What to Expect When Seeing a Doctor for Depression

What to Expect When Seeing a Doctor for Depression Depression Treatment Print What to Expect When Seeing a Doctor for Depression By Nancy Schimelpfening Nancy Schimelpfening, MS is the administrator for the non-profit depression support group Depression Sanctuary. Nancy has a lifetime of experience with depression, experiencing firsthand how devastating this illness can be. Learn about our editorial policy Nancy Schimelpfening Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on December 08, 2017 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD Updated on February 04, 2020 Depression Overview Types Symptoms Causes & Risk Factors Diagnosis Treatment Coping ADA & Your Rights Depression in Kids FatCamera / EyeEm / Getty Images In the United States, over 7% of adults and children (over the age of 12) experience depression within any two-week period.?? In fact, depression is one of the most common chronic health conditions listed by doctors on their patients medical records. While depression is common, if you think you have it, you may be unsure about where to begin. Here are the steps to getting your mental health treated, so you can feel well. Seeing Your Primary Care Doctor If you suspect you may have depression, your first visit should be to your family or  primary care physician  for a thorough checkup. While most doctors do screen for depression, its best to be forward and tell your doctor upfront your concerns about your mood.?? Your doctor is there to help you, so dont hold back. Questions Your Doctor May Ask How long have you been feeling sad or down?Are you sleeping more than usual or  having difficulty sleeping?  How is your appetite? Have you lost weight or gained weight?How is your energy level?Are you having trouble concentrating or making decisions?Do you think of death or have thoughts of suicide?   Your answers to these questions (and others) will help your doctor pinpoint whether or not you have major depressive disorder, often referred to simply as depression. Before confirming a diagnosis, however, your doctor will need to rule out other health problems as there are symptoms of several medical conditions that can mimic those of depression. This is especially true in older adults with new-onset depression. Some of these health conditions include:?? Vitamin deficiencies (for example, vitamin B12 deficiency)AnemiaLow blood sugarHypothyroidismCalcium or other electrolyte abnormalitiesKidney or liver problems While blood tests cannot be used to diagnose depression, they may be ordered by your doctor to rule out some of these above conditions. Less commonly, an imaging test may be ordered, like a brain  MRI, to rule out structural brain diseases, like stroke, especially if there are neurological signs upon physical examination or evidence of cognitive problems. Some medications may also cause symptoms of depression as a side effect. Be sure to tell your doctor all of the medications you are taking, including both prescription and over-the-counter drugs. Lastly, its worthy to note that sometimes other mental health conditions can be difficult to tease apart from depression.?? For instance, bipolar disorder  may be misdiagnosed initially as depression. Often this misdiagnosis occurs because symptoms of mania may be overlooked, as depressive symptoms  are the ones that feel so bad and first prompt the doctor visit. Substance use, either intoxication or withdrawal, can also cause symptoms that overlap with depression. Try to remain patient as your doctor sorts through your symptoms. Warning Signs That You Might Be Depressed Referral to a Mental Health Professional After a complete medical history and physical examination, if your doctor diagnoses you with depression, you may then be referred to a  mental health professional, like a psychiatrist.?? The role of a psychiatrist is to further evaluate your mood and determine whether or not medication is needed.  If you would also benefit from  psychotherapy  (research suggests that the combination of medication and therapy is most effective for treating depression), psychiatrists are generally able to handle this as well, although some may elect to refer you to another mental health professional, like a psychologist.?? While some people will do fine being treated by their primary care physician, others may benefit from seeing a psychiatrist especially if symptoms are not improving with the first trial of an antidepressant or the depression is severe from the start. If you are diagnosed with depression, its prudent to start with, or at least get a referral to, a mental health professional. The Best Online Help Resources for Depression Treatment of Depression Is Complex Its important to note the treatment of depression is not as simple as receiving a prescription for  Prozac (fluoxetine).  The individual causes of depression are diverse and poorly understood. The medications used to treat it are just as diverse, so matching a drug with an individual is not a clear-cut decision.?? A persons specific symptoms, co-existing illnesses, tolerance of side effects, and medications previously tried are just a few factors that are considered when your doctor chooses your antidepressant.?? Also, treatment can take some time. While many people begin to feel better within one to two weeks, it can take six to twelve weeks to feel the full effect of your medication. Even so, be sure to follow closely with your doctor, especially if you are experiencing bothersome side effects. Also, if you are noticing very little or no improvement in your symptoms after two to four weeks, your doctor may increase your dose, add another medication to increase its effect, or switch your medication.?? Depression Discussion Guide Get our printable guide to help you ask the right questions at your next doctors appointment. Download PDF How Depression Is Treated A Word From Verywell The most important thing to remember about seeking  treatment for your depression symptoms  is simply to speak up and ask. Depression is not a sign of weakness or laziness. Its a sign that something is out of balance. With proper treatment, which usually entails the two-pronged approach of medication and psychotherapy, you can feel well again. What to Expect From Depression Treatment