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UNDERSTANDING “DEPRESSION”

WHAT IS DEPRESSION?


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With the current state of the world situation there is an increase of stressors in the environment. This can affect people’s physical and mental health. The word “depression” is commonly used by people explaining their feeling of sadness or tiredness. The common use of the word depression has caused confusion whether they are feeling sad or they are depressed. Sadness is a normal human emotion responding to an external stimulus, however if the feeling of sadness prolongs for over 14 days or is accompanied by other symptoms, it can lead to depression.


Depression is not something to be taken likely and the word has a negative connotation for implying that someone may be weak or lazy. Depression causes burden to both the mental and physical health of the individual and people around them.




Depression and the brain:

Depression happens when there is an imbalance of three different neurotransmitters in the brain; serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. An imbalance of these three hormones causes a change to a person’s emotions and physical wellbeing.


Signs to look for:

Specialist would look for these signs and symptoms when diagnosing someone with depression. Severity varies for different individual but a person is diagnosed with depression if a combination of these symptoms last longer than 14 days:


1. Feeling of sadness, crying without a reason, constant worrying, easily irritated or agitated which causes an effect on completing daily task.


2. Loss of appetite or overeating.


3. Insomnia or oversleeping.


4. Slow movements and indecisiveness.


5. Fatigue and tiredness.


6. Problems concentrating and increase in forgetfulness.


7. Feeling of worthlessness and loss in confidence.


8. Suicidal thoughts.


Some ways to treat depression:


1. Pharmacological treatment:


Treatment by medication targets the nervous system of the individual. Medication can help the imbalance of neurotransmitter return to normal. Treatment with medication is usually accompanied with other form of treatments to increase effectiveness. Adults are usually treated with medication for 9 to 12 months depending on the severity of their depression.



2. Psychotherapy:


Psychotherapy is a treatment style that focuses on a one on one session between a therapist and patient. The treatment style is often used with pharmacological treatment to enhance effectiveness. Currently there are multiple methods of psychotherapy, one of which is the cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or supportive psychotherapy. The method of psychotherapy is chosen by the specialist depending on the patient’s symptoms. This treatment method has shown the most positive result compared to other methods.



3. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS):


TMS is a therapeutic method using magnetic stimulations on the nervous system to change the direction of electrical current in order to stimulate brain cells. This method is used when patients do not respond to pharmacological treatment or has limitations that prevent them from using medication.



4. Electroconvulsive treatment (ECT):


ECT is only used when patients are suffering from major depressive disorder or has not responded to any other treatments. ECT involves electrically stimulating the brain while the patient is under anesthesia. This method of treatment is for patients who have severe cases of depression and those who may be harmful to themselves.


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Calcified Plaque in the Coronary Arteries: The Silent Killer!

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Fear of the Sun? It Could Be Putting You at Risk for “Osteoporosis”

When people thinking of Thailand, many picture the sun, and just imaging it can make you want to grab an umbrella. But did you know that sunlight is more important to Thais than you might think? The gentle sunlight of the early morning and late afternoon not only warms the body but also helps produce vitamin D, which is crucial for strengthening bones, reducing the risk of osteoporosis. Many people view sunlight as harmful, causing skin damage, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation, leading them to overlook its benefits. Studies show that sunlight is essential for preventing osteoporosis and vitamin D deficiency. Exercising under soft sunlight in the morning allows the body to absorb vitamin D, which strengthens bones and reduces the risk of osteoporosis. In Thailand, 2.5-3% of the population of all genders and ages suffer from osteoporosis. Dr. Peeraphong Sawatdipong, an orthopedic surgeon specializing in knee and hip replacements at Praram 9 Hospital, revealed that vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in Thailand, affecting 30-40% of patients. The primary cause is an excessive fear of sunlight, leading to fragile bones and a higher risk of fractures, particularly among the elderly and postmenopausal women. In reality, morning sunlight, when absorbed through the skin, significantly helps the body produce vitamin D, which strengthens bones and reduces the risk of osteoporosis later in life.

Why Are Young, Active People Still at Risk for Sudden Cardiac Arrest?

Recently, we’ve often heard of athletes—seemingly healthy and young—suddenly passing away, raising concerns about the true cause of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) in athletes and young adults. Is there a connection with exercise? And how can we handle such situations to prevent unforeseen tragedies for ourselves and our loved ones? The Real Causes of Sudden Cardiac Arrest Dr. Phonpitchaya Boondee, a cardiologist at the Praram 9 Cardiovascular Institute, explains that the incidence of sudden cardiac arrest tends to increase with age. Among younger people, it occurs at a rate of 1:100,000, which rises to 50:100,000 in middle-aged adults and up to 200:100,000 in those over 80 years old. Additionally, men are more at risk of coronary artery disease than women. In young individuals with no underlying conditions, the primary cause of sudden cardiac arrest are usually electrical disturbances of the heart and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. These are often genetic heart conditions that may present no prior symptoms, leaving individuals unaware they have heart disease.

