Posted by stargazer on April 15, 2007, at 11:44:37
In reply to Re: How does alcohol cause depession? » chiron, posted by Phillipa on April 15, 2007, at 10:07:59
My brother treats his bouts of depression with a few drinks every night. I think those prone to agitated depression can do this relatively effectively for years, maybe forever. With depression that is of an agitated type, the alcohol minimizes the symptoms of agitation and excess energy which can escalate if not moderated with something that is sedative in its effects.
In sad or anergic depressions, alcohol will cause an already depressed mood to become more depressed.
I would say the mechanisms are a reduction in neuronal sensitivity and a reduction in the process of nerve stimulation/transmission.
Obviously, the scientists here will be able to explain the exact neurological/biological effects going on.
For myself, since I have the latter type of depression, my symptoms of lethargy, tearfulness, vulnerability to stress, would respond differently to alcohol. More than a few drinks would made me more depressed, with more rumination, feelings of defectiveness and introspection, etc.
Alcohol is known to depress neurological functioning so it can cause a worsening of the depressive symptoms and a reduction in the agitated symptoms. Good for some with depression terribel for others, like me.
I used to say I was allergic to alcohol because of the effects I had...Stargazer
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