Alcoholism, more appropriately referred to as alcohol use disorder (AUD), is, broadly, any drinking of alcohol that results in mental or physical health problems. The disorder was previously divided into two types: alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence. In a medical context, alcoholism is said to exist when two or more of the following conditions are present: a person drinks large amounts of alcohol over a long time period, has difficulty cutting down, acquiring and drinking alcohol takes up a great ...

alcoholism

What-is-fatigue?

What is fatigue?

What-is-fatigue?_0_0

Fatigue is a feeling of extreme tiredness that can't be explained by lack of sleep or rest. It can be physical or mental and can range from a mild feeling of weariness to a complete lack of energy. Acute fatigue is a normal response to physical or mental exertion and usually goes away with rest. Chronic fatigue, on the other hand, is persistent and can last for months or even years.

What-is-fatigue?_0_1

Causes-of-fatigue

Causes of fatigue

Causes-of-fatigue_1_0

Fatigue can be caused by a variety of factors, including medical conditions, lifestyle factors, and medications. Here are some of the most common causes of fatigue:

Medical-condition:

Medical condition:

Anemia

Anemia_2_0

Anemia is a condition in which the body doesn't have enough red blood cells to carry oxygen to tissues throughout the body. This can lead to fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath.

Thyroid-problems

Thyroid problems

Thyroid-problems_2_0

The thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate metabolism. If the thyroid gland isn't functioning properly, it can lead to fatigue, weight gain, and other symptoms.

Chronic-fatigue-syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome

Chronic-fatigue-syndrome_2_0

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a complicated disorder characterized by extreme fatigue that doesn't improve with rest. Other symptoms may include muscle pain, joint pain, headaches, and memory problems.

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia_2_0

&nbsp;Fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and tenderness in localized areas.

Sleep-disorders

Sleep disorders

Sleep-disorders_2_0

Sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, insomnia, and restless leg syndrome can all contribute to fatigue.

Lifestyle-factors:

Lifestyle factors: 

Lifestyle-factors:_3_0

<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Poor diet: A diet lacking in essential nutrients, high in processed foods, or low in calories can lead to fatigue.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Lack of exercise: Regular exercise can help improve energy levels and reduce fatigue.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Stress: Chronic stress can lead to fatigue, as well as a host of other health problems.</li></ul>

Lifestyle-factors:_3_1

Medications-that-can-cause-fatigue:

Medications that can cause fatigue: 

Medications-that-can-cause-fatigue:_4_0

<ol><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Antihistamines - diphenhydramine, chlorpheniramine</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Antidepressants - selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as fluoxetine, sertraline; tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) such as amitriptyline, nortriptyline</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Antipsychotics - risperidone, quetiapine</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Benzodiazepines - diazepam, alprazolam</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Opioids - morphine, oxycodone</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Antihypertensives - beta blockers such as propranolol, metoprolol; calcium channel blockers such as amlodipine, diltiazem</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Muscle relaxants - cyclobenzaprine, baclofen</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Anticonvulsants - gabapentin, pregabalin</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Statins - atorvastatin, simvastatin</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Chemotherapy drugs - doxorubicin, cisplatin</li></ol>

Allergies-that-can-cause-fatigue:

Allergies that can cause fatigue:

Allergies-that-can-cause-fatigue:_5_0

<ol><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Pollen allergy - allergic rhinitis, hay fever</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Dust mite allergy</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Pet allergies - cat or dog dander</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Mold allergy</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Insect sting allergies - bee or wasp stings</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Food allergies - can cause fatigue indirectly due to poor sleep, gastrointestinal symptoms, and inflammation</li></ol>

Foods-that-can-cause-fatigue:

Foods that can cause fatigue:

