Tag Archives: depression symptoms

AI Psychotherapy: A Promising Development or a Doomed Future?

AI Psychotherapy: promising development or doomed future? exploring benefits and challenges. Discover the intriguing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in psychotherapy. Despite being in early stages, AI’s potential to transform mental health treatment is immense. In this blog post, we explore the exciting possibilities of AI in psychotherapy, highlighting its benefits and addressing potential challenges. Join us as we navigate the intricacies of AI psychotherapy and its implications for the future of mental healthcare.

Potential Benefits of AI in Psychotherapy

Accessibility and Affordability in Mental Health

One of the major advantages of AI in psychotherapy is its ability to expand access to mental health care. Virtual therapists powered by AI can be available anytime, anywhere, reducing the barriers associated with geographical limitations, long waiting lists, and high costs. This accessibility can provide support to individuals who might otherwise struggle to access traditional therapy services.

Personalised Mental Health Treatment Plans

AI algorithms have the capacity to process vast amounts of data and identify patterns that may elude human therapists. By integrating information from various sources such as medical records, personal diaries, and wearable devices, AI can generate personalised treatment plans tailored to individual needs. This targeted approach can optimise therapeutic interventions and improve treatment outcomes.

Enhanced Diagnostic Accuracy for Mental Illnesses

Accurate diagnosis forms the foundation of effective therapy. AI algorithms can analyze a wide range of data, including verbal and non-verbal cues, speech patterns, and behavioral indicators, to aid in the diagnostic process. Machine learning algorithms can identify patterns and subtle markers of mental health conditions, assisting clinicians in making more accurate diagnoses and developing appropriate treatment strategies.

Augmenting Therapist/ Psychologist Skills

AI can serve as a valuable tool for therapists, complementing their skills and expertise. Natural language processing algorithms can analyze therapy session transcripts, providing insights into client responses, emotional markers, and potential areas of concern. This feedback can help therapists gain deeper insights and improve their therapeutic approaches, leading to more effective interventions.

 

Potential Issues of AI in Psychotherapy

Ethical Considerations

The ethical implications of AI in psychotherapy cannot be overlooked. Privacy and data security must be prioritized to protect sensitive information shared by clients. Transparent and informed consent processes should be in place to ensure individuals understand how their data is used. Additionally, addressing issues of bias and fairness in AI algorithms is crucial to prevent potential harm or discrimination.

Loss of Human Connection

AI-powered virtual therapists may lack the human empathy and connection that are vital elements of the therapeutic process. While AI can provide valuable insights and support, it cannot fully replace the human-to-human interaction that many clients find essential for their healing journey. Striking the right balance between AI-driven tools and the presence of human therapists is essential for ethical and effective implementation.

Limited Contextual Understanding

AI algorithms primarily rely on data-driven analysis and may struggle to comprehend complex emotions or unique contextual factors that are central to psychotherapy. Understanding cultural nuances, interpersonal dynamics, and non-verbal cues require human intuition and sensitivity that AI may struggle to replicate fully. Human oversight and critical judgment are crucial to interpreting AI-generated insights appropriately.

The potential use of AI in psychotherapy opens up exciting avenues for improving mental health care. From enhanced accessibility and personalized treatment plans to improved diagnostic accuracy and augmented therapist skills, AI can contribute significantly to the field. However, ethical considerations, the preservation of human connection, and the limitations of AI’s contextual understanding should be carefully addressed. By combining the strengths of AI with the expertise of human therapists, we can harness the full potential of this technology to create a future where mental health care is more accessible, effective, and compassionate.

