Depression
Q: What is depression?
A: Depression is a mental health disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, and hopelessness. It can also cause physical symptoms such as fatigue, changes in appetite, and difficulty sleeping.
Q: What are the symptoms of depression?
A: The symptoms of depression can vary from person to person, but common symptoms include:
- persistent feelings of sadness
- emptiness
- hopelessness
- loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyed
- fatigue
- changes in appetite
- difficulty sleeping
- difficulty concentrating
- thoughts of death or suicide
You do not have to live with depression. You can get help and improve your quality of life. Help is available.
Q: What are the risk factors for depression A: Risk factors for depression include:
- a family history of depression
- certain medical conditions
- certain medications
- substance abuse
- stressful life events
- Chronic illnesses
Divorce, job loss, physical or sexual abuse, military combat, family system dysfunction and death in your family are examples of traumatic or stressful events that could contribute to depression.
Q: How is depression diagnosed?
A: Depression is typically diagnosed by a mental health professional based on a clinical evaluation. The evaluation may include a physical exam, laboratory tests, and a psychological assessment.
Q: How is depression treated?
A: Treatment for depression typically involves a combination of medication, psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes.
- Ketamine infusion therapy helps you feel better within several hours of your first treatment. Your CRNA inserts a needle into a vein in your arm to infuse ketamine (an anesthetic) directly into your bloodstream for fast absorption. About 72-90% of patients who utilize ketamine for depression report positive results.
- Medication may include antidepressants.
- Psychotherapy may include EMDR, cognitive-behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, or other forms of psychotherapy.
- Lifestyle changes may include regular exercise, healthy eating, and stress management.