[poindexter]

A big problem is that many people don't accept that depression is a medical issue. Everyone has dark hours, or days. Depression is dark _months_, sometimes years. The sufferer stops thinking he has problems, and thinks he _is_ a problem. Without medical intervention there is little hope of long-term improvement.

It makes sense that depression and many other psychiatric problems arise from brain chemistry. Addition of alcohol to the brain certainly makes a difference in behavior. Ditto the addition of LSD, methamphetamine, etc. So if the brain's _natural_ chemicals get out of whack, of course there is going to be an effect on behavior and attitude. We are just beginning to understand some brain chemistry; hence the emergence of some of the "wonder drugs" like Prozac and other SSRI's which push one system of brain chemistry back toward normal. As we understand more and more, new drugs will appear to treat other problems.

Let's make sure we understand; there is a difference between being "blue" and being depressed, between being overly cautious and being obsessive/compulsive, between being a very active kid and being hyperactive. The difference is medical, and needs to be treated as such.

Thanks for raising the issue.

[ChemistCat]

Brain studies prove that the depressed brain functions differently. There are different blood-flow patterns and different electrical activity. The brain responds to stimuli different. Problem-solving is impaired, judgment is impaired, inhibition is changed. The depressed person is therefore in many ways a DIFFERENT person from the same person not depressed.

[stands2reason]

I wonder how many of these Freepers who say "just trust in God"
would sat the same thing to a schizophrenic?