Could my symptoms be depression?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am an 18-year-old girl, and I am not sure if I have depression or not. I am feeling low, different, and cannot eat or sleep properly for a while now. I have been losing weight unintentionally, and I am just lying down all the time.

I do have WPW (I am not sure if it matters at all). What should I do?

Please help.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I am truly sorry you are feeling this way.

I understand your concern.

Yes, it might be due to depressive disorder. Patients with major depressive disorder experience these kinds of symptoms, such as persistent sadness, loss of interest, fatigue, loss of interest in social gatherings and activities, loss of hope, physical symptoms such as headache, memory problems, menstrual irregularities, and sleep and appetite issues. So depression can present with a range of symptoms. The symptoms you mentioned suggest depressive disorder.

However, first we need to rule out physical causes. For instance, anemia, B12 deficiency, vitamin D deficiency, hypercalcemia, hypothyroidism, Cushing syndrome, Addison's disease, and medicines such as steroid use. So all of these matter a lot as they mimic the symptoms related to depression. Therefore, order a complete range of investigations.

Depression is a manageable condition, and there are two strategies for it. One is to start an antidepressant; in your case, Sertraline would be better. It is safe in cardiac concerns. Medicines work gradually, but they are effective and improve your motivation, mood, energy, sleep, appetite, and indirectly help with depression. Most common side effects include nausea and sexual dysfunction.

Psychotherapy is also a preferred option along with medicines. Usually CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) has the most evidence, but the choice of therapy depends upon the cause. For instance, if depressive symptoms are due to conflicts with people, Interpersonal therapy is effective, and similarly, if dysfunctional thoughts and behaviors are problematic, then CBT is preferred. Other options include mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Therapies usually benefit you in the long term and help prevent relapse.

You can check your symptom severity by applying the Beck Depression Inventory. This is a self-rated scale. If you share all of the symptoms, total duration, previous and current meds, previous history of psychiatric illness, family history of psychiatric illness, any substance use, menstrual cycle, previous lab reports, I can help you more.Feel free to contact me for any other questions.

Thank you.