The toll of depression can be counted many ways. It robs spouses of partners. Children of parents. And it estranges sufferers from themselves, in addition to robbing all pleasure from their life.
Depression also takes a huge toll in the workplace as well. It costs employers $44 billion a year in lost productive time, versus $13 billion lost from those without depression.
It's not that depressed workers are frequently absent. It's just that even when they're there, they're not. "A total of 81.1% of the lost productive time costs are explained by reduced performance while at work," a team of researchers recently reported.
The phenomenon has been called presenteeism--a kind of absent presence, being on the job but not working productively. As a result, depression is a leading cause of disability, but an invisible one. The costs are hidden in plain view--an excess of $31 billion among individuals actively engaging in work. That figure is over and above the direct medical cost of depression.
A disproportionate share of workers with depression, the study found, experience physical symptoms as part of their disorder. The most common group of physical symptoms includes pain, weakness and fatigue. Sensory or motor impairment was only slightly less common. And a still significant number of workers reported such physical symptoms as ringing ears or head fullness.
Physical symptoms are a common presence in depression, a product of dysfunction in nerve pathways that extend down into the body as well as up into the brain. But the physical symptoms may also be linked to depression as a way to manage it; they help people assume a "sick role" that legitimizes reduced performance.
Depression was most prevalent among workers with the lowest levels of education. And it was also associated with lower annual salaries.
Thursday, August 24, 2006
low sexual desire (hypoactive sexual desire disorder or HSDD) among women
In previous entries, I have discussed low sexual desire (hypoactive sexual desire disorder or HSDD) among women, and the fact that women cope in different ways with the personal distress associated with the condition.
Since HSDD is extremely common in our society among women, it is important to try to identify these distress patterns and understand their origins. I have already pointed out that loss of sexual desire is not the same as loss of interest, which can be specific to the situation and often is short-lived. Rather, HSDD is a profound lack of investment in or response to sexual stimuli.
So here's an interesting question: How can someone be distressed about the loss of a drive to do something she no longer wants to do?
The answer is that while an individual woman may no longer physically desire sexual intimacy with her partner, she often still craves the sense of completeness and self-definition conveyed by the terms lover, wife, and partner.
She may not crave sexual fulfillment but may very much wish to retain her sense of who and what she is - and that, in no small part, is derived from her role as an intimate partner in a relationship. In a sense, part of her identity is missing.
Since HSDD is extremely common in our society among women, it is important to try to identify these distress patterns and understand their origins. I have already pointed out that loss of sexual desire is not the same as loss of interest, which can be specific to the situation and often is short-lived. Rather, HSDD is a profound lack of investment in or response to sexual stimuli.
So here's an interesting question: How can someone be distressed about the loss of a drive to do something she no longer wants to do?
The answer is that while an individual woman may no longer physically desire sexual intimacy with her partner, she often still craves the sense of completeness and self-definition conveyed by the terms lover, wife, and partner.
She may not crave sexual fulfillment but may very much wish to retain her sense of who and what she is - and that, in no small part, is derived from her role as an intimate partner in a relationship. In a sense, part of her identity is missing.
Female sexual dysfunction - a real problem for couple.
Overview
You've enjoyed a healthy, satisfying sex life during most of your adulthood. But lately, intimate moments with your partner are less satisfying than they once were. You might feel as though your sexual desire has waned. Or perhaps things that once brought you pleasure now seem painful. You're concerned about your sexual health.
You're not alone. Many women experience sexual difficulties at some point in their lives. By some estimates as many as four in 10 women experience at least one sexual concern. In medical circles, this is known as female sexual dysfunction.
Female sexual dysfunction implies persistent or recurrent problems encountered in one or more of the stages of sexual response. What you're experiencing isn't considered female sexual dysfunction unless you're distressed about it or it negatively affects your relationship with your partner.
Although sexual problems associated with female sexual dysfunction are multifaceted, they're treatable. Communicating your concerns and understanding your anatomy and your body's normal physiological response to sexual intimacy are important steps toward regaining sexual satisfaction.
Signs and symptoms
Sexual concerns occur in women of all ages but may become more prevalent during hormonally vulnerable times, such as postpartum or with the menopausal transition. Sexual concerns may also occur with major illness, such as cancer.
Your problems might be classified as female sexual dysfunction if you experience one or more of the following and you experience personal distress because of it:
Your desire to have sex is low or absent.
You can't maintain arousal during sexual activity or you don't become aroused despite a desire to have sex.
You cannot achieve an orgasm.
You have pain during sexual contact.
Causes
Several factors may contribute to sexual dissatisfaction or dysfunction. These factors tend to be interrelated. Women with sexual concerns benefit from a combined treatment approach that addresses medical as well as emotional issues.
Physical. Physical conditions that may cause or contribute to sexual problems include arthritis, urinary or bowel difficulties, pelvic surgery, fatigue, headaches, other pain problems and neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis. Certain medications, including some antidepressants, blood pressure medications, antihistamines and chemotherapy drugs, can decrease sex drive and your ability to achieve orgasm.