Foods-that-can-cause-fatigue:_6_0

<ol><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Foods high in sugar - candy, pastries, soft drinks</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Foods high in refined carbohydrates - white bread, pasta, rice</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Foods high in unhealthy fats - fried foods, fast food, processed snacks</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Caffeine - excessive intake can lead to energy crashes and dependence</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Alcohol - disrupts sleep and can lead to dehydration</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Large, heavy meals - the body requires more energy for digestion, leading to temporary fatigue</li></ol>Please note that this list is not exhaustive, and individual reactions to medications, allergies, and foods may vary. Always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

How-to-address-fatigue

How to address fatigue

How-to-address-fatigue_7_0

If you're experiencing fatigue, there are steps you can take to address it. Getting enough sleep is crucial, so make sure you're getting at least 7-8 hours of sleep per night. Improving your diet and exercise habits can also help. Eating a well-balanced diet and getting regular exercise can help boost energy levels and improve overall health.

How-to-address-fatigue_7_1

Stress management is also important. Finding healthy ways to manage stress, such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises, can help reduce fatigue. Additionally, it's important to seek medical attention if fatigue persists. Your doctor can help identify potential underlying medical conditions and recommend appropriate treatment.

How-to-address-fatigue_7_2

Herbal-and-natural-remedies

Herbal and natural remedies

Herbal-and-natural-remedies_8_0

While there are some herbal and natural remedies that may help alleviate fatigue, it's important to note that these should be used in conjunction with addressing any underlying medical conditions and following a healthy lifestyle. Some remedies that may help include:

Ginseng

Ginseng_8_0

This herb has been used for centuries to improve energy levels and reduce fatigue.

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha_8_0

This adaptogenic herb is known for its ability to help the body cope with stress and improve energy levels.

Magnesium-supplements

Magnesium supplements

Magnesium-supplements_8_0

Magnesium is an important mineral that helps regulate energy metabolism and reduce fatigue.

Magnesium-supplements_8_1

It's important to consult with a healthcare professional before trying any new supplements or remedies.

Feeling tired is a normal part of life, but if you're experiencing persistent fatigue, it may be a sign of an underlying medical condition. By taking steps to address fatigue, such as getting enough sleep, improving diet and exercise habits, and managing stress, you can help improve your energy levels and overall health. Remember to seek medical attention if fatigue persists and consult with a healthcare professional before trying any new supplements or remedies.

Fatigue: When Feeling Tired Isn't Just a Lack of Sleep

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Fatigue: When feeling tired isn't just a lack of sleep

Михаела Василева

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Prevalence-of-the-problem

1. Prevalence of the problem

Prevalence-of-the-problem_-1_0

It is no secret to anyone that watching porn is extremely common nowadays. Results from one Australian study involving 9,963 men and 10,131 women (16-29 years old) showed that 84% of those men and 54% of these women had watched porn <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/action/cookieAbsent" target="_blank" data-ref="" rel="noopener">at least once in their lives [ref. 1]</a>. The research also found out that 76% of the men and 41% of the women had watched porn regularly in the past&nbsp; year. It seems that this is a normalized activity these days, and its categorization as problematic is avoided. The majority of porn addicts think this is absolutely harmless and do not realize its negative effects. However, it turns out that the obsession with porn watching can have a serious negative impact on intimate relationships, mental health and social life.

Prevalence-of-the-problem_-1_1

Effect-on-intimate-relationships

2. Effect on intimate relationships 

Effect-on-intimate-relationships_-1_0

Regular porn watching can seem harmless, and even useful for sex education. People watch porn for various reasons, most often due to the lack of an intimate partner by their side. Others resort to watching porn as an escape from issues in their ongoing intimate relationship. Regardless of what the reason is, experts agree that being addicted to porn harms relationships by violating their sexual and emotional integrity <a href="https://www.gottman.com/blog/an-open-letter-on-porn/" target="_blank" data-ref="An Open Letter on Porn" rel="noopener">[ref. 2]</a>.

