Depression affects nearly one in every 15 American adults each year. This condition can influence your relationships, work, and personal life, making it difficult to function in your daily life. At New Hope Specialty Clinic in Charlotte, North Carolina, Kurian Abraham, MD, provides depression screenings to determine if you need treatment. He creates a custom treatment plan to address your depressive symptoms and help relieve the negative feelings and thoughts that disrupt your life. Schedule a consultation for a depression screening online or by calling the office directly.
New Hope Specialty Clinic
Internists & Internal Medicine located in Charlotte, NC
Depression Q & A
What is depression?
Depression is a common but serious medical condition that affects how you think, feel, and act. Depressive symptoms include persistent feelings of sadness and a noticeable loss of interest in activities.
When you experience symptoms of depression, you may begin to also experience additional physical and emotional problems that can interfere with your ability to function at home and at work.
While depression can affect anyone at any time, depression symptoms often appear first in your late teens or early 20s. Women are more likely to develop depression, especially during major hormone changes in the body, such as after childbirth or leading up to menopause.
What causes depression?
There are a number of factors that can determine your risk for developing clinical depression. These factors include:
- Genetics
- Brain chemical makeup
- Environmental factors
You may also be at increased risk for depression if you are easily overwhelmed by stress, tend to have a pessimistic personality or have a low self-esteem.
What are the symptoms of depression?
In addition to feeling sadness, symptoms of depression can include:
- Changes in appetite
- Sleeping difficulties
- Loss of energy
- Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
- Difficulties concentrating
- Suicidal thoughts
In general, you must experience persistent symptoms of depression for two weeks or longer to receive a depression diagnosis.
Dr. Abraham can perform a physical examination and a review of your medical history to rule out other medical conditions that can cause similar symptoms.
What treatment options are available for depression?
Depression symptoms can become severe over time and without treatment. Luckily, depression is a highly treatable condition and Dr. Abraham can evaluate your symptoms and medical history to determine the best course of treatment for you.
Initially, Dr. Abraham may recommend medications, like antidepressants, to modify your brain chemistry and stabilize your moods. It may take up to six weeks for optimum results of medication therapy to take effect.
In addition to prescription medications, Dr. Abraham may suggest psychotherapy to help you manage your symptoms and recognize patterns of negative thinking and behaviors.
Certain lifestyle changes can also reduce the occurrence of depressive symptoms, such as eating a healthy diet and incorporating an exercise routine into your day.
To find out if your symptoms of sadness and loss of interest in life are related to depression, book an appointment online or by calling the Charlotte office directly.
