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Proof! is an independent testing service for the consumer of alternative and complementary health remedies and products, such as supplements and herbs, as well as eco and 'green' products and services. Its tests establish the active ingredients in products - which can differ dramatically from the claims made on the labels - as well as their reliability, shelf life and usability.

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Depression: cutting through the darkness

Depression is one of the least well understood and least well tolerated (by others) emotional states in our culture. Broadly speaking, there are two types: unipolar, characterised by low moods only; and bipolar, characterised by extreme highs and lows, sometimes called manic-depression. Within these two broad categories are varying levels of severity and regularity. For instance, some may experience depression only in the winter months, as in the case of seasonal affective disorder (SAD); others may experience moderate depression which doesn't appear to be linked to any external occurrence. Mild depression is sometimes called dysthymia. It is chronic, but so mild that it is often difficult to distinguish from a personality trait. Yet, up to 25 per cent of those who go on to develop major depression are already suffering from mild depression.

What are usually presented as the more scientific, more sophisticated cures - drugs or ECT - aren't scientific at...

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