Owen Wilson - drug overdose/suicide attempt

[irishgrl]

and from a Harvard study:

Medical News Today
Income Level May Predict Response To Depression Treatment
04 Jan 2006

Low-income people with depression are less likely to respond to treatment and more likely to be suicidal than those who have higher incomes, according to a study in the January issue of Archives of General Psychiatry, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

Socioeconomic factors, including income, education and occupation, have long been linked to health status, illness and death. Research has shown that people with lower socioeconomic status (SES) are more likely to develop a depressive illness and that their depression is more severe than that of people higher on the SES scale. Several studies have hypothesized that socioeconomic factors, including income and education, would also affect how people respond to medications and other therapies for depression, but have ultimately proved inconclusive, according to background information in the article.

Alex Cohen, Ph.D., of Harvard Medical School, Boston, and colleagues reanalyzed two previous clinical trials funded by the National Institute of Mental Health and conducted at the University of Pittsburgh. The 248 participants were all 59 years or older and receiving antidepressant medications combined with psychotherapy. Their education levels were assessed at the beginning of the original studies. Median annual household income for their areas was obtained from the U.S. Census Bureau. Low-income was defined as less than $25,000, middle-income between $25,000 and $50,000 and high-income more than $50,000. The subjects' depressive symptoms and response to treatment were measured weekly.

When the authors controlled for demographic factors, such as age and gender, and baseline clinical characteristics, including recurrence of depression and age at onset, they found that people in areas defined as middle-income were significantly more likely to respond to treatment than those in the low-income group. High-income people were only marginally more likely to respond to treatment than middle-income residents, but as a group, high- and middle-income study participants were significantly more likely to respond than those in low-income areas.

In addition, people in low-income areas were about twice as likely as those in middle-income areas and two and a half times as likely as those in high-income tracts to be suicidal, "suggesting an inverse relationship between the median household income of the neighborhoods in which subjects resided and suicidality," the authors write.

The authors found that years of education did not affect treatment response or suicidality in this particular study group. "When the older subjects in our study came of age, economic and social success in the industrial economy was not so dependent on education," they write. "Thus, we speculate that years of education is a less accurate measure of SES in this sample."

Based on their findings, the authors "suggest that future clinical trials routinely gather data on individual income, educational degrees earned, occupation and aspects of the broader social environment such as social capital. However, to transform evidence into knowledge that will inform the treatment of depression, it is essential that future research examines all of the factors (for example, neighborhoods, stress, social support, race/ethnicity or income inequalities) that may mediate the association between SES and clinical outcomes."

(Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2006;63:50-56)

This study was supported in part by grants from the National Institute of Mental Health, Rockville, Md.

JAMA and Archives Journals
www.jamamedia.org

Article URL: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/35647.php

Main News Category: Depression
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[carrie721]

it was only a matter of time

[irishgrl]

Originally Posted by carrie721

it was only a matter of time

I aim to pleez

ps: there's more where THAT came from

[carrie721]

Originally Posted by irishgrl

I aim to pleez

ps: there's more where THAT came from

oh, there is no doubt in my mind ...

[jannieC]

It may also be that people with depression are more likely to end up in impoverished lifestyles. Either way Mary, you have once again steered a conversation away from what the main point was [Owen Wilson is not immune to being depressed just because he is rich and famous] to "I've done this research via the internet- I am right!" ("I" being you, of course.)

In this field you can never say 100% that something is "right" or "wrong". Most people in the field believe that major depression is a physiological disorder, along with disorders like schizophrenia, OCD, Bi-polar, etc. I'm sure that there is such a thing as situational depression, but it is not the same as major depression.

This really is the last post I want to make on this. I feel badly that you have such a strong desire to argue and prove yourself right in so many areas.

[SuzeQuze]

Originally Posted by Sarah

I don't know who you're addressing here, but I can assure you that I wouldn't claim the thing if it wasn't the case. It's not something I want, and I'm not trying to misuse the word. I don't think I said "regular depression" so you might not even be talking to me after you quoted me. But.

My particular problem is not the depression so much itself, but.. I have Generalized Anxiety Disorder. I view depression as another symptom of that in a way. The effing constant severe anxiety that I feel - I'd estimate - about 90% of the day, every day about any given thing, really, makes me so tired and bummy that a point comes where it's just like crashing down, and that's where the depression occurs. It's like being on a rollercoaster and not liking any part of the ride.

