By Francis Allan L. Angelo

 

ALCOHOLISM is one of the main causes of psychiatric illnesses in Iloilo, an Ilongga psychiatrist said in the weekly cable TV program Serbisyo Publiko hosted by Iloilo City Councilor Perla Zulueta.

 

Dr. Juliana Sustento-Seneriches, a US-based psychiatrist, said they noted in their recent study that alcoholism is the number 2 cause of psychiatric sickness in the city and province.

 

Seneriches said alcoholism stokes depression which could lead to suicide.

 

In the fields of psychology and psychiatry, the terms depression or depressed refer to sadness and other related emotions and behaviors. It can be thought of as either a disease or a syndrome.

 

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) states that a depressed mood is often reported as feeling sad, helpless, and hopeless. In traditional colloquy, “depressed” is often synonymous with “sad,” but both clinical and non-clinical depression can also refer to a conglomeration of more than one feeling.

 

Seneriches said the common causes of depression are stress, illness, tension and personal problems.

 

Other factors that trigger depression are hypothyroid symptoms and use of chemicals such as alcohol, uppers and amphetamines or downers. Medications for high blood could trigger depression, Seneriches said.

 

“Alcoholism is the flipside of depression. A father can be alcoholic but depression will manifest in the children,” Seneriches added.

 

Seneriches said mild depression can be cured by seat work and exercise “but if the symptoms become worse, they should see a psychiatrist.”

 

Seneriches, who is part of the Doctor to Doctor program, said their group donated an advanced electroconvulsive therapy machine to Western Visayas Medical Center.

 

The machine uses electric shocks to treat cases of depression. Seneriches said the machine can change brain circuitry, leading to better mood conditions in patients.

 

“The patients are anesthetized by using muscle relaxants. There is a bit of convulsion in the body but the charges target the brain,” she added.

 

For persons with manic depressive conditions, mood stabilizers can help.  Aside from medications and electroconvulsive therapy, psychiatrists also use counseling to balance the pessimism of patients. Cognitive therapy is meant to challenge the way patients think, Seneriches said.

 

Seneriches said there are now 18 psychiatrists in Iloilo who can help persons suffering from depression. The Regional Mental Health Center also has more rooms and wards to cater to psychiatric patients.

 

“Family support is very vital in treating depression. Suicidal thoughts are only temporary and can be stopped. Don’t be afraid to share it with others,” Seneriches said.

 

Seneriches said the Doctor to Doctor Program has been in Iloilo for the 5 to 6 years to train doctors on the latest medical breakthroughs.