Archive for the Category » Depression «

Are We Over-Medicating Our Children With Anti-Depressants & ADHD Drugs?

Tuesday, November 11th, 2008 | Author: Organic Health News

Why is it that so many children are considered to be suffering from ADHD? Nowadays, parents are so quick to prescribe medications to their children, but do we really know the longterm effects these drugs may have on the development of our children?

Generation RX

A new film released today investigates the downsides of ADHD drugs and how you may be doing more harm to the development of your children than you expect.

The new film by international award-winning filmmaker Kevin P. Miller is titled Generation RX. It discusses the issues surrounding the growing trend of prescribing ADHD drugs, antidepressants, and anti-psychotic medications to children and teenagers across the world.

Kevin P. Miller talks with experts in different fields of medicine, ethics and journalism, to determine if corruption between drug companies and their watchdogs actually exists in the FDA. You may be surprised at what you hear!

Generation RX focuses on the compelling stories of real families who received bad advice from their doctors, and as a result, ended in catastrophic consequences. Now they have nowhere to turn for help.

“For decades, scores of doctors, government officials, journalists, and others have extolled the benefits of psychiatric medicines for children. Generation RX unveils ‘the rest of the story’ and explains how this era of unprecedented change in Western culture really occurred — and what price has been paid by society.”
~ Kevin P. Miller

This years most controversial film discusses how thousands of children have been caught in the vortex of mind-bending drugs at the most critical stages of their development. It also examines whether we have forced millions of children onto pharmaceutical drugs for commercial profit, rather than scientific reasons.

Official Trailer for Generation RX:

Click Here To Learn How to Buy Generation RX

The trailer for Generation RX makes you wonder if there is a growing culture of medicine and corruption here in America.

Hopefully, this documentary will provide parents with the opportunity to weigh the supposed benefits of these controversial medications against the serious risks they may pose to the development and growth of children.

  

Parents need to realize that there are serious risks associated with every medication you take or give to your family… But, those same risks are especially important when it involves the overall growth and development of your children. Do the proper research on all medications, prior to taking them.

“Generation RX is a powerful and often chilling eye-opener. Many of the stories stayed with me weeks after viewing, and continue to haunt me now.”

Official Website for Generation RX

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Category: Air Purification, Depression, Natural Supplements, Organic Health, Organic Spotlight, Recommended Product | 10 Comments

New Research Supports Use of St. John’s Wort for Relieving Depression

Tuesday, October 28th, 2008 | Author: Organic Health News

Hypericum perforatum

For centuries our ancestors have used a plant known as Hypericum perforatum, commonly referred to as St. John’s Wort, as an herbal remedy for many ailments, including mental disorders, diarrhea, nausea, ulcers and sleep disorders. But St. John’s Wort is most commonly known as a natural, herbal remedy for those suffering symptoms of depression and anxiety.

According to new research published in The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, St. John’s Wort is effective at treating major symptoms of depression. This new research backs up previous research conducted in 2005, that came to the same conclusions.

In one of the most comprehensive clinical studies of St. John’s Wort to date, researchers studied 5,489 patients suffering symptoms of major depression. Administering both placebos and St. John’s Wort extract to patients, researchers came to the conclusion that St. John’s Wort was more effective than the placebo at treating mild to major cases of depression.

List of Clinical Studies for St. John’s Wort

This isn’t the first clinical study investigating the effectiveness of St. John’s Wort for symptoms of depression. In fact, here is a short list of studies done within the last fifteen years.

  1. St John’s Wort For Depression — An Overview & Meta-Analysis of Randomised Clinical Trials
  2. St. John’s Wort in Mild to Moderate Depression: The Relevance of Hyperforin for the Clinical Efficacy
  3. St. John’s Wort For Depression: A Meta-Analysis of Well-Defined Clinical Trials
  4. Comparison of Equivalence Between the St. John’s Wort Extract LoHyp-57 and Fluoxetine
  5. Hypericum Extract versus Imipramine or Placebo in Patients with Moderate Depression: Randomised Multicentre Study of Treatment for Eight Weeks
  6. Equivalence of St John’s Wort Extract (Ze 117) and Fluoxetine: A Randomized, Controlled Study in Mild-Moderate Depression
  7. Efficacy of St. John’s Wort Extract WS 5570 in Major Depression: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial
  8. Acute Treatment of Moderate to Severe Depression with Hypericum Extract WS 5570 (St John’s wort): Randomised Controlled Double Blind Non-Inferiority Trial versus Paroxetine.
  9. The Efficacy of St. John’s Wort in Patients with Minor Depressive Symptoms or Dysthymia — A Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study

It must be noted that while there is overwhelming evidence supporting the use of Hypericum perforatum, there has been a few studies with different conclusions. In fact, one major study conducted by the National Institues of Health found that St. John’s Wort made no positive impact on patients suffering from major depression.

Possible Side Effects of St. John’s Wort

St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum)

It is not uncommon for people to suffer small side effects from St. John’s Wort. Some of these side effects include headaches, nausea, dry mouth, fatigue, dizziness, and/or sensitivity to sunlight.

