Depression Symptoms and Treatment
Q: Is depression a mental disorder?
A: It is normal for anyone to feel sad, down, or irritable at times. These feelings can be a reaction to loss, difficulties, and stressful situations. However, when these feelings persist and/or are inconsistent with your circumstances, you may be suffering from a mental condition knows as clinical depression. It is perhaps the most widespread of mood disorders.
Q: What are the symptoms of clinical depression?
A: Clinical depression may be characterized by:
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A distorted emotional state that is inconsistent with your circumstances
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Feelings of extreme sadness, irritability, or "emptiness"
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Periods of depression alternating with feelings of exhilaration
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Loss of interest and pleasure in almost all activities
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Appetite changes with weight loss or gain
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Trouble sleeping and/or fatigue
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Difficulties concentrating and making decisions
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Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and helplessness
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Suicidal thoughts or suicidal attempts
Q: Does depression occur with anxiety?
A: Anxiety disorders can also affect your mood and often occur along with depression.
Q: What are different types of depression?
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Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), commonly known as clinical depression, is perhaps the most widespread mood disorder. Its symptoms affect how you think, feel, and handle daily activities. These symptoms include:
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Extensive and overwhelming sadness that is not a normal reaction to loss, stressful situations, and difficulties
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Loss of interest and pleasure in almost all activities
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Appetite changes with weight loss or gain
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Trouble sleeping and/or fatigue
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Difficulties concentrating and making decisions
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Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and helplessness
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Irritability, aches and pains
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Persistent anxious or "empty" feelings
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Suicidal thoughts or suicidal attempts
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Bipolar disorder is characterized by periods of extremely low moods that meet the criteria for major depression, and periods of extreme highs -- euphoric or irritable -- called "mania", or a less severe form called "hypomania".
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Persistent depressive disorder (also called dysthymia) occurs when symptoms are less severe but last for at least two years.
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Postpartum depression includes feelings of extreme sadness, anxiety, and exhaustion. It occurs to some women after giving birth and it may make it difficult for these new mothers to care for themselves and their newborn baby.
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Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) peaks during the winter months, when there is less sunlight. This affliction generally improves or resolves during spring and summer. Symptoms of depression typically return every year and can be very debilitating.
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Psychotic depression occurs when someone experiences either or both of the following symptoms in addition to major depression:
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holding fixed false beliefs, also known as delusions
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hearing or seeing disturbing things that others cannot hear or see (hallucinations)
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Q: What are the treatments for depression?
A: Online depression treatment may include prescription medications and psychotherapy. Both can be managed via telepsychiatry with online prescriptions and online therapy administered by a psychologist or a psychiatrist. In some cases, particularly when medication and therapy do not yield the desired results, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) or Electro Convulsive Therapy (ECT) may be indicated.
Q: Is telepsychiatry effective in treating depression and anxiety?
At New Sunrise Mental Health you can be assessed online for mood disorders and treated according to your mental health needs. Medications will be prescribed electronically and filled at the pharmacy of your choice, online or near you.