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DEPRESSION

Are you struggling with a sense of meaning or purpose that has been ongoing for at least 2 weeks. Is so, you may be suffering from depression which is a serious mood disorder which is more common than you may realize. It's estimated that 16.2 million adults in the United States, or 6.7 percent of American adults, have experienced at least one major depressive episode in a given year. Symptoms affect daily function and must last at least 2 consecutive weeks and not caused by depressing events or circumstances.

Symptoms may include

1. Feeling sad or hopeless

2. Worthless/guilt

3. Irritability and low tolerance

4. Loss of interest in activities that were once pleasurable

5. Poor sleep- sleeping too much, too little or problems falling asleep

6. Fatigue

7. Reduced or increased appetite

8. Unintentional weight loss or weight gain

9. Agitation, anxiety or feeling restless

10. Slow thinking or speaking

11. Poor decision making skills or recalling information

12. Suicidal thoughts, suicidal attempts, frequent or recurring thoughts of death.

Types of Depression.

1. Major Depressive disorder

2. Dysthymia

3. Post Partum Depression

4. Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

5. Psychotic Depression

6. Seasonal Affective Disorder

Treatment may include

1. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors - SSRI

2. Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor - SNRI

3. Norepinephrine - Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitor - NDRI

4. Second Generation Antipsychotics

ANXIETY

Are you having difficulty relaxing or slowing down your mind. Some degree of anxiety in particular situations are normal. However excessive anxiety can be debilitating and can significantly affect one's overall health and wellbeing.
Anxiety disorder is excessive with ongoing bouts of worry that does not go away and worsen overtime.

Anxiety disorders include

1. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) which occur most days and last for at least 6 months. Symptoms may include

1. Restlessness

2. Fatigue

3. Difficulty concentrating

4. Irritability

5. Muscle Tension

6. Poor sleep

7. Worries

2. Social Anxiety Disorder is characterized by fear of social settings.

3. Separation Anxiety is characterized by fear of being separated from others they are closely attached to, such as parents and partners. Individuals worry that harm will come to themselves or their loved ones.

4. Panic Disoder

5. Post Traumatic Disorder (PTSD)

6. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) characterized by uncontrollable recurring thoughts (obsession) and behaviors (compulsions)

7. Phobias are intense and often irrational fears of certain objects or situations.

Treatment may include

1. Anti anxiety medications

2. Antidepressant

3. Beta Blockers

BIPOLAR DISORDER

Bipolar disorder is characterized by unusual shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels, sleep disturbances and impulsive behaviors. The mood swings can range from a few days to weeks and in some instances can result in hospitalization.
There are two primary categories of Bipolar Disorder

1. Bipolar 1 Disorder requires at least one manic episode over the course of one's life. It may include episodes of mania, hypomania and depression but some people with bipolar 1 may experience little if any depression.

2. Bipolar II Disorder requires one or more major depressive episodes and at least one hypomanic episode over the course of one's life.

3. Cyclothymic Disorder is characterized by multiple episodes of hypomania and depressive symptoms but does not meet criteria for major depression or manic episodes. Symptoms last at least 2 years without a period of more than 2 months of stable moods.

4. Substance/medication-induced mood disorder is characterized by manic or major depressive episodes that occur in the context of medication or drug use and does not occur when the medication or substance is no longer in use.

Treatment may include but not limited to

1. Lithium

2. Anti-seizure medications: Depakote, Lamotrigine, carbamazepine

3. Atypical antipsychotics

4. Antidepressants which are used in conjunction with one of the above. If used alone can trigger mania.

ASSOCIATED SYMPTOMS WE TREAT

More often than not, symptoms are associated with a disorder and will be treated as such.

1. Excessive worrying

2. Mood fluctuations

3. Intrusive and distressing thoughts

4. Compulsive and ritualistic behaviors and thoughts

5. Sleep problems

6. Impulsive behaviors

7. Problems with focus and concentration

8. Past Trauma and stressful events

9. Hearing and seeing things or experiencing confusion about what is real.