Monday, October 25, 2010

Articles on depression

I'm a bit of an armchair psychologist, and am particularly interested in depression because it is something I struggle with.  I came across these two articles -- nothing earth shattering but interesting.

Feeling Sad Makes Us More Creative on Wired.com
Takeaway: When we're sad, we're more sensitive to details and are able to focus better, which helps us be more creative, since good creations are the result of tenacity and attention to detail.

How Prozac sent the science of depression in the wrong direction on Boston.com
Takeaway: Depression might not be the result of a chemical imbalance, but rather brain cells shrinking and dying.  Antidepressants like Prozac help us feel better not because they restore chemicals but because they help heal neurons.  However, they are ineffective when used alone -- they should be combined with things like exercise and therapy, much like steroids won't build muscles without the requisite gym time.

No comments: