Depression

What is depression?

Depression is a mental health challenge that affects your mood, causing ongoing or extreme sadness. Depression may accompany anxiety (feelings of fear), bipolar disorder (depression cycled with excitability), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or other common mental health conditions.

See the specialists at Expedient Medical, PLLC, at the first sign of depression to restore mental balance and your quality of life.

What are the symptoms of depression?

The hallmark symptoms of depression include:

• Loss of interest in favorite activities

• Ongoing or extreme sadness

• Social isolation

• Feeling hopeless, worthless, or guilty

• Thoughts of suicide

• Weight loss or weight gain

• Changes in sleep habits

• Substance misuse

• Anxiousness

• Mood swings

• Irritability

• Difficulty concentrating

Depression might negatively impact relationships with family and friends, your job, and other aspects of your daily life. Getting treated for depression helps you enjoy life to its fullest.

What can cause depression?

While the cause of depression isn’t always clear, common risk factors include:

• Loss of a loved one

• Divorce

• Job loss

• Family history of depression

• Lack of a strong social support network

• Traumatic life events

• Certain personality traits

• Some medications

• Chronic medical conditions

• Ongoing pain

• Additional mental health challenges

Having anxiety, PTSD, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or another mental health challenge may also increase your risk of developing depression.

How does my specialist diagnose depression?

To find out if you have depression, Dr. Khawar asks about your lifestyle, physical and mental health histories, medications, and symptoms. He weighs you, checks your vital signs, and completes a physical exam if needed.

During a psychiatric evaluation, he reviews your behaviors, thoughts, mood, emotions, and more before personalizing your treatment plan.

How is depression treated?

The most common treatments for depression include making healthy lifestyle changes, taking medications, and undergoing psychotherapy (talk therapy). You might be a candidate for one or more treatments for depression and additional mental health conditions.

Dr. Khawar follows up with you periodically to ensure your depression treatment works effectively and makes changes if necessary.

If you have an underlying health condition, such as a chronic disease, he helps you manage it to minimize symptoms and the risk of complications.

To find relief from depression, schedule an evaluation at Expedient Medical, PLLC, by phone or online today.