Complementary remedies for depression and anxiety

About 4 in every 10 persons in the United States use some form of complementary or alternative therapy of some sort. The use of complementary remedies has increased in the past decades. One of the most common uses of complementary remedies is for the treatment of depression and anxiety symptoms. A validquestion then is: do they work? Let’s review the latest information on the mostpopular remedies.

 

• Hypericumperforatum (St. John’sWort): a few studies point out that St. John’s Wort can be as effective as theold tricyclic anti-depressants for the treatment of mild depression. Currentlyit is used at a standard 0.3% preparation, although there are others. Somestudies comparing it to fluoxetine (Prozac) yielded mixed results. In summary:for mild depression St. John’s Wort is an alternative for treatment, but caremust be taken due to its tendency to interact with some medications. Ask yourphysician.
• S-adenosyl-methionine(SAMe): studies indicate that SAMe can be as effective as the older tricyclicanti-depressants in treating symptoms of mayor depression. Furthermore, it tends to be bettertolerated than those medications. In summary: this is the best-validatedcomplementary therapy for depressive symptoms.
• Omega-3Fatty Acids: meta-analysis (aggregating various studies) studies indicate thatthey work better than placebo for depressive symptoms. It is noteworthy that italso worked for people with bipolar depression. In summary: another option forpeople with mild depression or people with bipolar illness with depressivesymptoms.
• Chamomile:studies indicate effectiveness in anxiety symptoms when compared to placebo. Insummary: it is worth trying in people with anxiety or depressive symptoms.
• Yoga:practicing yoga fosters general feelings of well-being, which help diminishfeelings of depression and anxiety. Yoga practice is also associated withbetter stress management. In summary: for people who don’t have a medicalcondition that prevents them from practicing yoga there is no reason not togive it a try.
• Taichi: studies have indicated tai chi is useful to relieve depression, anxiety,and is helpful to diminish stress. Some studies have suggested that it is alsouseful for relieving symptoms of fibromyalgia syndrome, which frequentlycoexists with depression. Insummary: there is no reason not to try it, as even people with medicalconditions preventing yoga can try the basic exercises which are not toostressful on the body.
• Meditation:several studies have shown improvement in depression and anxiety scales inpeople who practice meditation techniques. And thousands of people commend theefficacy of their meditation techniques. In summary: try different techniquesto find which on suits you best. Almost everybody can benefit from the rightmeditative technique.
• Acupuncture:due to the heterogeneous nature of the various acupuncture treatments it is difficultto study them from the scientific perspective. Studies point to acupuncture beinguseful in the treatment of depression and anxiety symptoms. In summary: it ishard to recommend acupuncture as the sole treatment of depression and anxietybut due to it being well tolerated and it is worth a try when complementingother treatment modalities.
• Exercise:anyone who can, should exercise. A study has found exercise as effective asanti-depressants for relief of mild depression. It also helps promote generalwell-being and equips the body to better manage stress and anxiety. In summary:start exercising after consulting your doctor.

 

 

Complementarytherapies can be effective in the relief of depression and anxiety. Just rememberthat natural remedies do not necessarily mean safe remedies. Natural remediesare chemicals, just like any medication. Any medical condition, includingneuropsychiatric ones, should be treated with the supervision of yourphysician.

 

The information in this blogis not a substitute for a medical evaluation. Consult with your physician aboutany health concerns you may have.

 

For appointments with Dr.Douglas J. Romero call 787-764-5642 or visit www.mimejoramiento.com. You can sendquestions for Dr. Romero at douglasromeromd@gmail.com.

 

As always your opinions areimportant. Share them so that others benefit from your experiences and perspectives.

 

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Rekindling the bonds of love

With the busy schedules of our daily lives it’s easy to lose sight that the greatest gift our partner gives us is his or her company. One day you wake up and realize that the person sleeping in you in your bed is a stranger. It doesn’t have to be this way though. If you take time and celebrate the company of your partner you can rekindle the bonds of love and the romance in your life.