Like I said.. there are some things that trigger it, the death of a family member or friend, illness, money problems, etc.. but I myself don't get "the blues". I'd love it if that was simply the case. I could probably deal with the blues a little better.

I don't claim to know psychology, even though at one point I was on the path of study towards becoming a clinical therapist. But I do know what I've been treated for and how I feel, so I'm not really interested in trying to "learn about it from somebody who really has it". I feel kind of patronized by that, really.

Yuck. I hate talking about it. My anxiety is something I usually work very hard to hide. I'll just go back over here and shut up.

No I wasn't addressing you, sorry about that, I was sort of punctuating what you wrote and should have stated such. It's clear you know plenty about it.

The book was helpful to me anyway just reading about someone who deals with it. But I think it would be interesting to non-depressives too who want to know more about the disease.

[SuzeQuze]

Originally Posted by irishgrl

Suze, Jannie, and Carrie: you're misunderstanding me (so are you Ryan). The information I got was from Mayo Clinic and similar mental health info sites. Im not making anything UP. The sites clearly state that there is a general depression (more than just "the blues") and there is "clinical depression" which is WORSE, lasts longer and has obvious signs. Suze, when you say all depression is "clinical" I understand that to mean it is diagnosable/treatable by a professional (clinician). Can you see the difference? Same term, two different uses and as such, obviously misconstrued.

Okay I misquoted "general depression" as "regular depression". I am trying to point out that all depression is clinical. And when you say "clinical depression" I think what you mean is "major depression". Clinical depression is not a diagnosis. It's just a way to describe the disease medically. So general depression and major depression are both clinical. Do you see the point I'm trying to make?

[SuzeQuze]

Originally Posted by irishgrl

ok, you asked for it:

I thought this was the case too. I know when my parents were nearly working poor they were a lot more miserable than later when they had some money left over after paying bills. My one aunt who can't seem to get out of her own way financially is far less happy than the rest of them. I would definitely call her depressed.

Anyway Mary, some psychotherapy could help you see things differently, I'm not saying they don't suck because I know they do and I'm sorry about that, you just don't have to be suffering so much is all.

One thing about socioeconomics which I found interesting, rich girls are more at risk for drug use and depression because they have too much time and money on their hands. Plus all that pressure to fit in and be perfect.

Lottery winners report being no more happy than before winning. In fact sometimes they are more miserable because the money has affected their family and friends. Money doesn't really make people happy, but it DOES increase happiness when you have enough to pay your bills with a bit left over for yourself. Statistically that is all though. You don't necessarily become more happy by becoming rich, that is a fantasy.

[irishgrl]

Originally Posted by jannieC

It may also be that people with depression are more likely to end up in impoverished lifestyles. Either way Mary, you have once again steered a conversation away from what the main point was [Owen Wilson is not immune to being depressed just because he is rich and famous] to "I've done this research via the internet- I am right!" ("I" being you, of course.)

In this field you can never say 100% that something is "right" or "wrong". Most people in the field believe that major depression is a physiological disorder, along with disorders like schizophrenia, OCD, Bi-polar, etc. I'm sure that there is such a thing as situational depression, but it is not the same as major depression.

This really is the last post I want to make on this. I feel badly that you have such a strong desire to argue and prove yourself right in so many areas.

Jannie, Im not steering this thread away from anything. I was responding to YOUR blanket statement. I dont dispute that there is no "one size fits all" cause for depression, but you should avoid claims that make that same mistake.

I conceded that I was in error to assume Owen had nothing to be depressed about merely because he was rich, famous, and appeared to be happy (even to his friends and family). I dont know why he's depressed. Neither does anyone else here. Apparently many of the Ledgies suffer from depression or have family members who do and are identifying very personally with this issue. At the same time, it almost sounds as though they are getting defensive because they feel their psychoses are misunderstood.
For the record, I was not talking about any Ledgie, nor was I downplaying depression in general. At my work, the majority of my caseload is on meds for some mental-related disorder....

And, fyi, I admit I vigorously defend my positions, but I am no worse than anyone else on this board in that respect. AND: I do and I HAVE admitted when I've been wrong.

