Divorce - Effect On Children And Women And Role Of Antidepressants - Research Paper Example

Divorce; Effect on children and women and role of antidepressants Marriage is meant to unite a man and a woman forever. However, the irony of marital unions is that they do not always last. You would expect that when a man and a woman are united in marriage, they will go on to make a family, be prosperous and last for long. However, this is not the case in the present world when marital separations are the order of the day. Divorce refers to the end of a marital union, and it is becoming a common phenomenon in society. While divorce is seen as a resolution to marital woes and disagreements, it has marked negative effects on women, children and even the men involved (Everett 56). Some couples separate even after being together for decades and this leaves children extremely affected. One such effect is depression that women and children face. In dealing with this depression, stakeholders need to use particular approaches or else these two groups of family members will be affected adversely. Various drugs are used to treat depression in women and children suffering from divorce. The most famous and most efficient of these are the Selective serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). This paper analyses divorce effects in women and children of a family unit. This paper analyses the depression suffered by children and women in divorce settings, and from this it will be able to discuss who of these two suffers more depression. The paper will also analyze the role of SSRIs in combating the effects of depression in women and children. I will first analyze divorce, then the effects, and then the final bit will discuss the role of SSRIs in treating divorce depression. Divorce and its effects As much as mothers and children suffer depression from divorce, the effects in these two are different. Children suffer the worst form of depression since most of them are too young to understand why their lives are undergoing a transition. Even though parents have their differences, children become attached to all the parents, and any divorce experience involving their parents is disturbing to these children. Research has shown that divorce affects children psychologically and emotionally, and if unchecked, it affects their studies, their social life and their overall development (Everett 89). The depression in children undergoing divorce is caused by failure of these children to enjoy happy and peaceful memories with their parents. It is sad for any child to see parents who were sad happy at one time turning against each other and being enemies. A happy and united family is what all children want, and when they lack this, it is a source of depression. As mentioned above, the psychology and emotional affects of children whose parents are undergoing divorce is what contributes to stress. This culminates in these children getting affected academically since they are not in the right state of mind to manage their academic affairs (Musser 56). Depression in children from divorce setups also affects the social life of these children. They get consumed by the affairs of their family that they do not have time to lead normal lifestyles. Psychologists argue that a noteworthy social life is important in ensuring that people grow into responsible and upright individuals (Everett 112). Interacting with people of all types shapes a child’s character as it enables them to be able to live with people of all types, and get used to each of these people. But what happens when a child’s mind is consumed by thoughts concerning his/her family. This compromises the social life which causes more depression as they retreat to their social cocoon. This causes more depression to these kids. Depression in women in divorce is different from that in children as it is derived from many sources. Apart from being socially deprived of their husbands and a family as a whole, the depression can also be as a result of these women lacking sufficient financial security. Every woman wants financial security as a means of securing one’s future and that of her children. Divorce settlements lead to division of wealth between couples, and in some cases, the woman is left with no much money or financial security. This is enough to drive them into depression. The betrayal that causes divorce may also cause women to be depressed. Take an example a man who cheats on the wife. This becomes a bitter pill to swallow, and it is enough to stress the affected women. Therefore, while children are stressed and depressed by their failure to have a united family, women are depressed for this reason, among, lacking financial security and being betrayed in marriage. SSRIs Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors or SSRIs as are commonly called are a class of drugs that are recommended for the treatment of depression of all forms, hence, they are the most effective drugs in dealing with depression in divorce. The role of SSRIs is that they are able to boost mood, hence, they alleviate the negative symptoms of depression experienced during at this time (Montgomery 96). However, these drugs have their side effects that accompany their usage; hence, they should be used carefully. Mechanism of Action of SSRIs Neurotransmitters are brain chemicals controlling communication pathways in the nervous system. These brain chemicals enhance chemical communication between different cells of the brain, and from this, the body is able to function optimally. However, the release of chemicals in abnormal amounts is also the patho-physiology behind conditions like depression. Common neurotransmitters include norepinephrine, epinephrine and serotonin. Reuptake of these inhibitors by brain cells from the bloodstream signals the start of their action. SSRIs, as the name suggests block the reuptake of serotonin, and by so doing, serotonin levels in the brain are brought to normal levels. This controls depression by being able to boost mood (Stanford 123). SSRIs are specific in the sense that they do not block the re-absorption of other neurotransmitters but only serotonin. As a result of these, they are referred as selective drugs. There are many examples of SSRIs that are in the market, but only a few have been approved for the treatment of depression. The most common of these are Citalopram (Celexa), Escitalopram (Lexaprol), Paroxetine (Paxil) Fluoxetine (Prozac) and Sertraline (Zoloft). The names in brackets are the brand names. Some of these