Depression
A person who feels sad all the time, has unexplained crying spells, or loses interest in usual activities may have major depression, a serious medical illness that should be distinguished from normal temporary feelings of sadness after a loss, such as the death of a relative or friend.
Having at least 5 of these symptoms occurring nearly every day for at least 2 weeks:
Feeling sad or empty
Decreased interest or pleasure in activities
Appetite change with weight loss or weight gain
Decreased or increased sleeping
Fatigue or loss of energy
Feeling worthless or guilty
Being either agitated or slowed down
Difficulty thinking or concentrating
Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide
Bipolar disorder (previously called manic-depressive disorder)—occurrence of episodes of major depression and episodes of abnormally elevated mood called mania (severe) or hypomania (less severe)
Dysthymia—mild depression symptoms lasting for at least 2 years
Have at least 5 servings of fruit and vegetables every day.
Postpartum depression—a mother's depression occurring after the birth of her baby
Seasonal affective disorder—major depression occurring regularly in seasons with low sunlight
Medications—Several types of antidepressant medications have been shown to be effective for depression, but they must be taken for several weeks before they begin to work.
Psychotherapy—Several kinds of "talking therapies" have also been shown to be effective for depression. They involve evaluating and changing the thoughts, attitudes, and relationship problems that are associated with depression.
Bright light—Daily exposure to bright light can be helpful for seasonal depression.
Electroconvulsive therapy—A series of treatments involving passage of electric current through the brain while the patient is under anesthesia can often relieve even severe depression. These treatments are usually given about 3 times per week for several weeks. .
Anyone who is experiencing symptoms of depression should be evaluated by a doctor. Although individuals with depression often feel that nothing can help them, effective treatments are available. Evaluation and treatment are particularly important to prevent suicide. Suicide usually stems from depression.
American Psychiatric Association
http://www.psych.org
National Mental Health Association
http://www.depression-screening.org
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
http://www.dbsalliance.org
National Institute of Mental Health
http://www.nimh.nih.gov
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Janet M. Torpy, MD, Writer; Alison E. Burke, MA, Illustrator; Richard M. Glass, MD, Editor
JAMA. 2006;295(3):348. doi:10.1001/jama.295.3.348.
JAMA. 2006;295(3):348. doi:10.1001/jama.295.3.348.
A person who feels sad all the time, has unexplained crying spells, or loses interest in usual activities may have major depression, a serious medical illness that should be distinguished from normal temporary feelings of sadness after a loss, such as the death of a relative or friend.
SYMPTOMS OF MAJOR DEPRESSION
Having at least 5 of these symptoms occurring nearly every day for at least 2 weeks:
OTHER TYPES OF DEPRESSION
TREATMENTS FOR DEPRESSION
Anyone who is experiencing symptoms of depression should be evaluated by a doctor. Although individuals with depression often feel that nothing can help them, effective treatments are available. Evaluation and treatment are particularly important to prevent suicide. Suicide usually stems from depression.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
http://www.psych.org
http://www.depression-screening.org
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
http://www.dbsalliance.org
National Institute of Mental Health
http://www.nimh.nih.gov
<< Back to article index...
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PEMBROKE PINES - 17890 NW 2 St., Pembroke Pines, FL 33029. Telephone (954) 442-6090, FAX (954) 442-0070
Email: Info@luislugomd.com
DON'T WASTE TIME HOLDING ON THE TELEPHONE. Do you need to make a reservation? Check on a Referral? Request a Prescription Refill? Request Medical Records? No need to call the office. Get help fast by logging on to our PATIENT PORTAL. Ask us about WEB ENABLE on your next Office Visit. All of your Health Needs are right at your fingertips. You can even access your Health Information SECURLY from your Mobile Phone or Tablet. Download the free Mobile App Today. DOWNLOAD THE FREE HEALOW MOBILE APP BY CLICKING HERE, then find us by using our unique practice code. GGAHBA. To use the Patient Portal, please call the office and ask to be Web Enabled. You will need a valid Email Address to receive instructions on the Patient Portal. New Patients may also join us by clicking on the Patient Portal Link at the top of this page then click the Pre Registration Button. Note. Pre Registration is only for new Patients. Regular patients need to be Web Enabled. Call and ask us how to get access.