Depression

What symptoms will I develop due to depression?

Although everyone knows what it’s like to experience the blues from time to time, major depressive disorder persists at a deeper level that doesn’t go away on its own.

In addition to a depressed mood, patients with major depression experience the following symptoms:

• Loss of interest or pleasure in most activities
• Significant increase or decrease in weight or appetite
• Insomnia or oversleeping
• Feeling hyperactive, restless, or agitated
• Fatigue or low energy
• Feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness
• Difficulty thinking or concentrating
• Recurring thoughts of death or suicide

These symptoms aren’t fleeting or insignificant. They’re severe enough to affect your life, whether you miss work or avoid spending time with family and friends.

What increases my risk for depression?

Research shows that a decrease in brain chemicals is a significant factor in depression. However, your risk of depression is affected by more than a low level of neurotransmitters.

Genetics make you more susceptible to depression. If you have a close relative, such as a parent or sibling, who have a history of major depression, you’re 2-3 times more likely to develop depression compared to other adults without a family history.

Chronic stress and trauma can cause subtle changes in your brain chemistry that lead to depression. About half of all patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are also diagnosed with depression.

Stressful life events, such as the death of a loved one, loss of a job, or relationship problems, increase your risk for depression. Substance abuse, certain medications, serious medical conditions, and a hormone imbalance can all trigger depression.

What treatments are available for depression?

Treatment for depression includes antidepressant medications, talk therapy, or in many cases, both. You may need to take medication alone at first to help balance your brain chemicals and improve your symptoms to the point where you feel capable of participating in therapy.

If medical treatment doesn’t improve your symptoms, a condition called treatment-resistant depression, Dr. Chowdhury also offers an effective alternative therapy: transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). TMS treats depression using harmless magnetic waves to stimulate neurons in your brain.

If you need help with depression, schedule an appointment online or call Carolina Psychiatry, PC.