Depression manifests itself in different ways. Some
feel sad, others become aggressive. While some lose their appetite, others binge
eat. Some may have disturbed sleep and others may find it hard to stay awake.
Social withdrawal, diminished sex drive, suicidal tendencies and lack of
concentration are some other telltale symptoms (see box).
The good news is that depression can be treated.
“Whatever be the symptoms, it’s possible to treat depression by simply bringing
the levels of a brain chemical — serotonin — back to normal,” says Dr Om
Prakash, associate professor of psychiatry at the Institute of Human Behaviour
and Allied Sciences in Delhi, who treated Gupta.
The treatment is not expensive either. The most
commonly used antidepressant — fluoxetine — costs just a few rupees, says Dr
Prakash.
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