signs of a depressed mood or a decreased interest in pleasurable activities for at least a 2-week period.
An evident impairment in occupational, social, and total daily functioning occurs in some people. Others function appropriately in their interactions with the outside world by exerting great effort and forcing themselves to mask their distress.
Sometimes, they are successful at concealing their depression for months or years and astonish family members and others when they finally succumb to the problem.
Many people experience clinical depression but seek treatment for somatic complaints. The leading somatic complaints of patients struggling with depression are backache, headache, fatigue, abdominal pain, anxiety, malaise, and reduced desire or problems with sexual functioning.
These sensations are frequently manifestations of depressions. The depression is undiagnosed about half of the time and masquerades as physical health problems.
People with depression also exhibit poor functioning and high rates of absenteeism from work and school.
Specific symptoms of clinical depression are:
1. Feelings of sadness
2. Fatigue
3. Feelings of worthlessness
4. Guilt
5. Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Changes in appetite, sleep disturbance, weight gain or loss, and psychomotor retardation or disturbance are also common. Often, patients have recurrent thoughts about death or suicide, or have made suicide attempts.
A diagnosis of clinical depression is made when a person presents with at least five of nine diagnostic criteria for depression. One of the first two symptoms present most of the time.
1. Depressed mood
2. Loss of pleasure or interest
3. Weight gain or loss
4. Sleeping difficulties
5. Psychomotor agitation or retardation
6. Fatigue
7. Feeling worthless
8. Inability to concentrate
9. Thoughts of suicide or death
Unfortunately, only one of three depressed people is properly diagnosed and appropriately treated.
In the United States, about 15% of severely depressed people commit suicide, and two-thirds of patients who have committed suicide had been sent by health care practitioners during the month before their death.
When patients make statements that are self-deprecating, convinced that things are hopeless and will not improve, and express feelings of failure, they may be at risk for suicide. Risk factors for suicide include the following:
1. Gender
Women make more attempts. Men are more successful.
2. Family history of suicide
Statistical reports show that nearly 80% of people who have committed suicide have family history of suicide.
3. Dysfunctional family
Family members have experienced cumulative multiple losses and posses limited coping skills.
4. Substance abuse
A person who abuses substances has an inability to make healthy decisions and to solve problems effectively.
5. Severe anxiety
Research studies indicate a reduction in distress when anxiety and depression are treated with psycho-educational programs, the establishment of support systems, and counseling.
Explaining to patients that clinical depression is a medical illness and not a sign of personal weakness, and that effective treatment will allow them to feel better and stay emotionally healthy, is an important aspect of care.
About the Author
Did you know 16% of the world’s population suffer from depression? Author Matthew OConnor runs a site dedicated to the latest news and developments in
clinical depression
panic/anxiety attack
Abdominal twitching?
I am an out of shape 250 pound 30 year old. We just got a treadmill in our house four days ago and I have been putting in about 20 minutes a day.
About three days ago a very wierd abdominal twitching or vibrating has started. Its below my belly, and right above my you-know-what.
There is no pain whatsoever, but its almost like I swallowed a pager or something! Its an internal vibration that vibrates for about three or four seconds, stops for two seconds, then starts again. It has been doing this non-stop for days.
Is it possible I over worked an abdominal muscle and it won’t stop twitching? Has anyone ever heard of something like this?
Maybe it is intestinal, but I have no problems or pain.
What do you think?
FYI
I am a guy so not pregnant, lol
This does not hurt in even the slightest bit. No cramping, no anything. But the strangest sensation is all.
i think this is similar to what happens to me when i squeeze too hard “down there” or over do that set of muscles. it sounds like a muscular or nervous reaction to parts of the body you have not used in a while. try massage in that area, often “cramp” like reactions like this would like light massage more than deep tissue, just “rub the tum”!
if it becomes very uncomfortable or lastes longer than normal, seek a doc!
good for you and luck on the weight loss! i’ll be thinkin of you while i work out!!
(5’8″-185#) HOPING FOR 5″8″ 150!!!
Acid Bath – Finger Paintings of the Insane (Golgotha cover)
My chest really hurts…what is this?
I have a pre existing issue because I had a wreck and the airbag deployed and It broke most of the cartilage that attaches my ribs to my sternum, and it rebreaks when I stretch. No big deal i am use to it. Ok that aside, I started a new job where I am on my feet with alot twisting and turning. I exercise regularly but all info helps. When I am hungry, or my stomach is empty, my chest near my heart hurts right between my breasts. It feels like someone is pulling me inside out and the pain “rolls” through my body in waves of excruciating pain. I always forget to eat I am a big girl no big deal to me I always eat eventually. But I have never experianced this level of pain! Any help?
standing on your feet takes a toll on your back, add the twisting and turning to it and it can affect other muscles in your torso. Get a massage or see a chiropractor. If it hurts when you don’t eat, then make sure you eat!
Complaint often leads to the cause 1
Many people do not realize it, but irritable bowel syndrome can actually also develop in children. Although the condition is not considered as being major or serious in any way, the symptoms that are caused by the condition can be incredibly frustrating and annoying, not to mention embarrassing, especially for children who are even less able to deal with these sorts of things. In children and adolescents, IBS affects girls and boys equally and may be diarrhea-predominant, constipation-predominant, or have a variable stool pattern. Children with IBS may also have headache, nausea, or mucus in the stool. Weight loss may occur if a child eats less to try to avoid pain. Some children first develop symptoms after a stressful event, such as teething, a bout with the flu, or problems at school or at home. Stress does not cause IBS, but it can trigger symptoms.