The sound of the waves on the beach. The caress of the gentle breeze. A beautiful sunset. The simple things can be all that’s necessary to light the fires of love. There is no need for an expensive gift or grand gesture to day “I love you.” But it is necessary to detach from the routine of daily living and take some time to nurture the union with the body and soul.

You may start by letting your partner know that you appreciate their company. The most common mistake of emotionally estranged couples is taking for granted their relationship. Remember your partner does not really owe you anything. She or he sharing a life with you is a gift, a privilege. Be sincerely grateful that you partner chose to share a life with you for a minute or a decade. And remember that actions speak louder than words. Don’t just say it, act like you love your partner.

Nurture an empathic bond with your partner. Many times we become so self absorbed that we demand understanding from our partner but do not seek to understand our partner. This is one of the most destructive patterns for any couple. Try to understand. And when you don’t understand… ask. You’ll be surprised how tolerant your partner will become if there is a sincere attempt at understanding. And greater mutual understanding nurtures a greater love.

The information in this blog is not a substitute for a medical evaluation. Consult with your physician about any health concerns you have.

For appointments with Dr. Douglas J. Romero call 787-764-5642 or visit www.mimejoramiento.com

As always your opinions are important. Share them so that others benefit from your experiences and perspectives.

Anxiety medications

There are two types of medication for anxiety: those that treat anxiety when it manifests itself and those that prevent excessive anxiety when someone has frequent bouts of anxiety. Both have their role in eradicating anxiety disorders.

Medications that treat acute anxiety are usually called anxiolytics. They tend to be fast acting medications (usually working within an hour) to achieve rapid relief for someone who is acutely anxious. Examples of these medications include Xanax, Klonopin, Ativan, and others. Although these medications have some abuse potential and can have withdrawal effects if used for several weeks at high doses few people actually develop problems from the use of these medications. They can be used only when the person needs anxiety relief or daily to control chronic anxiety.

Other medicines are used to prevent anxiety episodes or to control chronic anxiety on a daily basis. The medicines most often used for this are the selective serotinin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which were discussed in the entry on anti-depressants. Along with other findings, the fact that these medications control both anxiety and depression is making psychiatrists believe that depression and anxiety are similar dysfunctions of brain function. Exmaples of these medications include Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft, and others. Other medications that work through other mecanims but are effective foe anxiety include BuSpar, Effexor, Neurontin, and several others.

The information in this blog is not a substitute for a medical evaluation. Consult with your physician about any health concerns you have.

For appointments with Dr. Douglas J. Romero call 787-764-5642 or visit www.mimejoramiento.com

As always your opinions are important. Share them so that others benefit from your experiences and perspectives.

Anti-depressants explained

As depression is a brain disorder, it is not surprising that medications can effectively treat the symptoms of depression. At present there are several medication types used to treat depression and anxiety. In the past, they were all called anti-depressants, but as we have found that drugs that were originally used for depression are effective for other conditions modern medicine tends to call them by their function in the body or chemical category and the term anti-depressant is not used as often.

The medications used to treat depression are selective inhibitors of serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These drugs increase the amount of serotonin between the brain cells and thereby improve the symptoms of depression. Serotonin is a chemical used by brain cells (neurons) to transmit signals within and outside the brain. It has been found that people with depression or anxiety have low levels of serotonin in their brains, hence the use of drugs that increase serotonin in the brain. Regulating serotonin in the brain stabilizes the areas of the brain that regulate mood thus eradicating depression. Drugs in this class include Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft, Celexa, Laxapro, Luvox and others.

There is another class of drugs that increases both serotonin and norepinephrine (another chemical that the brain uses to transmit signals). These medicines function similarly to those of serotonin reuptake and are equally effective. Examples of these drugs are Effexor, Cymbalta, and Pristiq.

There are also the tricyclic drugs, which are drugs which regulate both norepinephrine and serotonin. They were developed several years ago but are not as often used because they tend to cause more side effects compared to the newer medications. Examples of these medications include imipramine, nortriptyline and amitriptyline.

