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Psychiatric Disorders |
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CARY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH PC offers treatment for variety of psychiatric disorders commonly treated conditions are Schizophrenia, Depression, Dysthymia, Panic disorders, SAD, OCD, GAD, Bipolar disorder, ADHD, Personality disorders, Addictions and dual Diagnosis.
Below are list of psychiatric disorders & content resource links |
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Depression: Causes and Symptoms |
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What is depression?
Everybody gets the blues now and then - but for millions of Americans, depressive illnesses are more serious than that. They are persistent, recurring conditions that can interfere with a person's ability to sleep, eat, and hold a job and can last for weeks or months at a time. Major depression is a very common and serious medical illness. Often, depression run in families. Depressed people have unusual brain chemistry patterns. Major depression is often precipitated by a major life event (divorce, stressful job, death of a loved one). Serious depression may however occur even in the absence of any significant life stress. Depression is very responsive to treatment. Most people will feel markedly improved within 6-8 weeks of treatment.
Another form of the disorder is manic-depression in which a person swings between excessive euphoria and depression. |
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What causes depression?
The exact cause of depression is not known. Changes in mood characterized by feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and worthlessness may be associated with:
- a major depressive disorder or a chronic, milder depressive disorder
- a complication of another psychiatric disease or medical illness
- a reaction to a medication or drug
- biochemical changes in the body (for example, after childbirth)
- use of alcohol, amphetamines, cocaine, or LSD.
Some people have a greater risk of depression, such as those who:
- have obsessive-compulsive disorder or have a family history of anxiety or depression
- are anxious
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What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of major depression include a significant degree of one of the two following symptoms for more than 2 weeks:
- feeling sad or blue (may include crying spells, anxiety, agitation, irritability) every day.
- loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities.
In addition, major depression involves a significant degree of at least four of the following symptoms:
- poor appetite and significant weight loss, or increased appetite and significant weight gain
- inability to sleep (insomnia), increase in time spent sleeping (hypersomnia), or difficulty sleeping soundly
- fatigue, loss of energy
- increased physical activity (agitation) and restlessness
- decreased sex drive
- feelings of self-reproach or inappropriate guilt/feelings of hopelessness or helplessness
- difficulty in thinking clearly or concentrating
- memory difficulties
- thoughts of death or suicide.
People suffering from depression may have recurring, unexplained pain in certain parts of their bodies. Depressed people have difficulty in maintaining normal relationships with other people. |
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How is depression treated?
When symptoms are relatively mild, psychotherapy or medication may be used to treat depression. If your symptoms are more serious (for example, involving sleep changes or difficulties with day-to-day functioning), you may need both medication and counseling.
Counseling can give you some support and help you feel less like you are out of control, a victim, or going crazy. The most common psychotherapies used to treat depression are cognitive behavioral treatment and interpersonal psychotherapy. During counseling sessions, the therapist can help you identify unrealistic views of yourself, your relationships, the world, and the future.
Hospitalization is usually not necessary if treatment is started soon enough. Hospitalization might be advised if the risk of suicide is high, your home environment is so stressful or chaotic that it is making the depression worse, or you are unable to take care of yourself at home. |
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Can I take care of myself?
Follow the treatment recommended by your doctor, including antidepressant medication (if prescribed) and counseling. In addition, you can:
- Identify the activities that make you feel somewhat better and try to focus on them.
- Do not withdraw from others. Join a support group and talk to your friends.
- Ask for assistance at home and work if the load is too great to handle.
- Eat nutritious, well-balanced meals.
- Avoid drinking alcohol and coffee.
- Exercise on a regular basis.
- Get adequate rest and keep your sleep cycle as regular as possible.
- Perform relaxation exercises daily and breathing exercises during times of high stress.
- Perform frequent mental imaging of good life experiences.
- Learn new, positive problem-solving techniques.
- Call your doctor or therapist immediately if you feel suicidal.
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How can I get more information or schedule an appointment?
Call (919) 466-7540 today to get more information or schedule an appointment. |
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