Description A disorder causing ...
Description
A disorder causing severe and persistent low mood. Other common symptoms include profound sadness, a sense of despair and a loss of pleasure for previously enjoyable activities. The diagnosis is made when mood changes and other symptoms of depression persist for at least 2 weeks. Major depression carries a risk of suicide if not appropriately treated. The cause of major depression is not known. An episode of depression can be triggered by a stressful life event, such as the death of a loved one. But in many cases, depression does not appear to be related to a specific event. Major depression may occur just once in a person's life or may return repeatedly.
Symptoms
Trouble sleeping or excessive sleeping, a dramatic change in appetite, often with weight gain or loss, fatigue and lack of energy, feelings of worthlessness, self-hate, inappropriate guilt, extreme difficulty concentrating, agitation, restlessness, irritability, inactivity and withdrawal from usual activities, a loss of interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyed (such as sex), feelings of hopelessness and helplessness, thoughts of death or suicide.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Tests may be done to rule out another medical problem that might be contributing to the symptoms, such as an under active thyroid.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan
Other Specific Tests: TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone)
Specialists:
Psychiatry, Geriatric Psychiatry, Pediatric and Adolescent Psychiatry
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Tests may be done to rule out another medical problem that might be contributing to the symptoms, such as an under active thyroid.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan
Other Specific Tests: TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone)
Specialists:
Psychiatry, Geriatric Psychiatry, Pediatric and Adolescent Psychiatry
Treatment
Depression is most effectively treated with medications and/or talk therapy. Medications include selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclic antidepressants, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors. At the start of drug therapy, there may be increased suicidal thoughts that must be taken seriously and monitored closely. Psychiatric hospitalization may be needed for severe symptoms and for those with suicidal thoughts. For patients who fail to respond to medications and psychotherapy electroconvulsive treatment (ECT) may be an option. Any patient who feels life is not worth living needs to seek medical care immediately.