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The Physical Symptoms of Depression

It’s Not Just In Your Head – The Physical Symptoms of Depression

The emotional and cognitive symptoms of Depression co-occur with severe physical symptoms. Four of the nine diagnostic criteria for Depression are physical: changes in sleep, weight, psychomotor abilities and physical fatigue¹. Those with Depression can be three to four times more likely to experience comorbid psychomotor, musculoskeletal and inflammatory diseases1. Although the two predominant symptoms involve mood and cognition, physical symptoms can be easier to observe. Therefore, they may be more useful in noticing a depressive episode in yourself or someone else. Research suggests that depression is the result of a combination of biological, physiological and social factors. Recently more attention has been paid to the co-occurrence of physical and psychological symptoms of depression. It’s well known that the physical and psychological symptoms of depression exacerbate each other, for example, physical fatigue stop someone from engaging in activities that boost their mood. Recently research has linked the co-occurrence of the psychological and some of the physical symptoms of depression to dysregulation of neurotransmitters (serotonin and norephedrine) and inflammation in the body².

Sleep and Fatigue

A symptom of Depression is a change to regular sleep patterns experienced most days for more than two weeks. This can either be increased (Hypersomnia) or decreased (Insomnia) hours of sleep as well as difficulties breathing during sleep (Obstructive Sleep Apnoea)­³. It’s estimated that 75% of adults with depression also experience insomnia⁴. Notably, those with hypersomnia often don’t feel rested even after a long period of sleep. Another symptom of Depression is feeling fatigued or a loss of energy most days for at least two weeks. This is likely due to the dysregulation of serotonin and norephedrine, amongst other factors⁵. Many antidepressants assist in the release of serotonin and some additionally affect norephedrine. Serotonin is associated with calm, sleep and mood regulation whereas norepinephrine with attention and energy levels.

Weight

There are many reasons for weight changes including aging, hormones and lifestyle factors. For those with depression weight changes can occur for multiple reasons⁶. Firstly, changes in mood and stress that leads to depression can change dietary and exercise habits. People often eat excessive or unhealthy food in response to low mood or distress. Those with depression also lose motivation and interest in previously pleasurable activities, especially those with a delayed reward-like exercise. This combination paired with irregular sleep patterns often leads to fluctuations in weight. Everybody is different and depression manifests differently. Those with predispositions around disordered body image and food may start to lose weight, which is also highly correlated with depression. Unfortunately, some anti-depressants prescribed for depression can cause weight gain. Luckily there are many types of antidepressant treatments with differing side effects.

Psychomotor Agitation and Retardation

Another symptom of depression is psychomotor retardation or agitation. This involves changes in movement and speech: Speech typically becomes slower, with more pauses, lower volume and less expressivity; Gross body movement of the limbs, torso and head is slowed; Eye movement becomes more static and eye contact is less frequent; Posture tends to be more slumped⁷.

Pain

Those with depression are more likely to experience specific and general physical pain that has no other medical cause². They also tend to have a lower pain tolerance and threshold⁸. It’s theorised that this is due to dysregulation of neurotransmitters and/or because of increased inflammation. Research suggests that inflammation is a contributing factor to depression and its resulting fatigue and pain. Those with depression frequently report headaches, back and neck pain. Women with depression may experience more severe period pain as well.

Psychosomatic Manifestation of Symptoms

People with depression often identify their physical symptoms before their psychological ones. If someone goes to their doctor for physical symptoms it can be upsetting to hear it’s caused by a psychological issue9. People tend to interpret this as ‘all in their head’ and not real. For those with depression, who often experience unnecessary guilt and shame, this idea can reinforce feelings of unworthiness and hopelessness towards the possibility of recovery¹. Yet psychosomatic symptoms are real and can be just as severe as those that stem from diseases in the rest of the body². The public perception of psychosomatic symptoms stems from the same bias that made amputation and physical scarring easier to discuss than Shell Shock (PTSD) in World War 1 and 2. Psychosomatic symptoms are more common in cultures where mental health is a taboo10. It’s often theorised that when internal distress is not able to be expressed in healthy ways it is forced to present in physical problems. The research into psychosomatic symptoms is challenged because it can present itself in vastly different ways depending on the person.

