Depression

Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions, affecting over 280 million people globally. While there’s no cure, healthy lifestyle changes, psychotherapy, and prescription medication can ease symptoms, improving your mood and outlook. At KAVN Health in Columbia, Maryland, the team specializes in depression treatment. Call the nearest KAVN Health office to schedule a depression consultation, or book your appointment online today. Telemedicine appointments are available for patients living in Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, and Washington, DC. 

What is depression?

Depression is a chronic mood disorder characterized by chronic feelings of sadness and loss of interest in activities you once loved. 

Everyone feels sad or hopeless occasionally, but if these feelings persist for months or longer, identifying the underlying cause is crucial. Without treatment, depression can significantly affect your quality of life.  

What are the symptoms of depression?

Depression symptoms include:

• Feeling sad, hopeless, or worried
• Losing interest in things you used to enjoy
• Eating too much or too little
• Becoming easily irritated or frustrated
• Difficulty sleeping
• Low energy and fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating and remembering things

As the condition worsens, some people experience thoughts of self-harm and suicide.

When should I see a psychiatrist about depression?

Make an appointment at KAVN Health if you experience depressive symptoms every day or most days for at least two weeks. That’s especially true if your symptoms worsen or include thoughts of self-harm or suicide. 

How is depression diagnosed?

The KAVN Health team reviews your medical records, asks about your symptoms, and asks you to fill out a psychiatric questionnaire. Tell your provider if you’ve been diagnosed with an underlying medical condition and if you take medications or use substances like drugs or alcohol. 

Certain illnesses and substances can trigger depressive symptoms, so the team must be aware.

Next, your provider completes a physical exam and a psychiatric evaluation. They might also order lab tests, such as bloodwork and urinalysis, to screen for medical conditions that increase the risk of mental health problems. 

How is depression treated?

The KAVN Health team treats depression using an integrative, patient-centered approach. They might suggest:

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy, or counseling, involves talking one-on-one with a mental health professional. During therapy, your provider teaches you how to identify unhealthy thought patterns, emotions, and behaviors and replace them with more positive ones.

Prescription medication

Often, depression occurs because of imbalanced brain chemistry. Prescription medications, like antidepressants, help rebalance brain chemicals, easing symptoms and improving your mood and outlook. 

Several types of antidepressants exist. It may take some trial and error at first to determine one that meets your needs. 

Healthy lifestyle changes

Depression treatment involves a whole-body approach. Healthy lifestyle changes like eating a nutritious diet, exercising regularly, and getting plenty of sleep can complement psychotherapy and medication.

Call the nearest KAVN Health office to schedule a depression consultation, or book your appointment online today.