Talk to me about your Depression

By Estelio Kaloguru,

Psychology ( MSc. ), Sociology (Ba.)

milamou4u@yahoo.com

Depression has a greater impact on overall health than arthritis, diabetes, angina, and asthma, but it all too often goes unrecognized and untreated, a report from the World Health Organization (WHO) suggests.

Based on interviews with almost 250,000 people living in 60 countries, researchers found depression to be a greater predictor of poor health in patients with these chronic conditions than having one or more chronic medical conditions without depression.

People who had arthritis, diabetes, angina, or asthma were more likely to suffer from depression than people without these conditions.

WHO researcher Somnath Chatterji, MD, said: "We have to recognize that mental health is not a luxury. It is a necessity for good overall health. Health care providers are so focused on the physical health of their patients that they often miss the signs of depression. But treating depression can have a big impact on overall health."

Symptoms of Depression

Sure, most of us feel sad, lonely, or depressed at times. And feeling depressed is a normal reaction to loss, life's struggles, or an injured self-esteem. But when these feelings become overwhelming and last for long periods of time, they can keep you from leading a normal, active life. That's when it's time to seek medical help.

If left untreated, symptoms of clinical or major depression may worsen and last for years. They can cause untold suffering and possibly lead to serious illness, or even suicide. Recognizing the symptoms of depression is often the biggest hurdle to the diagnosis and treatment of clinical or major depression. Unfortunately, approximately half the people who experience symptoms never do get diagnosed or treated for their illness.

Symptoms of depression may include the following:

1) Difficulty concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions

2) Fatigue and decreased energy

3) Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and/or helplessness

4) Feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism

5) Insomnia, early-morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping

6) Lasting irritability, or restlessness

7) Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable, including sex

8) Overeating or appetite loss

9) Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do        

    not ease ( even with treatment )

10) Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" feelings

11) Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts

FREQUENT QUESTIONS
REGARDING ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT

By Nikos Papadakis, Dental Surgeon

Part two:

What are the advantages of an early start in orthodontic treatment?

1. Some teeth extractions can possibly be avoided.
2. Only during the maturing of the bone structure in a child could the jawbone problems be dealt with effectively.
3. There is less danger of fracturing the front teeth.  
4. The duration of the treatment lessens.
5. Young patients adapt more easily to the orthodontic braces and treatment.

Is the orthodontic treatment possible for adults?

With the modern methods of diagnosis and treatment, orthodontics for adults is equally effective as in young patients.

Why is the treatment essential for adults?

The orthodontic treatment for adults can be of limited extent aiming at:

1) Limiting the number of extractions while bridge work is done.
2) To improve the position of teeth that will be created as supports for the bridge, thusly  securing its longevity.
3) A more effective cleaning of teeth and their maintenance until old age.

Are there new methods for treating adults?

The revolution in orthodontics offers alternative "invisible" treatment methods such as:

1. Tongue orthodontics treatment
2. Brace method

As an adult, can I still have an extensive treatment? Yes. It can also be extensive creating healthy teeth, a beautiful smile and a pleasant face.

The aesthetics of the face and the smile of the patient constitute the decisive factor for which method of treatment we will follow, so as to correct not only the teeth of the patient but to also improve the aesthetics of the face.

TRADITIONAL ORTHODONTICS TREATMENT

Objective: Achieving a harmonious closing of the jaws.

MODERN ORTHODONTICS TREATMENT

Objective: Achieving a harmonious closing of the jaws in a symmetrical face with a pleasant grin avoiding teeth extractions.