Effect-on-intimate-relationships_-1_1

Effect-on-intimate-relationships_-1_2

In long-term relationships, this can lead to psychosexual dissatisfaction, reduced emotional connection and alienation from your intimate <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10508-019-1397-6?error=cookies_not_supported&amp;code=ceabba78-a931-4486-8e72-ebb72ec95a46" target="_blank" data-ref="Porn Is for Masturbation - Archives of Sexual Behavior" rel="noopener">partner [ref. 3]</a>. Research shows that regular porn watching leads to more frequent relationship conflicts <a href="https://click.endnote.com/viewer?doi=10.1080%2F15332691.2016.1238796&amp;token=WzM0OTU4NTgsIjEwLjEwODAvMTUzMzI2OTEuMjAxNi4xMjM4Nzk2Il0.Zkn0pVdMo4U6kECYmCLs5vNQrUg" target="_blank" data-ref="The Porn Gap: Differences in Men's and Women's Pornography Patterns in Couple Relationships | EndNote Click" rel="noopener">[ref. 4]</a> and increases the likelihood of infidelity <a href="https://click.endnote.com/viewer?doi=10.1111%2Fjftr.12141&amp;token=WzM0OTU4NTgsIjEwLjExMTEvamZ0ci4xMjE0MSJd.otOFMdJZt-8VftDhyNonQ0hzajk" target="_blank" data-ref="A Historical and Empirical Review of Pornography and Romantic Relationships: Implications for Family Researchers | EndNote Click" rel="noopener">[ref. 5]</a>. American scientific studies have shown that porn watching addicts have high chance of splitting up with their partner sooner <a href="https://www.academia.edu/32868948/Are_Pornography_Users_More_Likely_to_Experience_A_Romantic_Breakup_Evidence_from_Longitudinal_Data" target="_blank" data-ref="Are Pornography Users More Likely to Experience A Romantic Breakup? Evidence from Longitudinal Data" rel="noopener">[ref. 6]</a>.

2.1.-What-underlies-these-negative-statistics?

2.1. What underlies these negative statistics?

2.1.-What-underlies-these-negative-statistics?_-1_0

Regular porn watching negatively affects both the addict and their partner. Both physical and mental symptoms are observed, overall leading to sexual dissatisfaction in both partners. For example, decreased sexual drive and erectile problems are part of the physical negative consequences<a href="https://extension.usu.edu/relationships/research/effects-of-pornography-on-relationships" target="_blank" data-ref="Effects of Pornography on Relationships" rel="noopener">&nbsp;[ref. 7]</a>.&nbsp;

2.1.-What-underlies-these-negative-statistics?_-1_1

Another leading problem, especially among young people, is the unrealistic notion of sex that the industry imposes. One study aimed to determine the impact of porn on the values, relationships, beliefs and behaviours of adolescents <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/304490439_I_wasn%27t_sure_it_was_normal_to_watch_it_A_quantitative_and_qualitative_examination_of_the_impact_of_online_pornography_on_the_values_attitudes_beliefs_and_behaviours_of_children_and_young_people" target="_blank" data-ref="Just a moment..." rel="noopener">[ref. 8]</a>. The results of the scientific study showed that 53% of the boys and 39% of&nbsp; girls watching porn believe that it gives a realistic representation of sex. In fact, porn is an industry in which attractive women and men are chosen to play their best possible roles <a href="https://fightthenewdrug.org/how-porn-can-negatively-impact-love-and-intimacy/" target="_blank" data-ref="How Porn Can Negatively Impact Love and Intimacy" rel="noopener">[ref. 9]</a>. It offers a constant novelty that is just a click away from the bored of the previous content user. This represents a drastic difference from real life where our intimate partner is not always in their most brilliant form.&nbsp;

2.1.-What-underlies-these-negative-statistics?_-1_2

Another important problem in porn movies is the promotion of violence against women, who nevertheless always agree with a man's sexual desire, &nbsp;<a href="http://www.socialcostsofpornography.com//Layden_Pornography_and_Violence.pdf" target="_blank" data-ref="" rel="noopener">no matter how aggressive it could be [Ref. 10]</a>.&nbsp;

2.2.-Influence-on-the-partner-of-the-addict

2.2. Influence on the partner of the addict

2.2.-Influence-on-the-partner-of-the-addict_-1_0

The addiction of one of the partners in a relationship has a direct impact on the other person. The addicted person may be trying to impose behaviors that their partner disapproves or make them feel insecure about their own sexual skills.

