Does Exercise Help Reduce the Symptoms of Depression?

The University of Alabama at Birmingham conducted a study on the Effect of Exercise Training on Depressive Symptoms on Patients with a Chronic Illness.  What was the conclusion of the study?   The conclusion was that exercise reduces depressive symptoms in patients with a chronic illness.  The results of the study were that exercise does not just mildly reduce the symptoms but it SIGNIFICANTLY reduces depressive symptoms.  Exercise training produced the greatest antidepressant effects in patients with mild to moderate depressive symptoms.

The study did not state the specific type of exercise training the patients participated in but, according to the Mayo Clinic, a well-rounded fitness training program includes the following elements:  aerobic fitness, muscular fitness, stretching, core exercises and balance training.

I know first hand how exercise helps me in maintaining my health both physically and mentally.  Exercise is one of the elements in my personal treatment plan that helps me manage the symptoms of bipolar disorder.  Of course, before starting any exercise program you should consult with your physician.  Many of you already know of the benefits of exercise.  It may not always be easy to incorporate exercise into a busy, hectic lifestyle but it is well worth taking the time to do so.   If you are interesting in reading more on how exercise reduces the symptoms of depression, below is the link for the University of Alabama at Birmingham study.  The benefits of exercise are great so I encourage you to do your best to make exercise a regular part of your life.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22271118

Can a Blood Test Diagnose Depression?

According to a study conducted at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston researchers analyzed nine biomarkers that could distinguish patients who had a major depressive disorder from those that did not.  The pilot study accurately identified depression in 90 percent of previously diagnosed depressed patients.

It is estimated that 1 in 10 U.S. adults is affected by depression.  The stigma associated with depression often prevents individuals from seeking treatment.  If a blood test is available in diagnosing depression, it may help in taking away the shame and help more people with depression receive treatment.  It may also help in choosing the best treatment approach.

According to the opinion of some medical professionals, a blood test may become a factor in helping to identify people with depression yet a blood test alone should not be the only tool used in identifying depression.  The patient’s depressive symptoms should continue to be used in helping to diagnose depression.  Disease, including depression, is complex so it can not be determined only by a simple blood test.  Although further research is necessary, the conclusion of the study, published in the Molecular Psychiatry Journal, is that a blood test can detect depression.

Below are a few links for more information related to the study.

Study of the Day: Blood Tests Can Accurately Diagnose Depression

Blood Test May Help Diagnose Depression

Diagnosing Depression: MedlinePlus Health News Video

Depression in Women

Did you know about 15 million people in the United States experience depression each year?  The majority are women.  The majority do not get the help they need.  Here is a well-written article from WebMD: Depression Effects on Women.

If you are suffering from depression, do not suffer in silence.  You are not alone, things will get better with proper care and treatment and you are not to blame for what you are experiencing.

Survey Says Many with Mental Illness Go without Treatment

Mental illness is defined as having had “a diagnosable mental, behavioral or emotional disorder,” such as anxiety disorders or obsessive-compulsive disorders.  Access to care is a major factor in individuals not getting treatment.  I believe stigma is an obstacle that prevents individuals from seeking treatment.  Let us be a part of the solution.  Contact legislatures to let them know the importance of funding for mental health.  Also education is the key in reducing stigma so encourage people to learn the facts before passing judgement on a person, who is living with mental illness.

Here is the link to the USA Today article on the study.  Many with mental illness go without treatment.

Research Shows Vitamin D Helps with Depression in Kids and Adults

We have been told to beware of the sun but not getting enough can cause many ailments including depression.  Although the best source of vitamin D is the sun, it is not likely that a person can get enough sun to maintain healthy levels of vitamin D.  The best way to determine if your vitamin D levels are healthy, is to have your blood level checked.  Supplementing with vitamin D is often necessary.  The article below from NaturalNews.com talks more about the research and how it can help with depression.

http://www.naturalnews.com/034729_vitamin_D_deficiency_depression_children.html

Food Can Affect Sleep

Getting enough restful and deep sleep is essential for good health and cognitive function.  According to the National Sleep Foundation, food and beverages can affect your sleep.  Research conducted by the National Sleep Foundation has found that most Americans are sleep-deprived.  You have to wonder how much the American diet is affecting our sleep.  The Health Tip: Food Can Affect Sleep released by the U.S. Project of the Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health, provides some basic guidelines issued by the National Sleep Foundation on how diet can affect an individuals sleep.

So if you are one of the many sleep-deprived Americans, please check out the link below on womenshealth.gov to learn how changes in your diet can help you achieve a better nights sleep.

http://www.womenshealth.gov/news/headlines/660664.cfm

NAMI First Episode of Psychosis Survey Results

The National Alliance of Mental Illness survey results are in and for those that have experienced psychosis, the most shocking finding is that the majority of individuals found no one was helpful when they first experienced psychosis.  I believe this shows the isolation, stigma and lack of understanding of psychosis.  How can we change this?  In my opinion, more individuals need to talk openly about their experience as well as the medical community better understanding of how to treat all aspects of the individual.  Complete treatment includes treating a person’s mind, body, and spirit.  What do you think can change this?

http://www.nami.org/Template.cfm?Section=first_episode