In Summary

The symptoms of depression stretch far beyond the psychological. Often physical symptoms can be easier to spot at the beginning of a depressive episode. Despite public bias against psychosomatic symptoms, these are just as valid and significant in recovery from depression. For someone without a history of depression, I considered myself well informed about the symptoms and pain that it can cause. Writing this article has opened my eyes to the many ways in which it can affect a person’s life. My respect for anyone who works their way through this disorder has doubled.

If you or someone else needs help with their Depression or other mental health difficulties, please contact us at 9809 1000 or submit an online enquiry here.

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References

American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders : DSM-5. American Psychiatric Association.
Steffen, A., Nübel, J., Jacobi, F. et al. Mental and somatic comorbidity of depression: a comprehensive cross-sectional analysis of 202 diagnosis groups using German nationwide ambulatory claims data. BMC Psychiatry 20, 142 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-020-02546-8
Schimelpfening, N. (2019). Physical Effects of Depression. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/physical-effects-of-depression-1066890
Nutt, D., Wilson, S., & Paterson, L. (2008). Sleep disorders as core symptoms of depression. Dialogues in clinical neuroscience, 10(3), 329–336. https://doi.org/10.31887/DCNS.2008.10.3/dnutt
Newsom, R. (2020). Depression and Sleep. Sleep Foundation. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/mental-health/depression-and-sleep
McMillen, M. (2021, August 20). Does Depression Cause Weight Gain or Weight Loss? What’s the Depression/Weight Connection? WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/depression/features/depression-and-weight-connection
Buyukdura, J. S., McClintock, S. M., & Croarkin, P. E. (2011). Psychomotor retardation in depression: biological underpinnings, measurement, and treatment. Progress in neuro-psychopharmacology & biological psychiatry, 35(2), 395–409. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pnpbp.2010.10.019
Schimelpfening, N. (2019). Physical Effects of Depression. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/physical-effects-of-depression-1066890
Zambito Marsala, S., Pistacchi, M., Tocco, P., Gioulis, M., Fabris, F., Brigo, F., & Tinazzi, M. (2015). Pain perception in major depressive disorder: A neurophysiological case–control study. Journal of the Neurological Sciences, 357(1-2), 19–21. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jns.2015.06.051
O’Sullivan, S. (2017). When the Body Speaks | Psychology Today Australia. Www.psychologytoday.com. https://www.psychologytoday.com/au/articles/201701/when-the-body-speaks

 

Teen Eating Disorders: What Parents Can Do to Help

Research consistently shows that parents are concerned about bullying, substance abuse, and sexual behaviour among their children. But one of the most significant teenage risk factors might be one you never consider: eating disorders such as bulimia and anorexia. Most people with eating disorders first develop symptoms in adolescence. These disorders carry a higher fatality rate than any other mental illness, and can destroy your child’s health before you even notice the problem. Here’s what parents need to know about teens with eating disorders, and what they can do to help.

Teen Eating Disorders: Know the Warning Signs

Eating disorders thrive in secrecy, so knowing your teen and understanding what’s normal for her is vital to detecting symptoms before it’s too late. Some warning signs of eating disorders include:

• Disappearing after each meal.
• Unexplained tooth decay that may be due to vomiting food after a meal.
• Sudden excess growth of body hair.
• Unexplained weight loss.
• Changes in skin texture or appearance.
• Looking pale or weak.
• Low self-esteem or depression.
• Anxiety or controlling behaviour surrounding food; your teen might refuse to eat in certain circumstances, or get defensive when you ask innocuous questions about what she wants to eat.

Why Teens Develop Eating Disorders

Between 90%-95% of people with eating disorders are women, though eating disorders are becoming more common among young men. The reason for this is fairly simple: teens, especially girls, face enormous pressure to conform to an unreasonable standard of beauty that demands thinness. In the face of this pressure, some teens suffer a loss of self-esteem that causes them to take serious risks with their health and eating habits.

Some teens are more likely to develop eating disorders than others. Some risk factors include:

• A history of sexual abuse.
• Controlling parents.
• Obsessive or perfectionistic tendencies.
• Participating in sports that demand thinness, such as ballet, gymnastics, wrestling, or swimming.
• Suffering a recent trauma.
• A history of depression or self-esteem problems.
• A family history of eating disorders.