There are also medications that when added to an anti-depressant enhance its effect. This is specially useful in people who have only partially responded to treatment with an anti-depressant. Adding one of these medicines can help the person achieve complete remission of depressive symptoms. This method is called an augmentation strategy. Common medicines used for augmentation include lithium, buspirone, Seroquel, Abilify, and others.

There are many other medications that work in different ways in the brain to combat depression. It is noteworthy that all the drugs mentioned above are generally very safe and effective. None of them is addictive. The purpose of the drugs is that the person feel better, without feeling sedated, and can recover the ability to function normally.

The information in this blog is not a substitute for a medical evaluation. Consult with your physician about any health concerns you have.

For appointments with Dr. Douglas J. Romero call 787-764-5642 or visit www.mimejoramiento.com

As always your opinions are important. Share them so that others benefit from your experiences and perspectives.

Hypnotic regression explained

We all have within us an unlimited source of wisdom. Sometimes we forget to look inside in order to bring balance to our lives. That's when we feel overwhelmed by our circumstances and depressed. But we can reconnect with our essence to create harmony in our lives, understand each other better, and have peace. One of the most powerful tools to achieve this is the technique known as hypnotic regression therapy.

In hypnotic regression therapy you can recall the memories that cause depression and anxiety to bring emotional health. The psychiatrist leads the patient to an internal inspection of these experiences to rid the person of the effect caused by them. The strands of your existence unravel through this exploration. This way you will be free from any effect of your past. You will better understand the effect of the past on your current life issues and be able to bring about positive actions to improve the quality of your life.

Regression therapy is an excellent way to combat depression and anxiety. When used alone or with other therapies such as medications it can bring quick relief from neuropsychiatric symptoms. Examining the patterns of your life leads to understanding. And understanding allow you to make positive changes in your life. The chains of vicious cycles are broken because the past no longer dictates the present. Current relations are explored in order to and live better. And above all you open to that inner wisdom that guides us to a better life and greater growth.

Not everyone experiences the same as hypnotic regression. Some people have vivid experiences that involve all of their senses. Other people have a subtle experience or impressions recalling distant fragments. Some people may have revelatory experiences in their first few sessions and others may take a little longer. But for all these people regression serves as a vehicle for healing and self improvement.

Exploring your life course through regression therapy is a safe and effective way to achieve emotional health. In the hands of a qualified psychiatrist it is a very powerful therapy. It improves relationships with others and ourselves. And it brings greater happiness.

The information in this blog is not a substitute for a medical evaluation. Consult with your physician about any health concerns you have.

For appointments with Dr. Douglas J. Romero call 787-764-5642 or visit www.mimejoramiento.com

As always your opinions are important. Share them so that others benefit from your experiences and perspectives.

Hypnosis explained

Medical Hypnosis is the process of learning how to use your mind and your thoughts to better handle emotional stress (anxiety, depression, phobias, obsessions), uncomfortable physical symptoms (pain, nausea) or to help you change a habit or behavior (smoking, aggression, eating patterns). Medical Hypnosis is a technique or procedure used in the context of a self-improvement process involving combinations of different techniques to achieve the goals set by the patient.

Medical hypnosis should be made only by health professionals trained and licensed (eg psychiatrists) that have been specifically trained to use hypnosis and working practices within their professional field.

How will I feel during hypnosis?

Most people describe their experience of hypnosis as a pleasant experience during which they have great focus and feel deep in the hypnotic experience.

Depending on the goals of the session you may feel more alert, more relaxed or just comfortable and with peace of mind.

Although a hypnosis session may differ depending on the needs of each patient sessions typically have two basic phases:

1) The induction phase. During this phase the therapist helps you relax and helps you focus and concentrate on what you want to accomplish during the hypnosis session.

2) The application stage. During this phase the therapist provides you with suggestions. For example, if you are experiencing anxiety, you can suggest that during and following the hypnosis session you will feel calmer and more comfortable with feelings of anxiety. If you are experiencing pain, your therapist may suggest that after the hypnosis session you will not experience pain or that you can better manage any pain you feel. The suggestions are the key to hypnosis because they are targeted to treat your specific symptoms or difficulty.