To diagnose IBS, the doctor will ask questions about symptoms and examine the child to rule out more serious problems or diseases. IBS is not a disease-it is a syndrome, or group of symptoms that occur together. It does not damage the intestine, so if the physical exam and other tests show no sign of disease or damage, the doctor may diagnose IBS. In children, IBS is treated mainly through changes in diet-eating more fiber and less fat to help prevent spasms-and through bowel training to teach the child to empty the bowels at regular, specific times during the day. Medications like laxatives are rarely prescribed because children are more susceptible to addiction than adults. When laxatives are necessary, parents must follow the doctor’s instructions carefully. Learning stress management techniques may also help some children.
There is a lot of important information to know when it comes to irritable bowel syndrome in children. For one, it is a digestive disorder that causes abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and similar problems. It is classified as being a functional disorder because it is caused by a problem in the intestines, and it may be a cause of recurring abdominal pain in children. When it comes to the diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome in children, a basic diagnosis here will usually be based on the child experiencing abdominal pain and cramping, as well as on any of the following: the pain is relieved after having a bowel movement, the onset of pain is typically associated with a change in stool consistency, and the onset of pain is associated with a change in the frequency of stools.
Although there are many similarities between irritable bowel syndrome in adults and irritable bowel syndrome in children, there are many differences as well. For instance, in order to diagnose the condition the doctor will have to ask questions about the symptoms the child is experiencing and physically examine the child in order to rule out more serious problems and diseases. With the condition of irritable bowel syndrome in children, the attending doctor will usually treat the condition with a change in diet, or at least this will be their first attempt. This includes getting the child to eat more fiber, drink more water, and eat less fatty and greasy foods. Medications are also often recommended, although special care has to be taken here because medications affect children a lot differently than they do adults.
Although the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome can usually be relieved or even completely eliminated simply with a change in diet or with medication, if this does not seem to be enough then further steps are going to need to be taken. Hypnosis, yoga, and other relaxation techniques are often used to reduce stress and help relieve the symptoms associated with the condition, for instance.
About the Author
Roger Thompson writes for Leading
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Validating the functional GI disorders
Ovarian cancer occurs when a tumor forms in one or both of a woman’s ovaries. The ovaries are a pair of small organs that produce and release ova, or human eggs. The ovaries also produce important hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. They are located in the lower abdomen (pelvis), on either side of the womb (uterus). Ova released by the ovaries travel through the fallopian tubes to the uterus, where they may or may not be fertilized by the male sperm.
Treatment
The treatment information in this document is not official policy of the Society and is not intended as medical advice to replace the expertise and judgment of your cancer care team. It is intended to help you and your family make informed decisions, together with your doctor.
Ovarian cancer ranks fifth in cancer deaths among women, accounting for more deaths than any other cancer of the female reproductive system. It is estimated that there will be about 15,280 deaths from ovarian cancer in the United States during 2007.
Many types of tumors can start growing in the ovaries. Some are benign (non-cancerous) and never spread beyond the ovary. Patients with these types of tumors can be treated successfully by removing one ovary or the part of the ovary that contains the tumor. Other types of ovarian tumors are malignant (cancerous) and may spread to other parts of the body (metastasize). Their treatment is more complex and is discussed later in this report.
After the surgery, depending on whether you had a laparoscopic procedure or laparotomy, there may be some pain and abdominal discomfort. (Laparoscopy is generally associated with less pain and a quicker recovery.) You may also feel nauseous and not feel like eating. These side effects are temporary and can be controlled. Talk to your doctors about how you can control your pain and nausea.
Treating ovarian cancer depends on a number of factors, including the stage of the disease and the woman’s age and general health. Oncologists who specialize in this disease can best determine the treatment plan. Because treatment decisions are complex, more than one doctor’s advice can be helpful.
Primary treatment is surgery to remove the cancer (through total hysterectomy to remove the uterus and cervix) as well as surrounding tissue to which the cancer has spread (debulking). Following surgery, chemotherapy (anti-cancer drugs), such as carboplatin and paclitaxel, are given intravenously.
The new treatment is for women with advanced ovarian cancer, which, sadly, includes most patients with the disease. If caught at its earliest stage, almost all cases of ovarian cancer can be cured. Unfortunately, most cases aren’t found until much later because the disease causes no specific symptoms in its early stages. About one woman in 57 in the United States will develop this disease in her lifetime. Most of those affected are over 50. Women with a family history of the disease are at high risk, as are those who have already had breast or colon cancer and women who haven’t had children.
Planning treatment
You are most likely to be treated by a team of specialist doctors working together, known as a gynaecology oncology team. This will include a surgeon (gynaecologist) and a cancer specialist (oncologist). It should also include a gynaecological oncology specialist nurse, who can give you information about treatment and any support you may need. These gynaecology oncology teams are usually based in specialist cancer hospitals and so you may need to travel some distance to hospital for your treatment.
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