2.2.-Influence-on-the-partner-of-the-addict_-1_1

The partner of the porn addict may perceive watching porn as a betrayal, especially when their partner is hiding or lying about it. Interestingly, research shows that only 4% of women report that their partners watch porn regularly, while in fact 50% of their partners do this <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/action/cookieAbsent" target="_blank" data-ref="" rel="noopener">[ref. 11]</a>.&nbsp;

2.2.-Influence-on-the-partner-of-the-addict_-1_2

This influences negatively the partner of the porn addict, as it lowers their self-esteem, makes them feel insecure about the other person. In some cases, this emotional trauma can lead to anxiety and even <a href="https://fightthenewdrug.org/how-porn-can-hurt-a-consumers-partner/" target="_blank" data-ref="How Porn Can Hurt a Consumer&rsquo;s Partner" rel="noopener">depression [ref. 12]</a>. Reddit is a public online paltform for anonymous discussion on various topics where many people share similar examples from their <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/loveafterporn/comments/wuvoxp/can_i_just_say_how_pathetic_it_is/" target="_blank" data-ref="r/loveafterporn - Can I just say how pathetic it is?" rel="noopener">personal lives [ref. 13]</a>.&nbsp;

Erectile-dysfunction-(impotence)

3. Erectile dysfunction (impotence)

Erectile-dysfunction-(impotence)_-1_0

Erectile-dysfunction-(impotence)_-1_1

Porn addiciton leads to increased dopamine levels (Delta-FosB) in the brain, leading to sensitization and a feeling of insatiability &nbsp;<a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20201213030023/https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0102419" target="_blank" data-ref="Neural Correlates of Sexual Cue Reactivity in Individuals with and without Compulsive Sexual Behaviours" rel="noopener">[ref. 14]</a>. A scientific study was conducted at the University of Cambridge in 2014 and results showed strong activation of the same brain regions in porn abusers as the ones found in smokers, alcoholics and drug addicts. Structural changes occur in the brain of porn addicts. An Italian scientific study involving 28,000 Italians revealed that porn addiction leads to decreased libido and can even lead to impotence in <a href="https://www.yourbrainonporn.com/porn-induced-sexual-dysfunctions/experts-who-recognize-porn-induced-sexual-dysfunctions-along-with-relevant-studies/too-much-internet-porn-may-cause-impotence-urology-professor-carlo-foresta-2011/" target="_blank" data-ref="Too Much Internet Porn May Cause Impotence. Urology professor Carlo Foresta (2011)" rel="noopener">men [ref. 15]</a>.&nbsp;

Erectile-dysfunction-(impotence)_-1_2

Gary Wilson receives an award for distinguished media contribution and his teaching on porn addiciton. The expert has a <a href="http://yourbrainonporn.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">website "http://yourbrainonporn.com</a>" in which he informs about the harm of porn addiction and helps addicts overcome this problem. The website contains an overview of over one hundred scientific studies confirming the sexual dysfunction caused by porn addiction <a href="https://www.yourbrainonporn.com/relevant-research-and-articles-about-the-studies/porn-use-sex-addiction-studies/studies-linking-porn-use-or-porn-sex-addiction-to-sexual-dysfunctions-and-poorer-sexual-and-relationship-satisfaction/" target="_blank" data-ref="Studies linking porn use or porn/sex addiction to sexual dysfunctions and poorer sexual and relationship satisfaction" rel="noopener">[ref. 16]</a>. Gary Wilson is also famous for his TedTalk on the subject.

