("Department Of Veterans' Affairs: What Is PTSD?" 2007). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says depression is described by a lack of interest in activities which used to stimulate pleasure, inappropriate guilt, fatigue, a depressed or sad mood, weight gain or loss, difficulties concentrating, psychomotor agitation or retardation, as well as always having thoughts about dying. ("The Centers For Disease Control And Prevention: Depression ", 2013).
Many people that suffer from PTSD and depression dislike having several prescriptions of pills and other medications given to them as treatment. Some feel the pills don't help their symptoms. Others feel as though the side effects of the medication being prescribed are to severe or only worsen their conditions. .
Doctors prescribe antidepressant medications to patients with PTSD for treatment and also administer them to reduce the feelings of anxiety and its accompanied symptoms. They tend to administer medications such as Prozac, Celexa, Zoloft and Paxil to these patients for their symptoms. They also use some medications that are normally uses as blood pressure treatment to control certain symptoms. A medication such as prazosin may be used to eliminate the causes of bad dreams, or propranolol may be administered to help prevent the formation of traumatic memories. ("Webmd: How Is Ptsd Treated?" 2015).
Some of the medications that are prescribed to patients suffering from depression or PTSD are too strong for the patients to function and go on with daily activities. There are different medical strains of marijuana that increase focus, keeps you alert and helps with daily functioning. I think those strains when used correctly and in moderation could be the key to treating depression or PTSD successfully. Dr. Sue Sisley is a member of the clinical staff at St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center. She is assigned to the Mercy Care Medicine Clinic for Adults and indigent patients.