09/30/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 09/30/2024 02:12
Lethargy, apathy and sadness are all common symptoms of depression.
Depression is on the rise in the United States, with 29% of U.S. adults reporting that they have been diagnosed with depression at some point in their lifetimes. Nearly 18% of American adults also reported currently being treated for depression, or having been treated in the past.
To help meet the challenge of rising depression rates, doctors are increasingly recognizing the importance of screening for depression during regular medical checkups. Screenings can help identify depression early, allowing patients to be treated sooner.
A depression screening is a set of questions that can help a doctor diagnose depression. While everyone feels sad or down at times, depression is a serious mental health condition that affects how you feel, think and behave. Some people may develop depression as a result of another mental health condition, such as an anxiety or bipolar disorder.
Doctors may screen for depression as part of a routine checkup or if a patient shows signs of depression. Typically, your doctor will ask you questions about your mood and how it affects your daily life. They may then ask you specific questions to screen for depression, such as:
Depending on your answers, your doctor may follow up with a more detailed questionnaire to confirm a diagnosis. If your answers do not point to depression, your doctor may review your symptoms again to determine a cause.
If your doctor suspects that depression is causing your symptoms, they may use a depression screening tool.
If you or your doctor think you have depression or another mood disorder, it's important to get treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you start treatment for depression, the sooner you can start to feel better. Early mental health intervention can reduce the frequency and severity of symptoms. It can also reduce the intensity and duration of treatment.
Depression treatment can also improve your overall health and reduce your risk of developing other serious conditions. For instance, depression can increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. A history of depression has also been tied to an increased risk of Type 2 diabetes. In fact, studies have shown that people with Type 2 diabetes are two to three times more likely to have depression than people without diabetes.
Untreated depression can become more difficult to manage and worsen other health conditions. It can also increase the likelihood of risky behaviors, such as alcohol and drug use. Untreated depression can affect your ability to maintain relationships and job performance.
There are several depression treatment options available. Sometimes, different treatments are combined for the best results. If you have depression, your doctor may recommend:
You may start to feel better within a few weeks of starting treatment, but it can take longer depending on the severity of your symptoms. If you feel like you're not getting better or your depression is getting worse, talk to your doctor.
Depression is a serious condition, but there are options available to treat and alleviate symptoms. As doctors focus on screening for depression, they are better equipped to identify and treat it early. This approach can lead to quicker, more effective interventions that can help you feel better sooner. Reach out to your doctor if you are experiencing symptoms associated with depression.
Find information about mental health resources from our larger health network, HCA Healthcare.