Is there a Link Between Adkins Diet and Clinical Depression?

Twice when I have done Atkins I see a huge change in my mental being. I get depressed. This usually starts around a month of doing Akins and basically lasted until I quit.I talked to someone at The Akins Center and it was suggested I take vitamins especially B complex. I took the advice but saw no improvement. When I tried Atkins the 2nd time and added exercise to my plan the results were still the same, depression hit me like a ton on bricks. I do not take an antidepressant and will not take one. (which Dr. Atkins didn't like either).P.S. I do want to mention I do not suffer from depression on a regular basis, it is when I low-carb...

When Hospitalization for Depression is Needed?

In cases of severe depression or treatment-resistant depression, some people need to stay in the hospital for a short time. You might check into the hospital yourself. Or you could be hospitalized under a doctor's order.There is a powerful stigma associated with being hospitalized. Many people feel ashamed, as if it's a sign that they are "crazy." Some people fear that being hospitalized is the same thing as being institutionalized or sent to an asylum.But that's not the case. Usually, a stay in the hospital is just a way for you to recover in a safe and stable environment. This allows you to take a break from some of the daily stresses...

Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression HDRS-17

DefinitionThe Hamilton Depression Scale (HDS or HAMD) is a test measuring the severity of depressive symptoms in individuals, often those who have already been diagnosed as having a depressive disorder. It is sometimes known as the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD) or the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS).PurposeThe HDS is used to assess the severity of depressive symptoms present in both children and adults. It is often used as an outcome measure of depression in evaluations of antidepressant psychotropic medications and is a standard measure of depression used in research of the effectiveness of depression therapies and treatments....

Miller Self-Evaluation Depression Test

Larry R. Miller is neither researcher, nor clinical therapist. He is a freelance writer, photographer and webmaster. I would like to offer your attention the self-evaluation depression test, developed by him. While it does not have world-wide recognition of the psychotherapists’ community, it might still be useful to you for the enemy identification purposes. As you understand, the following is a self screening test only and should not be used in place of professional help. Test InstructionsRead and evaluate each question carefully before scoring. Each of the 20 questions has 4 answering options. Think about the option that fits the best. Be...

Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale

Background Zung’s model for depression, the Zung Self-Rating Depression scale, measures psychological and somatic symptoms linked to depression.  In addition, the scale can be used as a screening tool, monitor for changes, and clinical research purposes.   The questionnaire includes 20-items testing four common characteristic of depression – the pervasive effect, the physiological equivalents, other disturbances, and psychomotor activities. Respondents are given a 4-point scale to react to positive or negative statements. Approximately 10 minutes is required to complete the test.Author: Dr. William W.K. ZungStructureTwenty...

Geriatric Depression Scale - Self-report Assessment for Elderly

The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) is a 30-item self-report assessment designed specifically to identify depression in the elderly. The items may be answered yes or no, which is thought to be simpler than scales that use a five-category response set. It is generally recommended as a routine part of a comprehensive geriatric assessment. One point is assigned to each answer and corresponds to a scoring grid. A score of 10 or 11 or lower is the usual threshold to separate depressed from non-depressed patients. However, a diagnosis of clinical depression should not be made on the GDS results alone. Although the test has well-established reliability...

Screening for Depression through Beck Depression Inventory

The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) is a series of questions developed to measure the intensity, severity, and depth of depression in patients with psychiatric diagnoses. Its long form is composed of 21 questions, each designed to assess a specific symptom common among people with depression. A shorter form is composed of seven questions and is designed for administration by primary care providers. Aaron T. Beck, a pioneer in cognitive therapy, first designed the BDI. Development and historyHistorically, depression was described in psychodynamic terms as "inverted hostility against the self". By contrast, the BDI was developed in a...

Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Depression Treatment

What is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation?Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive technique that uses a powerful electro-magnet placed on the scalp of a person to alter brain activity. Originally developed as a diagnostic tool for mapping brain function, TMS appears promising as a treatment for a variety of complex neuropsychiatric conditions, particularly major depression.TMS induces an electromagnetic current in the underlying cortical neurons, which may explain its therapeutic effects. Repetitive TMS, using varying frequencies and intensities, can increase or decrease excitability in the cortical area directly targeted by...