Re: Biomarkers for Mood May Alter Psychiatric Treatments -DUH

[Guest guest]

Good article, . Too bad the medical community is just now

finding out what some of us already have known for decades.

Depression runs heavily in my own family. Both of my parents made

attempts on their own lives while I was growing up. I have a brother

and lost a sister to bi-polar disease. I tolerate the antidepressants

well (well, as long as one doesn't factor in the weight gain

issues!), so live fairly free from the monster. Never diagnosed as bi-

polar myself.

About 15 years ago I conversed with a younger sibling who was newly

married. I asked him if they would have a family, considering the

strong family history of depression, as well as extended family with

everything from depression to schizophrenia. He said he and his bride

were really struggling with the ever-present risk of passing this

heartbreak along, and weren't decided on the issue.

Another instance: My paternal grandmother was as intelligent as she

was eccentric. She was Ohio's first public health nurse, and was

instrumental in establishing the school lunch program, due to her own

poverty, educating herself as a divorcee and raising four children

alone during the great depression. When a cousin of mine was 'acting

out', according to medical experts of the time, my grandmother

remarked that my cousin had a chemical imbalance in his brain causing

his problems! Mind you, this was a good 30 years ago!

So, they've finally found a biomarker - whaddya gotta do to practice

medicine in this day and age anyhow??!!

girlsaylor