What conditions can be treated with hypnosis?

Medical hypnosis has been shown to be clinically effective for a variety of conditions including:

Anxiety and phobias

Depression

Stress Management

Post-traumatic stress disorder

Dissociative Disorders

Obsessions and compulsions

Stop smoking

Weight Management

Changing unwanted habits

Gastrointestinal disorders

Hemophilia

Skin conditions

Childbirth without fear

Pain

Medical and dental procedures

Recovering from a surgery

Treatment of nausea and vomiting

What results I can expect from hypnosis?

Medical hypnosis has proven to be of great benefit to improve symptoms and overcome difficulties. It may even be curative in many cases.

Myths and facts about medical hypnosis:

Many people have concerns and myths about hypnosis based on lack of information. The following are common concerns about hypnosis and the reality of hypnosis.

Myth: The hypnotized person is under the control of the therapist and can be forced to say or do what the therapist wants.

Reality: This is false. No matter how deep the process of hypnosis you are always in control during the session. Hypnosis can not force you to do or say anything that causes you discomfort or you do not want to do or say.

Myth: Hypnosis is something that is done to people, instead of something I can do on my own.

Reality: This is false. Hypnosis is a skill you can learn. It is a tool you use to feel better.

Myth: I can become trapped in hypnosis and I can not "out" at any time.

Reality: This is false. Hypnosis can end at any time you want.

Myth: People have benefit from hypnosis are gullible or weak willed.

Reality: This is false. Multiple scientific studies have revealed that about 90% of people can benefit from hypnosis. Moreover, being hypnotized and choosing to respond to hypnotic suggestions means only that you have the ability to use hypnosis effectively. This does not mean a person is gullible or weak willed.

Myth: During hypnosis I am unconscious.

Reality: This is false. During hypnosis you are always aware. A person in hypnosis is not asleep or unconscious. Although a person in hypnosis can feel a deep state of relaxation, your mind is active and actively participating in the hypnosis session.

The information in this blog is not a substitute for a medical evaluation. Consult with your physician about any health concerns you have.

For appointments with Dr. Douglas J. Romero call 787-764-5642 or visit www.mimejoramiento.com

As always your opinions are important. Share them so that others benefit from your experiences and perspectives.

Psychotherapy explained

Over the next few days we will explore the different therapeutic modalities for treating anxiety and depression. In the past depressive and anxiety disorders were considered distinct clinical entities. That is, anxiety and depression were not related conditions. In the last decade however, brain studies and the fact that many drugs work to treat both depression and anxiety have led the field of psychiatry reconsider that position. Today it is considered that depression and anxiety are related medical conditions.

We begin by exploring the oldest type of intervention for the treatment of depression and anxiety: psychotherapy. The essence of psychotherapy (talk therapy as some call it) is to explore a person’s thought and behavior patterns so that a person can make changes that will help him feel better.

There are different types of psychotherapies. Each is practiced according to the philosophy of the person giving treatment. Psychoanalysis explores the experiences of the person, seeking the meanings of these experiences and how they affect the person. The idea is that if a person becomes aware of the effects past events have had on him that person may change their personal patterns of meaning and behavior. And in that way the person can change his life. There are other similar therapies are usually referred to as introspective therapies. They all have in common that the person explores personal symbols and personal meanings. By becoming more aware of them the person can modify the effects of these influences in his life and feel better. The person generally tries to change to a healthier personality.

The other commonly practiced type of psychotherapy is cognitive-behavioral therapy. This type of therapy does not focus much on the meanings of events in the life of the person. It is intended that a person changes his thought patterns and behavior to healthier ones and this will achieve symptom relief. This kind of therapy is considered more focused and tends to be shorter than introspective therapy. Many people with neuropsychiatric conditions have distortions of perceptions and interpretations of their events. These so called cognitive distortions are corrected so that the person can see more clearly the reality and behave in healthier ways.

