Depression Screening
Feeling lonely, sad, and don’t feel like doing anything? If you or your loved one are experiencing any of these symptoms, then it’s likely you have depression. Book an appointment with us Today.
What is Depression Screening?
Depression is a medical condition that can negatively impact how you feel, think, and act. It can affect you physically and mentally. It’s the content emotion of feeling sad, losing confidence, and doubting yourself that makes you lose interest in carrying out your daily activities. Depression can be a minor or relatively serious illness that comes with various other health conditions, including anxiety, weight loss, mood swings, or feeling tired and sleepy.
There is no one single cause of depression. It can be a stressful life situation, childhood trauma, an upsetting event in your life that includes divorce, job loss, death of a loved one, financial problems, or any other issue. A single cause or different events combined can trigger depression.
How Is Depression Treated? (Psychotherapy and Medication)
Regardless if you have depression, it can be treated once you decide to get help.
Depending on if you have minor or major symptoms of depression, a doctor can recommend you get psychotherapy or medication to relieve your depression symptoms.
The main goal of psychotherapy is that you return to your normal routine and improve your quality of life. As part of psychotherapy, you will have sessions with a trained therapist who will help you set realistic goals for the future, help you emotionally and mentally, and overcome issues that you have been dealing with currently or in the past. As part of this treatment, the therapist would identify the negative thoughts and help you overcome the feeling of hopelessness. This can only be achieved once you have regular sessions with your therapist and open up to them.
One of the ways to treat depression is medication treatment that works in different ways to aid in
mood-regulating brain chemicals. The medication works in different ways for many people. They can treat the symptoms but don’t always address the underlying cause of what might be causing depression. Hence, with medication, some doctors can also recommend psychotherapy, and with this treatment, many cases go side by side.
What Types Of Medications Are Used?
1) SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors): These are medicines often used to help with mood disorders like depression and anxiety. They work by increasing the levels of a chemical called serotonin in your brain, which can improve your mood.
2) Antidepressants: These are a broader category of drugs that includes SSRIs. They’re designed to treat depression and can come in various forms, not just SSRIs. They aim to lift your mood and help you feel better.
3) Anxiolytics (Anti-Anxiety Medications): These medications are used to reduce feelings of anxiety or panic. They can help calm your mind and ease symptoms like anxiety, a fast heartbeat, or shaky hands.
4) Antipsychotic Medications: These are prescribed for conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. They can help control symptoms like hallucinations, delusions, and mood swings.
Remember, it’s crucial to talk to a healthcare professional to find out which medication, if any, is right for you. They can provide guidance and treat you based on your specific situation and needs.
We have experts who can treat depression. Book your telemedicine appointment with us to get the treatment you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! We’re here to assist with renewing your current medication for depression. In some cases, we might need you to provide documents for medication management.
Typically, patients managing their medication get two refills to start with. If there are changes in your medication, like a new type, dosage, or frequency, it might require more frequent follow-ups. We’ll discuss that with you.
To help us manage your depression effectively, we usually ask for the completion of a depression screening scale. It’s a simple step to make sure we tailor our care to your specific needs.
The frequency of follow-up appointments for managing depression can vary depending on your specific needs. Generally, it falls within the 30-90 day range. We’ll work with you and your provider to determine the best schedule for your care.