Erectile-dysfunction-(impotence)_-1_3

Effect-on-mental-health

4. Effect on mental health 

Effect-on-mental-health_-1_0

Abuse with porn watching creates a sense of insatiability. For instance, everyday activities that used to bring pleasure to the addict before, already seem boring to him. Porn addiction is also associated with an increased chance of drug addiction, smoking and alcoholism <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/8/1/91/htm" target="_blank" data-ref="Online Porn Addiction: What We Know and What We Don&rsquo;t&mdash;A Systematic Review" rel="noopener">[ref. 17]</a>.

Effect-on-mental-health_-1_1

Effect-on-mental-health_-1_2

Increased brain activity in certain brain regions- the prefrontal cortex and amygdala is observed in porn addicts. This obsession can also lead to an anxiety disorder. In addition, it causes dysfunctional stress response by affecting the hypothalamus-pituitary gland-adrenal <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/8/1/91/htm" target="_blank" data-ref="Online Porn Addiction: What We Know and What We Don&rsquo;t&mdash;A Systematic Review" rel="noopener">gland stress system [ref. 18]</a>.&nbsp;

Effect-on-mental-health_-1_3

The neurophysiological changes caused by porn addictin interfere with normal brain function and everyday life. For example, this leads to impulsivity, difficulties in decision-making and emotional instability. It also weakens a person's normal cognitive function as it affects their working memory and slows down the process of acquiring new information. These negative effects strongly resemble the changes that occur in addictions such as gambling and drugs.

Can-porn-addiction-affect-our-sexual-orientation?

5. Can porn addiction affect our sexual orientation?

Can-porn-addiction-affect-our-sexual-orientation?_-1_0

Initially, watching porn sensitizes a person's brain, causing them to feel satisfaction similar to receiving <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/8/1/91/htm" target="_blank" data-ref="Online Porn Addiction: What We Know and What We Don&rsquo;t&mdash;A Systematic Review" rel="noopener">a financial reward [ref. 19]</a>. However, gradually, after repeated watching of a certain type of porn the brain desensitizes (gains tolerance). This prompts to experimenting with watching a new porn genre.

Can-porn-addiction-affect-our-sexual-orientation?_-1_1

20.7% of men who identified themselves as heterosexual reported watching homosexual porn on a regular basis and vice versa, 55% of homosexual <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27709363/" target="_blank" data-ref="Sexually Explicit Media Use by Sexual Identity: A Comparative Analysis of Gay, Bisexual, and Heterosexual Men in the United States - PubMed" rel="noopener">men reported watching heterosexual porn [ref. 20]</a>. The desensitization in the brain caused by getting used to a certain porn genre can lead to an insinuation of a new sexual orientation. The reason for this is because it tricks a person's brain to think that they are sexually aroused only <a href="https://www.yourbrainonporn.com/relevant-research-and-articles-about-the-studies/porn-use-sex-addiction-studies/studies-find-escalation-and-habituation-in-porn-users-tolerance/" target="_blank" data-ref="Studies reporting findings consistent with escalation of porn use (tolerance), habituation to porn, and withdrawal symptoms" rel="noopener">by the new kind of porn [ref. 21]</a>. &nbsp;

Aid-resources

6. Aid resources

Aid-resources_-1_0

The obsession with porn is extremely common, but fortunately all of the mentioned negative effects associated with it are reversible by reducing the frequency of watching or <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/8/1/91/htm" target="_blank" data-ref="Online Porn Addiction: What We Know and What We Don&rsquo;t&mdash;A Systematic Review" rel="noopener">fully quitting </a><a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/8/1/91/htm" target="_blank" data-ref="Online Porn Addiction: What We Know and What We Don&rsquo;t&mdash;A Systematic Review" rel="noopener">porn [ref. 22]</a>.