It is also possible for St. John’s Wort to interact with certain medications, such as birth control or antidepressants, you may already be taking, so it is wise to check with your doctor prior to taking any supplement containing Hypericum perforatum.

Things to Remember with St. John’s Wort

The overall effectiveness of St. John’s Wort depends on many variables. Where does the plant come from? Was it grown in organic conditions? Is it a tablet, powder or liquid? These are all going to affect the overall purity of the supplement. The manufacturing process of any herbal supplement can decrease the overall effectiveness of the benefits you may get from the herb. In fact, it is always best to avoid any supplement in tablet form, due to the brutal manufacturing process and because tablets are harder for the body to absorb.

Hypericum perforatum should NOT be used as a replacement to therapy. Everybody is different, please consult with your family, doctor and/or therapist, prior to taking St. John’s Wort. While it does show promise for treating symptoms of depression, it can also conteract with current medications you may be taking. So, please use caution and common sense.

  

Bottom line on St. John’s Wort
It is very important to do the proper research on St. John’s Wort, or any supplement you take. Most importantly, know who and where you’re buying the supplement from. Look into the Better Business Bureau records for that specific company. Try to find review’s for that product online, to see what other consumers are saying. You don’t want to ingest something that is of poor quality.


Flickr images created by: Matsuyuki & Helena.40proof

Category: Depression, Healthy Living, Natural Supplements, Stress Relief | 3 Comments

Natural Treatment For Anxiety

Wednesday, January 23rd, 2008 | Author: Organic Blogger

anxiety.jpgMost people experience feelings of anxiety before an important event such as a big exam, business presentation, or first date. Anxiety disorders, however, are illnesses that fill people’s lives with overwhelming anxiety and fear that are chronic, unremitting, and can grow progressively worse. Tormented by panic attacks, obsessive thoughts, flashbacks of traumatic events, nightmares, or countless frightening physical symptoms, some people with anxiety disorders even become housebound.

Often times when people are stressed out by everyday life and circumstances they turn to prescription drugs for relief. While some of these drugs may help ease stress, they are only a temporary solution to the problem.

So is there a natural way to treat anxiety? The good news is..YES! Holistic medicine has become popular within the last 5 years and more people are looking for a safer alternative in treating anxiety. Here are some ideas to consider if you or someone you know need a help with anxiety.

1 - Take 1-2 tablespoons of coconut oil daily to improve hormone balance and natural mental wellness.

2 - Make a herbal sachet or small pillow stuffed with cotton and herbs for relaxation at night. Use lemon balm leaves, chamomile, catnip and valerian and keep it next to your pillow at night.

3 - Consider using St. John’s Wort, another herbal remedy for depression and anxiety. Dubbed “herbal Prozac” by some, St. John’s wort can be grown at home, or purchased in herb or supplement form. Again, take under the recommendations of a professional.

4 - Try Native Remedies’ Pure Calm supplement (see link under resources, below) as a natural treatment for anxiety. This alternative medicine combines herbs in a liquid form for fast assimilation.

5 - Try Kava in capsule or drink form. One of the primary herbs used to treat anxiety, Kava is a root known for its calming effect on the nervous system. It is a mild sedative and used to help treat tension, too. It can not be used in conjunction with prescription medicines, however. Kava should only be taken a few times a week. Contact an herbalist or homeopathic doctor for proper dosages.

Note*

Anxiety disorders often occur with other illnesses.

It is common for an anxiety disorder to accompany depression, eating disorders, substance abuse, or another anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders can also co-exist with illnesses such as heart disease, high blood pressure, irritable bowel syndrome, thyroid conditions, and migraine headaches. In such instances, the accompanying disorders will also need to be treated. So, it is important, before beginning any treatment, to have a thorough medical examination to determine the causes of symptoms.

Category: Depression, Healthy Living, Organic Health, Stress Relief | 10 Comments

Can Mold Cause Depression?

Friday, December 28th, 2007 | Author: Organic Health News

According to a new report published in American Journal of Public Health, the answer is an astounding yes!

The Brown School of Medicine examined nearly 6,000 interviews of European adults, conducted by the World Health Organization, and found that those adults who live in damp or moldy homes were more likely to report symptoms of depression. As well as a variety of other health conditions, such as asthma, coughing, fatigue, nausea, headaches, etc.

While it is commonly known that mold can cause a variety of health problems, the connection between mold & depression is still widely debated.

The importance of this study, is not that mold may cause depression, it’s the fact that a clean household will lead to a healthier lifestyle. It is important to keep the air in your house clean from allergens such as mold.

Related Articles:
» Can Mold in the Home Cause Mood Swings & Depression?
» Science News: Household Mold Linked to Depression
» Frequently Asked Questions About Mold
» Symptoms of Mold Exposure & Who Is At Risk
» Cleansing Mold From the Air With Air Purifiers

Category: Air Purification, Depression, Healthy Living | 2 Comments