drugs like Fluoxetine have been used in combination with antipsychotic drugs, and have shown efficacy in treating depression. Some SSRIs are in the form of Extended Release (XR) or Controlled Release (CR) formulations. These are noteworthy formulations in the sense that there is a controlled release of the drug when it is given in a single dose (Stanford 124). Side Effects of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors Just like any drug, SSRIs also have their side effects. However, this varies from drug and to drug; hence care needs to be taken when each of these drugs is taken. Common side effects include’ nauseating, vomiting, headache, diarrhea, dry mouth, nervousness, restlessness, agitation, erectile dysfunction, skin rashes, increased sweating, drowsiness, insomnia and weight gain. Therefore, when taking these medications, care should be taken to avoid side effects that are going to worsen the condition. For example, it is common knowledge that these drugs are going to cause agitation and nervousness; hence, the correct dosage will need to be given otherwise it would exacerbate the condition. Compliance to medication is another factor that needs to be put into consideration because without compliance to medication, recovery is compromised. As a result of this, patients need to be monitored so that they are compliant to medication. It is only after this that they will be able to produce the desirable characteristics in the patients and cause accelerated recovery rates. Precaution when using SSRIs SSRIs are generally safe when compared to the other classes of antidepressants. Despite this fact, it should not always be assumed that SSRIs can be used in all clinical settings and situations. SSRIs can be used in women and children undergoing depression related to divorce, but the following precautions must be put in mind by the health care professional; Pregnancy In case the women undergoing depression is pregnancy, care should be taken when using SSRIs. Some of these drugs harm the unborn child when taken during the pregnancy period (Stanford 87). This may also occur when the woman is breastfeeding her child. Paxil is the most dangerous in this respect as it causes multiple birth defects including lung and heart abnormalities. Therefore, women who are pregnant and want to take SSRIs need to consult a qualified doctor so that they are able to be given safer forms of the drug during the pregnancy phase. Drug interactions Drug interactions occur because particular drugs are hydrophobic and some are lipophilic. As a result, some drugs may react with others affecting their functioning in the body. Some herbal medications and remedies and medications interact with some classes of SSRIs, which affects their functions. Therefore, patients who are on these medications need to inform the doctor so that they prescribe drugs that have minimal interactions. SSRIs are not supposed to be combined with Non Steroidal anti Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS), aspirin and anticoagulants like warfarin. This is because these drugs enhance the risk of bleeding (Stanford 90). Precaution with children Depressed children from divorce, especially in serious divorce cases which traumatize them immensely need to be monitored closely. This is because taking antidepressants among children and adolescents or even young adults increases the risk of suicidal attempts. The first few weeks of taking antidepressants are important as it is during this phase that thorough monitoring is done so that any unusual behavior is studied to great effect. When this is done in the long run, suicide risks are minimized. Stopping Treatment When the health care professional feels that the affected women or children have recovered from the effects of the divorce or after their mood has been improved by SSRIs, it is important to stop the medication. Care needs to be taken to avoid withdrawing the medication abruptly since doing this precipitates withdrawal symptoms which include nausea, headache, dizziness, lethargy and flu-like symptoms. The medication needs to be stopped gradually, i.e. tapering off the medication (Montgomery 102) Treatment Approach in Depression during Divorce Treating depression among children or women who have suffered from divorce does not only require the pharmacological approach, but it also requires the non pharmacological approach. The pharmacological approach entails the use of antidepressants while the non pharmacological approach aims at altering the environment of the affected child and woman. There needs to be group therapy by psychologists so that they are assessed well. Talking to them about their condition helps instead of dwelling on the medication alone. Whether the affected is young or old, the experience in divorce is very depressive; hence, these people need utmost guidance. They need to get a shoulder to lean on and forget their problems. This comes in the form of psychiatric and psychological help, and the help of the family members and close associates. SSRIs are used in extreme case, i.e. when the depression is to a high degree to the point of affecting the normal activities of the affected children and women, or in cases when the depression takes a long time period. However, some cases are mild, and they resolve without pharmacological intervention. For mild cases, family and social support is more important and is sufficient in altering the course of disease progression. Family members and health professional need to ensure that they are able to form a conducive environment and one that appeals to the affected. Children in divorce settings are majorly depressed as they miss a family unit; hence, the first way of changing their condition is through availing to them a social and family environment where they are able to have a noteworthy social environment. Psychiatrists also recommend that even if parents divorce, the two need to have custody over kids. This would ensure that the child has the company of both parents. Works Cited Everett, Craig A. Divorce and the Next Generation: Effects on Young Adults' Patterns of Intimacy. London: Routledge, 2008. Montgomery, Stuart A. Ssris in Depression and Anxiety. New Jersey: Wiley, 2009. Musser, Christopher Couret. Effects of Divorce: Well-being, Family Functioning, and Academic Achievement in College Students from Intact and Divorced Families. New York: Springer, 2008. Stanford, S. Clare. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): past, present, and future. New York: Springer, 2008. Read More