Aid-resources_-1_1

In some more severe cases, however, the intervention of a specialist is needed to help the addict overcome their obsession. The realization that the addict cannot cope with their problem alone and their desire to get help from a specialist in the field are far from shameful. This step could be actually described as bold and commendable. Overall, addictions, whatever they might be, are unhealthy and complicate a person's normal lifestyle, and self-combating them is often overwhelming for the addict.

Aid-resources_-1_2

In the aforementioned Ted Talk, Gary Wilson shares the personal stories of several of his clients who have successfully given up their addiction. The main motive for this was the caused erectile dysfunction, which had significantly affected <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSF82AwSDiU&amp;t=324s" target="_blank" data-ref="The great porn experiment | Gary Wilson | TEDxGlasgow" rel="noopener">their intimate relationships [ref. 23]</a>.

Aid-resources_-1_3

Another aid resource are the experts Mark and Steve who are previous porn watching addicts and help addicts to overcome their obsession. The two experts have a podcast called <a href="https://www.pbsepodcast.com/counseling-with-the-experts-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">"Porn, Betrayal, Sex and the Experts - PBSE"</a>, which extensively comments on the topic of porn addiction, the reason for it, what effect it has on the addict, &nbsp;<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/porn-betrayal-sex-and-the-experts-pbse/id1494869058" target="_blank" data-ref="&lrm;Porn, Betrayal, Sex and the Experts &mdash; PBSE on Apple Podcasts" rel="noopener">as well as on his partner [ref. 24]</a>. Their work is remarkably commendable in its profoundness, precision, and appropriateness, also for serving as a vital representation of the addicts' partners in this extremely challenging struggle.

Aid-resources_-1_4

Another interesting resource which offers valuable insight and guidnce is the website&nbsp;<a href="https://mrmindblowing.com/pornography-addiction/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mr Mind Blowing</a>.

Addictions, whatever they may be, are unhealthy and do not help for leading a normal and happy lifestyle. This article specifically talked about porn addiction, which turns out to be far more common than previously thought. The negative effects of this addiction are unknown and underestimated by many people and frequent porn watching is considered harmless. This turns out to be far from the truth as porn addiction disrupts the emotional and physical integrity of intimate relationships, can lead to erectile dysfunction and hinders cognitive function by physically changing the brain.

How does porn addiction harm us?

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The harms from porn addiction

Dayana Ivanova

Author: Ivelina Yankova, Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences

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Depression-–-a-chronic-disease-in-people-today

Depression – a chronic disease in people today

Depression-–-a-chronic-disease-in-people-today_0_0

Living in this world of hectic daily life, showered with duties and consumed with stress, we forget to pay attention to our mental health. Nowadays, a huge proportion of people experience depression at least once in their lives. Unfortunately, there are people for whom depression is not a one-off experience, but a daily test in their lives.

Depression-–-a-chronic-disease-in-people-today_0_1

Depression-–-a-chronic-disease-in-people-today_0_2

Clinical depression or major depressive disorder is a condition that causes feelings of emptiness, hopelessness, worthlessness, sadness, loss of interest and appetite, fatigue, anger. Come to think of it, surely every one of you has had these feelings. What's the big deal, then, you ask? If you've dealt with them, why are there people who can't?

What-is-depression?

What is depression?

What-is-depression?_1_0

In order for a person with clinical depression to be diagnosed, he must have experienced these depressive feelings for at least two weeks and they must have influenced his normal behavior and actions (ref.1). There are several causes of depression:

What-is-depression?_1_1

<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">
Inheritance from relatives who have also had depression
</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">
Hormonal changes in the body – for example, after childbirth or menopause
</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">
Biochemical changes in the brain – changes in the function of neurotransmitters, the role of which is to deliver messages from the brain to the body
</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">
Visible change in the structures of the brain – contraction of parts of the brain and therefore of the functions associated with the specific part of the brain. The more serious the state of depression, the greater the shrinkage of the brain
</li>
</ul>

What-is-depression?_1_2

What-is-depression?_1_3

There are other changes in the brain that have been spotted in people with clinical depression, such as inflammation and reduced oxygen levels, which may be the cause of the brain's marked shrinkage.