Of course, some teens develop eating disorders even though they have no risk factors, and others avoid disordered eating in spite of a range of risk factors.

What Parents Can Do

If your child has an eating disorder, your first inclination might be to get angry and even punish her. But attempting to control your child can actually make symptoms worse, since eating disorders are often about control and anxiety. Instead, talk to your child about her body image and ask what you can do to help. Counselling is of paramount importance. Don’t ignore the role your child’s psychology plays in her disordered eating, even if she promises to change or insists she’ll stop. Eating disorders are a lot like addictions; they happen for a reason, and children counselling can help you and your child uncover the reason.

At Three Seas, we partner with parents and their children to get to the heart of disordered eating. We can help you find ways to support your child as we work with your child to improve self-esteem and cultivate a lifetime of healthy eating.

Mental Health First Aid: 5 Things to Do When You Need to Feel Better Right Now

Mental health first aid: 5 things to do when you need to feel better right now. Though mental illness stigma continues to be a problem, mental health issues are common. Fourteen percent of Australians, for instance, report experiencing anxiety each year. Of the millions of people who struggle with various mental health issues, only about a third will seek help. At Three Seas, we’re on a mission to change that. Seeking counselling is an act of courage and hope that has the power to forever change your life and shift your focus. Though counselling is important on the journey to feeling better, it’s certainly not the only tool. If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis right now—whether it’s intense anxiety, thoughts of suicide, or severe depression—you deserve relief as quickly as possible.

If you’re experiencing thoughts of suicide, you need help immediately. Call a loved one, therapist, doctor, or suicide hot line. If you’re experiencing another mental health crisis, try one of these surefire, research-backed strategies.

Get Moving

Exercise is great for your long-term mental health, and some studies even suggest it can treat depression and anxiety just as effectively as popular medications. But exercise is more than just a long-term solution; it’s also a quick fix. A quick aerobic workout gives you a burst of endorphins that can lift you out of a bad mood. In pain? That’s no excuse. Exercise offers both immediate and long-term benefits to chronic pain sufferers.

Change Your Environment

Sometimes boredom can feel a lot like depression, and a host of mental health issues, ranging from anxiety to schizophrenia, can sap your energy, convincing you you’re better off staying home. Changing your environment can help ease painful emotions. Try getting out for a cup of coffee, going for a brisk walk, or simply window shopping at your favorite boutique. Changing your scenery can give you a new outlook on the scenery of your life.

Get Social

When you’re feeling bad, talking to others may be the very last thing you want to do, but research consistently shows that human contact is one of the best ways to improve mental health. Don’t lock yourself away. You don’t have to talk to anyone about your feelings if you don’t want to, but the simple act of spending time with a friend or loved one can lift you out of your misery. Plan a weekly outing with someone you love, or simply go to a social event, such as a book club meeting or local festival. Make an effort to talk to people and you may be surprised to see how quickly your spirits improve.

Meditate

Meditation comes in many forms, from focusing on a single object to repeating inspiring mantras. And research shows that it doesn’t just make you feel better; it actually changes the way your brain responds to stress, making you more resilient and healthier over time. Commit to just 20 minutes of meditation a day, and you may see a long-term improvement. For now, though, meditate on the feelings you’d like to replace your current list with, and you may be surprised to see how fast the feelings you want become the feelings you have.

Nourish Your Body

Before you give up on the day or on yourself, ask yourself a simple question: when was the last time you ate? Hunger and dehydration can wreck your mood, even if things are going well. Before you pronounce this day the worst ever, drink a tall glass of ice water, and eat a meal high in protein and rich in fruits and veggies. In just 20 minutes, you might find that you feel better. If you find yourself chronically struggling with hunger-related anger, depression, or sadness, talk to a nutritionist, since deficits in your current eating habits might also help explain deficits in your mental health.

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