As new government figures show that prescriptions for antidepressants have increased by 33 per cent in the last six years, costing the UK economy over £28 million, a mental health charity today says it has been awarded £95,000 by the Department of Health to promote exercise as an effective treatment for mild to moderate depression.
Many people seem willing to do almost anything to cope with sleep-deprivation and emotional stress, but when push comes to shove, they are turning to quick fixes in lieu of obvious solutions. Are you among the many who are ignoring fundamental steps to improve quality sleep and mood? It is well-known that sleep problems can be a key sign of depression. What people may not realize is that the reverse is also true: sleep disorders can actually trigger mood disorders and depression.
While unemployment rates are monitored regularly and play a crucial role in shaping government monetary policy, the hidden economic impact of depression and anxiety may be just as significant: it turns out that more people receive government benefits as a result of severe depression and anxiety than receive benefits for being unemployed. Experts are urging the government to fund 200 new treatment centres to offer psychological therapy to those affected.
It is estimated that 50 to 70 million Americans chronically suffer from a disorder of sleep and wakefulness, hindering daily functioning and adversely affecting health and longevity. The cumulative long-term effects of sleep loss and sleep disorders have been associated with a wide range of deleterious health consequences including an increased risk of hypertension, diabetes, obesity, depression, heart attack, and stroke.
A brief report from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine suggests that a fMRI scan may be able to predict whether or not cognitive behavioural therapy can help a person suffering from unipolar depression to recover.
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