Description
A mental state or chronic mental disorder characterized by feelings of sadness, loneliness, despair, helplessness, low self-esteem, and self-reproach. Other signs include psychomotor retardation (lack of energy or imitative), agitation, withdrawal from social contact, insomnia, decreased appetite and/or a vegetative state. The symptoms can become severe enough to cause self harm or suicide.
Symptoms
Sadness, despair, helplessness, lack of energy, increased sleeping, decreased sleeping, loss of appetite, suicidal thoughts.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. The "Patient Health Questionnaire-9" (PHQ-9) is a 9-question survey that is often used to identify symptoms of depression. Tests to rule out medical causes of the symptoms may be done including: thyroid function tests, electrolytes, or a brain CT scan.
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Psychiatry, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Pediatric and Adolescent Psychiatry
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. The "Patient Health Questionnaire-9" (PHQ-9) is a 9-question survey that is often used to identify symptoms of depression. Tests to rule out medical causes of the symptoms may be done including: thyroid function tests, electrolytes, or a brain CT scan.
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Psychiatry, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Pediatric and Adolescent Psychiatry
Treatment
Antidepressants and psychotherapy are the mainstays of treatment. Psychiatric hospitalizations may be needed for severe symptoms and for those with suicidal thoughts. For patients who fail to respond to medications and psychotherapy electroconvulsive treatment (ECT) may be an option. Any patient who feels life is not worth living needs to seek medical care immediately.