What is depression?
It is estimated that 19 million Americans suffer from depression every year. Depression is not a weakness or a character flaw-it is an actual medical illness leading to intense feelings of sadness or despair. The reasons for depression are not always clear. It may be spawned by an event like including traumatic life experiences such as the death of a loved one, certain diseases or taking medications, substance abuse or hormonal changes. Or, it may happen for no apparent reason at all. Sometimes, people are genetically predisposed to depression due to a family history of the genes not providing the brain with enough serotonin. The symptoms of depression may differ from person to person. Some symptoms may include a persistent sad mood, lack of pleasure in activities, change in sleep or eating habits, or a feeling of worthlessness.
Whatever the circumstances, depression is caused by an imbalance of certain chemicals in the brain. Normally, these "chemical messengers" help nerve cells communicate with one another by sending and receiving messages, and they may also influence a person's mood. In the case of depression, the available supply of the chemical messengers is low, so nerve cells can't communicate effectively. This often results in symptoms of depression.
Whatever the circumstances, depression is caused by an imbalance of certain chemicals in the brain. Normally, these "chemical messengers" help nerve cells communicate with one another by sending and receiving messages, and they may also influence a person's mood. In the case of depression, the available supply of the chemical messengers is low, so nerve cells can't communicate effectively. This often results in symptoms of depression.
Other Paxil FAQs
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What is Paxil?
A: Paxil (paroxetine hydrochloride) is an antidepressant medication that is part of a family of drugs called selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Paxil is … More -
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How does Paxil work?
A: Depression and anxiety disorders are believed to be caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. One of these chemicals is serotonin, which helps send electrical … More -
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What are the Paxil side effects?
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What is Akathisia?
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What is Anxiety Disorder?
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What is Social Anxiety Disorder?
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What is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?
A: OCD symptoms can occur in people of all ages. It can start at any time from preschool age to adulthood (usually by age 40). In the United States, 1 out of 50 adults … More -
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What is Post Traumatic Stress Symdrome?
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What are the symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome?
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