[irishgrl]

Originally Posted by SuzeQuze

Okay I misquoted "general depression" as "regular depression". I am trying to point out that all depression is clinical. And when you say "clinical depression" I think what you mean is "major depression". Clinical depression is not a diagnosis. It's just a way to describe the disease medically. So general depression and major depression are both clinical. Do you see the point I'm trying to make?

you are restating what I already said, which proves I understood you:

Suze, Jannie, and Carrie: you're misunderstanding me (so are you Ryan). The information I got was from Mayo Clinic and similar mental health info sites. Im not making anything UP. The sites clearly state that there is a general depression (more than just "the blues") and there is "clinical depression" which is WORSE, lasts longer and has obvious signs. Suze, when you say all depression is "clinical" I understand that to mean it is diagnosable/treatable by a professional (clinician). Can you see the difference? Same term, two different uses and as such, obviously misconstrued. (page 4 of this thread)

by the way, "clinical depression" IS worse than "general depression" as Carrie and Jannie and I all pointed out.

[irishgrl]

Originally Posted by SuzeQuze

I thought this was the case too. I know when my parents were nearly working poor they were a lot more miserable than later when they had some money left over after paying bills. My one aunt who can't seem to get out of her own way financially is far less happy than the rest of them. I would definitely call her depressed.

Anyway Mary, some psychotherapy could help you see things differently, I'm not saying they don't suck because I know they do and I'm sorry about that, you just don't have to be suffering so much is all.

One thing about socioeconomics which I found interesting, rich girls are more at risk for drug use and depression because they have too much time and money on their hands. Plus all that pressure to fit in and be perfect.

Lottery winners report being no more happy than before winning. In fact sometimes they are more miserable because the money has affected their family and friends. Money doesn't really make people happy, but it DOES increase happiness when you have enough to pay your bills with a bit left over for yourself. Statistically that is all though. You don't necessarily become more happy by becoming rich, that is a fantasy.

I can certainly agree that having $$$ doesnt guarantee happiness, however the inverse is well documented, that the lack of money/opportunity/services (that are the result of being poor) definitely DO show a higher than normal incidence of depression related issues.

As for psychotherapy, I'll pass. There isnt anything a shrink can do to help me with my Court troubles. Until I am done, and my boy is safe, I'll just have to grit my teeth. As for my money troubles, I am working on that one paycheck at a time, just like everyone else. In the meantime, Im blessed with some of the best friends anyone could ask for--friends who have been my guardian angels (and my kittie's too! you know who you are! ) and eventually, I'll see the light at the end of the tunnel. When I need an ear, I have my mom, or my supervisor at work (!!) and I consider myself lucky to have them.

[SuzeQuze]

Originally Posted by irishgrl

you are restating what I already said, which proves I understood you:



by the way, "clinical depression" IS worse than "general depression" as Carrie and Jannie and I all pointed out.

No, "major depression" is worse. Both are clinical. Yes, I'm being a brat and I think you understand me and I you and what we are arguing over at this point is semantics. Plus, we can always agree to disagree on certain points.

[irishgrl]

Originally Posted by SuzeQuze

No, "major depression" is worse. Both are clinical. Yes, I'm being a brat and I think you understand me and I you and what we are arguing over at this point is semantics. Plus, we can always agree to disagree on certain points.

I believe "clinical depression" may also be referred to as "major depression"

but ALL depression is "clinical" in that it is diagnosed/treated by a clinician. (again)

did you double post?? this board is acting up.........

[SuzeQuze]

Originally Posted by irishgrl

I believe "clinical depression" may also be referred to as "major depression"

Yeah you're right which I think contributes to people's hesitation to get treatment for mild to moderate depression which can lead to a major depressive episode.

Originally Posted by irishgrl

but ALL depression is "clinical" in that it is diagnosed/treated by a clinician. (again)

Yeah, exactly.

Originally Posted by irishgrl

did you double post?? this board is acting up.........

Yeah, I deleted the double and I don't think I clicked the Submit button twice in the first place.

Here's a good entry in Wikipedia on depression http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clinical_depression

[irishgrl]

Originally Posted by SuzeQuze

Yeah you're right which I think contributes to people's hesitation to get treatment for mild to moderate depression which can lead to a major depressive episode.




Yeah, exactly.



Yeah, I deleted the double and I don't think I clicked the Submit button twice in the first place.

Here's a good entry in Wikipedia on depression http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clinical_depression

yes, I saw that. (notice they call it CLINICAL depression )

anyway, bottom line, I hope Owen can get the help he needs....