Warning-signs-for-the-onset-of-depression

Warning signs for the onset of depression

Warning-signs-for-the-onset-of-depression_2_0

Warning-signs-for-the-onset-of-depression_2_1

Since it is difficult to see the structure of the brain to understand that someone has depression, here are a few personality qualities that are considered risky for developing depression:

Warning-signs-for-the-onset-of-depression_2_2

<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">
Relatives who have a history of depression, alcoholism, suicide or bipolar disorder
</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">
History of mental health problems at some point in life
</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">
Traumatic events
</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">
Alcohol or drug abuse
</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">
Chronic diseases
</li>
</ul>

Warning-signs-for-the-onset-of-depression_2_3

These are the warning signs before a possible onset of depression, so keep an eye on your loved ones and yourself in the presence of any of the above.

How-is-depression-treated?

How is depression treated?

How-is-depression-treated?_3_0

How-is-depression-treated?_3_1

Depression is the most treatable mental illness and is most often treated with antidepressants and regular sessions with a psychiatrist. These methods have proven successful after about 3-6 months of use. Another method for patients who do not have improvements after regular therapy is electroconvulsive therapy. It involves brief electrical stimulation of the brain while the patient is under anesthesia. This is done a total of 6-12 times, 2-3 times a week, depending on the degree of depression and the patient's response to therapy (ref.2).

How-is-depression-treated?_3_2

How-is-depression-treated?_3_3

Other methods concentrated on brain stimulation are transcranial magnetic stimulation and stimulation of the vagus nerve. These therapies are applied in case there is no positive effect from the others. Their negative side is that patients have to take a lot of time for them and most experience headaches after procedures. In the case of stimulation of the vagus nerve, patients often experience sore throat, cough, difficulty swallowing, changes or even paralysis of the voice, which can remain constant.

Psilocybin-for-the-treatment-of-depression

Psilocybin for the treatment of depression

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Over the past two decades, there has been increasing talk about the healing properties of psychotropic mushrooms and more specifically about the benefits of the active substance psilocybin in dealing with depression, especially in patients who show resistance to other therapies.

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On November 9, the pharmaceutical company "Compass Pathways" announced that psilocybin has proven effective in treating depression in the largest clinical study on this topic to date (ref.3). The study has not yet been published in a journal, meaning the claim is not 100 % accepted by everyone, but the results are clear and encouraging.

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It is not yet clear how it occurs at the molecular level, but psilocybin is believed to help with depression by restarting the brain, similar to the effects of electroconvulsive therapy. It seems that patients manage to connect with and understand their emotions, while ordinary antidepressants rather suppress both bad and good emotions.

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Psilocybin therapies would be much shorter and longer lasting than other therapies. It normally takes months of pill intake and appointments with a psychiatrist, or 30 treatments with transcranial magnetic stimulation for 6 weeks to notice a positive change in patients, while only one or two doses of psilocybin can reduce symptoms of depression for about 5 weeks, noticeably happening as early as the first week (ref.4).

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In addition, due to the more short-term intake of psilocybin, fewer side effects were observed in patients, as opposed to the side effects when taking ordinary antidepressants or in directly stimulating brain therapies.

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Negative sides when using the psychotropic substance for depression

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Due to the fact that there are no studies that 100 % prove the positive effect of psilocybin in dealing with depression and ones that prove it to be a better method than others, psychotropic mushrooms are still classified as a grade one drug with a high potential for addiction and abuse and without possible medical benefits. This limits the possibilities for improvement of people with resistance to other therapies who live in countries where the substance is prohibited.

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Unfortunately, there are patients who experience serious depression and resort to suicide – about 700,000 people die by suicide per year (ref.5). It is not inconceivable that people who have limited access to the only method of treatment they have not yet tried can resort to suicide.

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