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Can Primary Care Physicians Treat Depression?
Approximately 47.1 million people in the U.S. live with one or more mental health disorders, including depression or anxiety. Depression affects each gender and all ethnicities finding its way into all neighborhoods and occupations.
Several well-known public figures and celebrities , including former first lady Michelle Obama, have openly talked about their experiences with depression.
Primary care providers are an excellent option for patients struggling with depression and other mental health conditions.
Depression is treatable, especially when patients receive early treatment and work closely with their primary care provider. Talk to your doctor immediately if you find yourself slipping at work or school or feeling hopeless or sad.
What Causes Depression?
Depression is different for each individual and, therefore, can have many triggers. In general, depression is often attributed to one or more of the following factors:
- Major life changes – Substantive life changes such as a move, career change, health issue, or death of a loved one
- Trauma – Mental or physical trauma and abuse are often associated with depression
- Stress – Ongoing conflict and worrying can trigger depression, especially when stress levels are high and continuous
- Genetics – Some individuals have a family history of depression and are, therefore, more susceptible
- Pharmaceuticals – Some medications cause depression as a side effect or as the result of an adverse interaction between two or more drugs when taken together
Signs of Depression
In any given year, 21 million adults have at least one depressive episode. People with depression may experience some or all of the following symptoms :
Sadness
Anxiety
Feeling numb without emotion
Loss of appetite
Binge eating
Insomnia
Sleeping excessively, finding it difficult to get out of bed
Loss of interest in activities previously enjoyed
Withdrawal from family and friends
Irritability
Restlessness
Feelings of worthlessness
Inability to concentrate
Thoughts of self-harm
Lack of interest in personal hygiene
Headaches
Digestive problems
Fatigue
Weight change
Can A Primary Care Doctor Diagnose and Treat Depression?
Studies have shown that mental health concerns like anxiety and depression are in the top ten reasons for primary care visits. Primary care providers are often the first medical professionals to discover that a patient is struggling with depression. Symptoms of depression are often revealed during a sick visit or annual check-up.
Family doctors can diagnose depression and create a customized treatment plan to manage symptoms.
Treatment for Depression
Depression is different for every individual, and therefore treatment will vary with each person, but generally, depression is managed with behavioral therapy, medication, or a combination of both. In some cases, a physician may prescribe antidepressants.
Antidepressants are prescribed medications used to treat depression, insomnia, and anxiety. Antidepressants may help improve how a person’s brain utilizes chemicals that regulate mood or stress. There are many types of antidepressants, and each one works differently.
Five Major Classes of Antidepressants
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) – The most commonly prescribed antidepressants that treat depression by increasing serotonin levels.
- Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) – Treat depression by blocking the reabsorption of serotonin and norepinephrine.
- Tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants (TCAs) – Ease symptoms of depression by boosting levels of serotonin and epinephrine in the brain.
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) – Works by blocking enzymes that remove norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine from the brain.
- Atypical antidepressants are those antidepressants that do not fit into any of the other classes – They work by changing the levels of one or more neurotransmitters.
How to Talk to Your Primary Care Provider About Depression
Treating your depression starts when you begin a dialogue with your primary care provider about your symptoms, struggles, and concerns about your mental and emotional health.
Although sharing personal details about your life and emotions can feel uncomfortable, being honest and transparent with your doctor is important. By providing as much information as possible, your physician will have a complete picture of your health. Depression can affect every aspect of your health, including your physical well-being, so everything is relevant.
For example, let your physician know about any changes in your job performance or interactions with friends and family. Depression can affect these areas of your life and give your doctor important clues about the severity of your symptoms.
Depression can affect your cognitive skills, including your memory; therefore, writing down key questions or information in advance that you want to share with your doctor, so you do not forget later is helpful.
Remember, managing depression is an ongoing process; adhere strictly to all scheduled follow-up appointments with your physician.
Benefits of Having A Primary Care Physician Treat Your Depression
Receiving treatment for depression from your primary care doctor has several benefits.
After an initial diagnosis, your primary care provider can begin your treatment immediately, allowing you to receive faster relief from your symptoms than if you had to wait for an appointment with a psychiatrist or therapist.
In addition, a primary care physician will perform a physical examination to rule out any underlying health condition that might be causing your depression. For example, hormonal changes, vitamin deficiencies, and illnesses like thyroid disease can be a catalyst for depression.
For patients where antidepressants are a part of the treatment plan, primary care physicians have the best source of information to determine which medications work best when considering any other prescriptions taken for other ailments.
Primary Care Physician Treating Depression Near Me – Littleton, CO
Having a primary care physician to treat your depression can help you reach your emotional wellness goals while offering the convenience of centralized care. Colorado Primary Healthcare provides a wide variety of health services, including behavioral health and primary care. In addition, our facility has an onsite laboratory and full-service pharmacy.
If you are dealing with depression and want a primary care provider with extensive experience treating depression in the Littleton or Greater Denver area, we invite you to book an appointment using our online form or by calling our office at (303) 703-8583.
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