Depression Specialist

What is depression?

Depression is a mental health disorder that causes repeated feelings of sadness and hopelessness. More than just feeling sad, depression can interfere with every aspect of your life. It affects the way you feel, think, and behave. Depression can even diminish your physical abilities, resulting in headaches, insomnia, or slowed body movements.

What are the symptoms of depression?

While this mental health disorder affects everyone differently, common signs and symptoms of depression include:

• Persistent sadness
• Feelings of hopelessness
• Suicidal thoughts
• Insomnia or sleeping too much
• Low libido
• Weight fluctuations
• Muscle aches
• Anxiety
• Slowed thinking
• Irritability
• Angry outbursts
• Fatigue

Without treatment, depression can interfere with your ability to work, go to school, and maintain relationships. For many people with depression, simply getting out of bed can feel like a chore.

What causes depression?

Doctors don’t know the exact cause of depression, but they do believe certain factors can trigger the disorder, including:

• Chemical changes in the brain
• Hormone fluctuations
• Mental health conditions, like anxiety
• Genetics

Those with close relatives who have a history of depression are more likely to develop this condition. Stressful life events, such as financial turmoil, divorce, job loss, or the death of a loved one, can also trigger depression.

How do doctors diagnose depression?

Diagnosing depression typically requires a physical exam to rule out an underlying health problem. Along with a comprehensive physical, you may need lab tests and a psychiatric evaluation before receiving an accurate diagnosis of depression.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) is a list of depression criteria published by the American Psychiatric Association that helps physicians make this diagnosis.

How do doctors treat depression?

Depression typically requires an individualized, multifaceted approach to care. Depending on the severity of your depression, Dr. Jennifer Johnson-Caldwell MD may recommend a combination of treatments.

Medications, like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can help alleviate many of the symptoms of depression. If you have an underlying condition that’s influencing your mood and behavior, your provider may prescribe additional medications.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is another common depression treatment. CBT aims to replace your negative thoughts and behaviors with positive, more helpful ones.

For comprehensive depression management, call Dr. Jennifer Johnson-Caldwell MD, or schedule an appointment online today.