Ovarian Cysts: A Hidden Threat Every Woman Should Know

These days, who would have thought that “ovarian cysts” would become a silent danger women need to be aware of? What’s even more concerning is that ovarian cysts often present no clear warning signs. Many women may be unaware that they have an ovarian cyst until they experience severe symptoms such as intense menstrual cramps, irregular periods, abdominal bloating, noticeable lumps in the pelvic area, or severe pain during intercourse. If left untreated, this condition can potentially be life-threatening. Unveiling the Secrets of Ovarian Cysts with a Specialist Professor Emeritus Dr. Sangchai Preutthipan, a specialist in reproductive medicine and laparoscopic surgery from Praram 9 Hospital, explains that the “ovaries” are small, thumb-sized organs responsible for producing eggs each month. With each ovulation, a fluid-filled sac forms around the egg. Sometimes, these sacs don’t dissolve as they should, leading to cyst formation. There are several types of ovarian cysts, including those caused by ovarian dysfunction, tumor-related cysts, endometriosis cysts (also known as chocolate cysts), cysts resembling other body tissues, and even cancerous cysts. Dr. Sangchai further notes that women of reproductive age up until menopause are at risk for ovarian cysts. Around 30-35% of women develop cysts due to ovarian dysfunction, while 20% develop tumor-related or chocolate cysts. Approximately 15% may have cysts that resemble other tissue types, and 1-5% are diagnosed with cancerous cysts. Each type of cyst carries different health risks.

Kidney Transplant Surgery Procedure, Recovery, and Complications to Monitor

Kidney transplantation is a surgical procedure that involves transplanting a kidney from a living donor or a donor who is brain-dead into a patient with chronic kidney failure, without removing the patient’s existing kidneys. The new kidney takes over the function of the damaged kidneys. The success rate of kidney transplantation is relatively high, and after the procedure, patients can experience a significant improvement in their quality of life. Therefore, kidney transplantation is considered the best treatment for chronic kidney failure. However, it is a major surgery with complex procedures. Before the operation, the donor kidney must be carefully matched to the recipient with chronic kidney failure, ensuring compatibility of blood and tissue between the donor and recipient to prevent rejection. Once a suitable kidney is found, the surgeon will perform the transplant on the patient. During and after the surgery, patients may face the risk of serious complications, so they must be closely monitored by a medical team. After the surgery, patients need to recover in the hospital to ensure that the new kidney is functioning properly and effectively.

Protect Yourself from Monkeypox: Know the Signs and Stay Safe

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a global health emergency due to a severe outbreak of monkeypox across Africa, where more than 450 deaths have been reported. Previously, in 2022, the WHO declared a public health emergency due to an outbreak of Clade 2, which is known for its milder symptoms. Although Clade 2 spread to over 100 countries, including Europe and Asia, it resulted in more than 87,000 cases and 140 deaths, with a mortality rate of 4%. The outbreak was primarily concentrated among the LGBTQ+ community, which allowed for targeted vaccination efforts to contain it effectively. This time, however, the outbreak involves Clade 1, which is much more severe, with a mortality rate of up to 10%. According to the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), more than 14,500 monkeypox cases and over 450 deaths were reported between early 2024 and July, This represents a 160% increase in infections and a 19% increase in deaths compared to the same period in 2023.

How Long Can A Kidney Transplant Recipient Live After Surgery?

The kidneys are vital organs in the body, making kidney disease a significant issue that affects both the patient’s quality of life and the lives of those who care for them. Today, there has been an increase in kidney disease cases compared to the past, with a growing number of patients reaching end-stage chronic kidney failure and requiring urgent treatment. Kidney transplantation is considered the best treatment option for restoring the patient’s quality of life.

Thyroid Disease Symptoms! Which type of thyroid disease do these symptoms indicate?

The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ located at the front of the neck. Its main function is to produce thyroid hormones, which are crucial for the body’s metabolic system. These hormones also contribute to growth and regulate heart rate, body temperature, and other hormonal functions. When the thyroid gland malfunctions, it can affect the levels of thyroid hormones in the body, leading to conditions like hyperthyroidism (excess thyroid hormone), hypothyroidism (insufficient thyroid hormone), or other thyroid disorders. Patients with these conditions may exhibit different symptoms. This article will explain the symptoms of various types of thyroid diseases to help you recognize them early. If you suspect any issues, it’s important to consult a doctor for prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Cardiac Arrhythmia : A warning sign that may lead to heart failure

The heart is an essential organ that works tirelessly all the time. On average, the heart beats around 100,000 times a day. Nowadays, heart disease is becoming increasingly common and close to us. We often hear news of people we know, or those close to us, passing away due to heart disease, or instances of athletes collapsing during competitions caused by irregular heartbeats. Cardiac arrhythmia is considered a type of heart disease that is frequently mentioned today. An irregular heartbeat causes abnormal heart contractions. If severe and left untreated, it can lead to heart failure. Therefore, taking care of heart health is extremely important and should not be neglected.

Gynecologic Laparoscopic Surgery: A Great Option for Women

When it comes to women’s surgeries, besides the anxiety about the results, the pain from the surgery and the scars afterward are other significant concerns. Nowadays, medical advancements have provided women with treatment options that yield good results while leaving only small scars. The pain from the surgical wound is minimal, recovery is quick, and there are no severe complications. One such option is gynecologic laparoscopic surgery.

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