In recent times there is an emergence of different types of spiritual therapies. The approach is to seek a transcendental element in the person's belief system to help him better manage his personal situations. It focuses on a person’s frame of reference so that events can be put in perspective. This allows a person to better manage his personal reality and manage his situations with greater peace.

Another type of therapy is hypnosis, which I will discuss in the near future.

The ultimate goal of the various psychotherapies is to change the brain of a person so he feels relief from his symptoms. Studies comparing medication alone versus psychotherapy alone in people with mild depression found that both treatments cause similar changes in the brains of people who responded to therapy. This suggests that medication and psychotherapy work similarly in the brain.

For most neuropsychiatric conditions it is recommended to combine psychotherapy and medication. Each of these therapies has its advantages. In general, the medications work more quickly, with relief staring about one or two weeks from the beginning of therapy. But their effect often goes after discontinuing the drug. Psychotherapy usually takes longer to bring relief. Many studies suggest that a person usually needs about eight treatments for relief of symptoms. But the psychotherapies have the advantage that a person learns life skills that may continue to apply long after completing a course of psychotherapy. Hence the current recommendation by most experts is to start medications for prompt symptom relief and combine it with psychotherapy for the person to acquire personal skills for improvement. And of course every psychiatrist and patient has a preference on which method or therapeutic combination is best.

The information in this blog is not a substitute for a medical evaluation. Consult with your physician about any health concerns you have.

For appointments with Dr. Douglas J. Romero call 787-764-5642 or visit www.mimejoramiento.com

As always your opinions are important. Share them so that others benefit from your experiences and perspectives.

Depression explained

Clinical depression, known in psychiatry as major depressive disorder, is a brain disorder in which the brain loses its capacity to properly regulate a person’s emotions, thought patterns, and behavioral reactions. This is due to the brain losing it ability to balance its information connections and biochemistry leading to frequent feelings of sadness, inability to enjoy activities, disruption of sleep and eating patterns, poor energy, irritability, feelings of guilt, concentration problems, and difficulty in making decisions. It is estimated that around 15% of the population that suffers from major depression eventually commits suicide.

There are other neuropsychiatric conditions which might lead to depressive symptoms. Such conditions include adjustment disorders (a very strong reaction to adjusting to changes), bipolar illness, dysthymic disorder (a low level, chronic depression), and others. Mayor depressive disorder also has some subtypes depending on a person’s symptoms.

Factors such as heredity, chronic stress, emotional stress, substance abuse, medical conditions, medication side effects, history of abuse, and others could predispose a person to depression by affecting brain function. Studies indicate that depression is slightly more common in women than in men, meaning gender is also another factor in the condition. 

Depression is unfortunately a very common medical condition. It is estimated that about 25% of all people will at some point meet criteria for a diagnosis of mayor depressive disorder. And current trends indicate that the incidence of depression is increasing. Despite that fact that depression is very common most depressed people will never seek or receive treatment for their condition. And of the people that are prescribed treatment most will abandon treatment. This are regrettable facts because depression is a treatable (even curable) condition.

Depression deeply affects the lives of those who suffer it and the people close to them. Someone with depressed mood will not be able to enjoy life.  Personal relationships and ability to work are also affected, as symptoms impair ability to appropriately respond to personal situations and  problems with concentration frequently affect job performance. Also, appetite changes affect self esteem with the associated weight changes. Depression might also lead some to try to “self-medicate” with drugs and alcohol leading to addiction. And in severe depression a person might attempt and commit suicide.

Depression is a medical condition of the brain which affects in many ways the life of those afflicted. The first in treatment is to a approach a healthcare professional so the condition might be identified and treated. it’s important to understand that depression is a brain disorder and that there are effective therapies to treat the disorder. Also, as with any health condition there are steps a person might take that will lead to better health (dieting, exercising, change of habits and environment) to improve a depressive condition.

The information in this blog is not a substitute for a medical evaluation. Consult with your physician about any health concerns you have.

