Depression

What is depression?

Depression, or major depressive disorder, is a chronic psychiatric disorder that creates intense sadness lasting for at least two weeks. You can receive a depression diagnosis at any age, and symptoms often come in cycles — improving but then returning. 

AG Psychiatry offers specialized, welcoming care for women struggling with depression — with the start of puberty, a girl's risk of having depression increases to twice that of boys. 

Changes in hormone levels during puberty, pregnancy, menopause, after giving birth, or having a miscarriage, may cause a higher risk of depression in women. 

What are the symptoms of depression? 

For children and adults, mental and physical symptoms of depression include: 

• Persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness 
• Anxiety 
• Isolation 
• Inability to concentrate 
• Changes in sleeping patterns 
• Lack of motivation 
• Avoiding personal grooming
• Feelings of guilt or self-blame 
• Loss of sex drive 
• Significant weight loss or gain 
• Fatigue or muscle aches 
• Suicidal ideations (which require emergency care) 

Children and adolescents may have non-specific complaints like stomach aches, headaches, and be consistently grumpy or bored. 

Are there other disorders closely associated with depression?

There are many mood disorders that can present with very similar symptoms to depression. Your psychiatrist at AG Psychiatry can help you parse out your symptoms and feelings to see if one or more of the following mood disorders could be affecting you: 

Major depressive disorder

Major depressive disorder may include the presence of five of nine symptoms, such as: 

• Sad, angry, or irritable mood
• Changes in sleep or eating patterns 
• Feelings of guilt 
• Loss of motivation or fatigue 

For women, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) causes symptoms a week before your period.

Substance-induced mood disorder

Drug misuse, alcoholism, certain medications, or exposure to toxins can lead to symptoms of depression. 

Dysthymia

Dysthymia is a consistent, low-grade, depressed, or irritable mood that lasts at least two years. 

Bipolar disorder 

You may experience a combination of manic, depressed, or hypomania symptoms, including: 

• Mood swings 
• Periods of sadness 
• Anger or irritability
• Reckless behavior 
• Racing thoughts or speech 
• Sleep loss 

Children may have disruptive mood dysregulation disorder — exhibiting persistent irritability and an inability to control behavior.

What are my depression treatment options?

Your provider first conducts a thorough psychiatric evaluation to best understand the cause of your or your child’s depression. They then develop a holistic treatment plan, which may include psychotherapy, medications, or a mix of both. 

To book a virtual or in-person appointment and discover your best option for treatment, call AG Psychiatry today or use the online scheduling tool.