What to Expect at Your Office Visit
A complete history, a psychiatric interview
, and a physical examination will be performed to try to classify your depression as mild, moderate, or severe and to see if there is an underlying, treatable cause (such as alcohol abuse
or an underactive thyroid). Hospitalization is usually recommended if suicide seems possible.
Expect some exploration of the issues and events associated with your feelings of depression. Your doctor will ask you about:
- Your depressive moods and other symptoms (sleep, appetite
, concentration, energy)
- Possible stressors in your life, and support systems in place
- Whether thoughts about ending your life have ever crossed your mind
- Drug
and alcohol use, and about the medications you are currently taking, if any
Treatment will vary according to the cause and severity of your depressive symptoms, as well as your personal preference. The most effective therapy for moderate or severe depression is a combination of antidepressant
medication and psychotherapy.
For mild depression, counseling and self-care measures without medication
may be enough.
If you are taking medications for other purposes that could cause depression as a side effect, these may need to be changed. DO NOT change or stop any of your medications without consulting your doctor.
For people who are so severely depressed as to be unable to function, or who are suicidal and cannot be safely cared for in the community, psychiatric hospitalization may be necessary.
Prevention
Healthy lifestyle habits can help prevent depression, or lessen the chances of it happening again. These habits include eating properly, sleeping adequately, exercising regularly, learning
to relax, and not drinking alcohol or using drugs.
Counseling
may help you through times of grief, stress, or low mood. Family therapy may be particularly important for teens who feel blue.
If you feel socially isolated or lonely, try volunteering or getting involved in group activities.
References
Moore D, Jefferson J. Major Depressive Disorder
. In: Handbook of Medical Psychiatry.
2nd ed. Mosby, Inc., 2004; 134-141.
Screening for Depression Recommendations and Rationale
. US Preventive Services Task Force, Guidelines from Guide to Clinical Preventive Services: 3rd ed. Rockville, Md
. US Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Agency for Health Care Policy and Research; May 1, 2002.
World Health Organization
. The World Health Report 2001 - Mental Health: New Understanding, New Hope.
Geneva World Health Organization
, 2001.
Guide to Clinical Preventive Services: Screening for Depression, Recommendations and Rationale. Rockville, Md
. US Preventive Services Task Force, Dept of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Agency for Health Care
Policy and Research. Ann Intern Med.
2002; 136(10): 760–764.
Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Patients With Major Depressive Disorder
, 2nd ed. Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Association; 2000.
Review Date: 1/28/2008
Reviewed By: A.D.A.M. Editorial Team: David Zieve,
MD
, MHA, Greg Juhn, MTPW, David R. Eltz, Kelli A. Stacy, ELS. Benjamin W. Van Voorhees,
MD
, MPH, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Pediatrics and Psychiatry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (5/17/2007).
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