Hormonal. Lower estrogen levels during the menopausal transition may lead to changes in your genital tissues and your sexual responsiveness. The folds of skin that cover your genital region (labia) shrink and become thinner, exposing more of the clitoris. This increased exposure sometimes reduces the sensitivity of the clitoris, or may cause an unpleasant tingling or prickling sensation.
In addition, with the thinning and decreased elasticity of its lining, the vagina becomes narrower, particularly if you're not sexually active. Also, the natural swelling and lubrication of the vagina occur more slowly during arousal. These factors can lead to uncomfortable or painful intercourse (dyspareunia), and achieving orgasm may take longer.
Changes associated with the declining estrogen levels of menopause may impact sexual function. However, most women continue to have satisfying sexual intimacy during and after the menopausal transition.
Psychological and social. Psychological factors that cause or contribute to sexual problems include emotional difficulties such as untreated anxiety, depression or stress, and a history of sexual abuse. During pregnancy, after childbirth or while breast-feeding, you may experience a decrease in sexual desire. You may find it difficult to fill multiple needs and roles, such as job demands, homemaking, being a mother and sometimes also caring for aging parents. Your partner's age and health, your feelings toward your partner, and your view of your own body or that of your partner are additional factors that may combine to cause sexual problems. Cultural and religious issues also may be contributing factors.
Psychological factors may contribute to or result from sexual dysfunction. Regardless of the cause of sexual dysfunction, you usually need to address emotional and relationship issues for treatment to be effective.
You've enjoyed a healthy, satisfying sex life during most of your adulthood. But lately, intimate moments with your partner are less satisfying than they once were. You might feel as though your sexual desire has waned. Or perhaps things that once brought you pleasure now seem painful. You're concerned about your sexual health.
You're not alone. Many women experience sexual difficulties at some point in their lives. By some estimates as many as four in 10 women experience at least one sexual concern. In medical circles, this is known as female sexual dysfunction.
Female sexual dysfunction implies persistent or recurrent problems encountered in one or more of the stages of sexual response. What you're experiencing isn't considered female sexual dysfunction unless you're distressed about it or it negatively affects your relationship with your partner.
Although sexual problems associated with female sexual dysfunction are multifaceted, they're treatable. Communicating your concerns and understanding your anatomy and your body's normal physiological response to sexual intimacy are important steps toward regaining sexual satisfaction.
Signs and symptoms
Sexual concerns occur in women of all ages but may become more prevalent during hormonally vulnerable times, such as postpartum or with the menopausal transition. Sexual concerns may also occur with major illness, such as cancer.
Your problems might be classified as female sexual dysfunction if you experience one or more of the following and you experience personal distress because of it:
Your desire to have sex is low or absent.
You can't maintain arousal during sexual activity or you don't become aroused despite a desire to have sex.
You cannot achieve an orgasm.
You have pain during sexual contact.
Causes
Several factors may contribute to sexual dissatisfaction or dysfunction. These factors tend to be interrelated. Women with sexual concerns benefit from a combined treatment approach that addresses medical as well as emotional issues.
Physical. Physical conditions that may cause or contribute to sexual problems include arthritis, urinary or bowel difficulties, pelvic surgery, fatigue, headaches, other pain problems and neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis. Certain medications, including some antidepressants, blood pressure medications, antihistamines and chemotherapy drugs, can decrease sex drive and your ability to achieve orgasm.
Hormonal. Lower estrogen levels during the menopausal transition may lead to changes in your genital tissues and your sexual responsiveness. The folds of skin that cover your genital region (labia) shrink and become thinner, exposing more of the clitoris. This increased exposure sometimes reduces the sensitivity of the clitoris, or may cause an unpleasant tingling or prickling sensation.
In addition, with the thinning and decreased elasticity of its lining, the vagina becomes narrower, particularly if you're not sexually active. Also, the natural swelling and lubrication of the vagina occur more slowly during arousal. These factors can lead to uncomfortable or painful intercourse (dyspareunia), and achieving orgasm may take longer.
Changes associated with the declining estrogen levels of menopause may impact sexual function. However, most women continue to have satisfying sexual intimacy during and after the menopausal transition.
Psychological and social. Psychological factors that cause or contribute to sexual problems include emotional difficulties such as untreated anxiety, depression or stress, and a history of sexual abuse. During pregnancy, after childbirth or while breast-feeding, you may experience a decrease in sexual desire. You may find it difficult to fill multiple needs and roles, such as job demands, homemaking, being a mother and sometimes also caring for aging parents. Your partner's age and health, your feelings toward your partner, and your view of your own body or that of your partner are additional factors that may combine to cause sexual problems. Cultural and religious issues also may be contributing factors.
Psychological factors may contribute to or result from sexual dysfunction. Regardless of the cause of sexual dysfunction, you usually need to address emotional and relationship issues for treatment to be effective.
"Drinking tea is actually better for you than drinking water
Drinking three or more cups of tea a day is as good for you as drinking plenty of water and may even have extra health benefits, say researchers.
The work in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition dispels the common belief that tea dehydrates.
Tea not only rehydrates as well as water does, but it can also protect against heart disease and some cancers, UK nutritionists found.