For appointments with Dr. Romero call 787-764-5642 or visit www.mimejoramiento.com

As always your opinions are important. Share them so that others benefit from your experiences and perspectives.

Anxiety explained

Anxiety is an uncomfortable emotional state in which a person feels that something bad will happen. It tends to be a diffuse feeling of danger. The feeling is accompanied by physical reactions like sweating, heart palpitations, increased blood pressure, dry mouth, muscle tension, confusion, and sometimes dizziness or lightheadedness. In psychiatry, anxiety differs from fear, which is a physical reaction to something specific. For example, someone may feel great anxiety about an earthquake versus fearing an aggressive dog and being concerned about being bitten.

Anxiety comes in many forms. It can manifest as chronic, ongoing concerns, sleep problems, and stress. It can also come in intense attacks of anxiety in a short period of time, strong reactions after a traumatic event, excessive fear of a situation or object or excessive worry about everyday life issues. Anxiety becomes a medical disorder at the time it interferes with the activities of daily living of the person and their ability to function normally.

A common manifestation of anxiety are episodes called panic attacks. A panic attack is an anxiety attack usually happenning without there being something in the environment that justifies the intense anxiety reaction. In panic disorder the person suffering from these episodes often accompanied by concerns about having another episode. Episodes prevent normal functioning person and affect their quality of life.

Anyone can suffer from an anxiety disorder. It is estimated that worldwide 16.6 percent of people suffer from an anxiety disorder. They are very common conditions. An estimated one quarter of the population will suffer from a panic attack at some point. People with relatives who suffer from an anxiety disorder are at greater risk. So are people with a history of trauma and people with excessive stress. Also people with certain medical conditions are at higher risk for anxiety conditions.

Feelings of anxiety are caused by inappropriate activation in the brain centers that process the signals of danger. In a fit of anxiety over these centers are activated for the situation of the person. In these centers panic attacks are triggered without any reason can be identified. The anxiety centers then send signals to the rest of the brain and body and creating a sense of anxiety reaction in the body. These episodes are a reaction of the brain and in severe cases the person can not control. Several medical conditions can also cause anxiety episodes. Episodes of hypoglycemia, thyroid conditions, hormonal disorders and heart attacks can create symptoms of anxiety as something wrong is happening in the body and activates the brain.

Many people seek help from their physician or emergency room when they experience episodes of anxiety for the first time. Associated physical sensations can be extremely powerful and uncomfortable. If someone has an episode of intense anxiety, particularly if it is the first time, I recommend to seek medical help to determine the cause of the episode. Anxiety can be the first symptom of a serious condition that requires treatment. People who already have a diagnosis of an anxiety condition of neuropsychiatric origin should seek treatment to eliminate symptoms. With psychotherapy the person may develop various tools to reduce or eliminate excessive anxiety.

If the cause of anxiety can be determined it can be treated and to eliminate anxiety symptoms. And through the various therapies a person can reach the point that he or she does not require further treatment. The brain is very versatile and has great resilience. If the anxiety is caused by a condition affecting the brain that condition needs to be treated. It is important to understand that anxiety is a brain condition and that there are excellent treatments for these disorders.

It is also important to distinguish between anxiety and stress. Stress can be good if it is not excessive. Appropriate stress allows us to work better if channeled properly. Anxiety, by definition, is bad for health. Anxiety suppresses our immune response, increases the risk of disease and affects the individual and those around him. People with high stress are at risk for anxiety as excessive stress overloads the brain to the point that prevents its normal function. Prevention is possible and important, as proper stress management can prevent the development of anxiety conditions. Such prevention is important because anxiety conditions are debilitating. It is also important to society because of the high social and economic costs of these conditions once they develop.

The information in this blog is not a substitute for a medical evaluation. Consult with your physician about any health concerns you have.

For appointments with Dr. Romero call 787-764-5642 or visit www.mimejoramiento.com

As always your opinions are important. Share them so that others benefit from your experiences and perspectives.