Experts believe flavonoids are the key ingredient in tea that promote health.
Healthy cuppa
These polyphenol antioxidants are found in many foods and plants, including tea leaves, and have been shown to help prevent cell damage. This is because that tea replaces fluids and contains antioxidants so its got two things going for it.
Public health nutritionist Dr Carrie Ruxton, and colleagues at Kings College London, looked at published studies on the health effects of tea consumption.
They found clear evidence that drinking three to four cups of tea a day can cut the chances of having a heart attack.
Some studies suggested tea consumption protected against cancer, although this effect was less clear-cut.
Other health benefits seen included protection against tooth plaque and potentially tooth decay, plus bone strengthening.
Dr Ruxton said: "Drinking tea is actually better for you than drinking water. Water is essentially replacing fluid. Tea replaces fluids and contains antioxidants so its got two things going for it."
Rehydrating
She said it was an urban myth that tea is dehydrating.
"Studies on caffeine have found very high doses dehydrate and everyone assumes that caffeine-containing beverages dehydrate. But even if you had a really, really strong cup of tea or coffee, which is quite hard to make, you would still have a net gain of fluid.
"Also, a cup of tea contains fluoride, which is good for the teeth," she added.
There was no evidence that tea consumption was harmful to health. However, research suggests that tea can impair the body's ability to absorb iron from food, meaning people at risk of anaemia should avoid drinking tea around mealtimes.
Tea is not dehydrating. It's a healthy drink
Claire Williamson of the British Nutrition Foundation
Dr Ruxton's team found average tea consumption was just under three cups per day.
She said the increasing popularity of soft drinks meant many people were not drinking as much tea as before.
"Tea drinking is most common in older people, the 40 plus age range. In older people, tea sometimes made up about 70% of fluid intake so it is a really important contributor," she said.
Claire Williamson of the British Nutrition Foundation said: "Studies in the laboratory have shown potential health benefits.
"The evidence in humans is not as strong and more studies need to be done. But there are definite potential health benefits from the polyphenols in terms of reducing the risk of diseases such as heart disease and cancers.
"In terms of fluid intake, we recommend 1.5-2 litres per day and that can include tea. Tea is not dehydrating. It's a healthy drink."
The Tea Council provided funding for the work. Dr Ruxton stressed that the work was independent.
This is for drinking tea the english way....and drinking tea the chinese or japanese ways would be even better because there is no sugar added and in some cases, the most commonest tea used is the green tea.
The work in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition dispels the common belief that tea dehydrates.
Tea not only rehydrates as well as water does, but it can also protect against heart disease and some cancers, UK nutritionists found.
Experts believe flavonoids are the key ingredient in tea that promote health.
Healthy cuppa
These polyphenol antioxidants are found in many foods and plants, including tea leaves, and have been shown to help prevent cell damage. This is because that tea replaces fluids and contains antioxidants so its got two things going for it.
Public health nutritionist Dr Carrie Ruxton, and colleagues at Kings College London, looked at published studies on the health effects of tea consumption.
They found clear evidence that drinking three to four cups of tea a day can cut the chances of having a heart attack.
Some studies suggested tea consumption protected against cancer, although this effect was less clear-cut.
Other health benefits seen included protection against tooth plaque and potentially tooth decay, plus bone strengthening.
Dr Ruxton said: "Drinking tea is actually better for you than drinking water. Water is essentially replacing fluid. Tea replaces fluids and contains antioxidants so its got two things going for it."
Rehydrating
She said it was an urban myth that tea is dehydrating.
"Studies on caffeine have found very high doses dehydrate and everyone assumes that caffeine-containing beverages dehydrate. But even if you had a really, really strong cup of tea or coffee, which is quite hard to make, you would still have a net gain of fluid.
"Also, a cup of tea contains fluoride, which is good for the teeth," she added.
There was no evidence that tea consumption was harmful to health. However, research suggests that tea can impair the body's ability to absorb iron from food, meaning people at risk of anaemia should avoid drinking tea around mealtimes.
Tea is not dehydrating. It's a healthy drink
Claire Williamson of the British Nutrition Foundation
Dr Ruxton's team found average tea consumption was just under three cups per day.
She said the increasing popularity of soft drinks meant many people were not drinking as much tea as before.
"Tea drinking is most common in older people, the 40 plus age range. In older people, tea sometimes made up about 70% of fluid intake so it is a really important contributor," she said.
Claire Williamson of the British Nutrition Foundation said: "Studies in the laboratory have shown potential health benefits.
"The evidence in humans is not as strong and more studies need to be done. But there are definite potential health benefits from the polyphenols in terms of reducing the risk of diseases such as heart disease and cancers.
"In terms of fluid intake, we recommend 1.5-2 litres per day and that can include tea. Tea is not dehydrating. It's a healthy drink."
The Tea Council provided funding for the work. Dr Ruxton stressed that the work was independent.
This is for drinking tea the english way....and drinking tea the chinese or japanese ways would be even better because there is no sugar added and in some cases, the most commonest tea used is the green tea.
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