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The majority of time when patients or mental health professionals talk about the diagnosis and treatment of depression, they are referring to unipolar depression. While bipolar depression may be incorrectly diagnosed as unipolar depression, the treatment including medications prescribed are completely different.

Bipolar Disorder Difficult to Diagnose

The correct diagnosis of unipolar or bipolar depression can be missed by inexperienced professionals. When a person with bipolar disorder is in the low phase of their cycle they may be incorrectly diagnosed as having unipolar depression as both types of depression look so similar at that time. ULifeline reports that someone with bipolar depression may experience depressive episodes for years at a time without ever having a period of mania or hypomania, thus never receiving the correct diagnosis and treatment.

The Highs and Lows of Depression 

Those with bipolar depression have periods of time that they experience low moods or depression; however, they also have episodes of high moods or mania where they feel an increased energy, euphoria, impulsive behaviors and insomnia. People who have unipolar depression do not go through the “highs” found with bipolar depression. While both forms of depression can continue for years at a time they both respond to treatment when the proper set of medications are prescribed.

Symptoms of Depression

While any of us may feel sad or depressed for a time, continuing depression and development of associated behaviors point toward the need to seek out professional help. The symptoms of unipolar or bipolar depression that are most common are:

• Extreme sadness or depressed mood
• Apathy
• Low energy levels
• Feelings of loneliness or withdrawal from family and friends
• Lack of interest in normally enjoyable activities
• Sleeping problems (sleeping too much or inability to sleep)
• Suicidal thoughts and feelings

Symptoms of Bipolar Mania

Common symptoms of bipolar mania which may occur after an episode of bipolar depression include:

• Behaviors exhibited of being happy or euphoric, confident, energetic and productive
• Racing thoughts and/or fast speech
• Decreased need for sleep along with not feeling tired
• Irritability, agitation, and aggression
• Impulsive behaviors (i.e., sexual escapades, spending sprees, heavy gambling, abuse of illegal drugs or over-the-counter medications)
• Displaying high-risk behaviors with poor judgment
• Difficulty focusing or concentrating on a task or activity

Unipolar and Bipolar Depression Medication

Having the correct diagnosis in place is critical. While antidepressants are used to treat depression a person with bipolar depression who takes an antidepressant may find the medication triggering a dangerous manic episode. Bipolar depression requires a different set of pharmaceuticals, most commonly a mood stabilizer and anti-manic medications.

Unipolar and Bipolar Atlanta Psychiatrist

A skilled psychiatrist will design your treatment regime to fit you and your needs after a comprehensive evaluation for a correct diagnosis. Call Dr. Hege for a confidential appointment and help find the correct diagnosis.

Many do not understand what depression looks like, thinking that persistent sadness is the main symptom to be identified.  While sadness can be a symptom, it is often more likely that a mental health professional will diagnosis depression looking at a variety of other symptoms. Depression may display subtle and confusing signs leading a person to believe that “this is just the way my life is,” not that they have a treatable disease that is casting a shadow over their life and the lives of those around them.

The Statistics of Depression

The Center for Disease Control and Office for National Statistics report that almost 20 million Americans suffer from depression. The data concludes that up to 25% of women and up to 12% of men will become clinically depressed in their lifetime, with the majority never being diagnosed. With a poor understanding of what depression looks like, many endure years with a variety of symptoms that impact their daily lives without ever considering they may be depressed.

Depression Triggers Variety of Symptoms

Depression may trigger symptoms that are not typically thought of with depression. Constant tiredness, insomnia, poor appetite, forgetfulness, or being unable to focus and concentrate often lead one to think they are just working too hard, not getting enough sleep, or feeling stress from daily life. With depression you can still function, continue to work, have relationships, raise a family and continue to push yourself from day to day, month to month.

Signs and Symptoms of Depression

Although each case of depression may appear differently, there are several common factors to look for:

• Changes in weight, sleeping habits or appetite – these symptoms vary from person to person. For example, one person may want to sleep all the time, while others may battle insomnia; losing weight from poor appetite is a symptom for one while weight gain from eating all the time fits another person.
• Physical symptoms that do not go away – includes recurring headaches, back aches, digestive or GI disorders, chronic fatigue, menstrual issues or aches and pains that persist.
• Low mood – This is the most obvious symptom of depression; low mood may also transcend into low self-esteem, becoming self-critical or judgmental, and finding oneself irritable with friends, family and co-workers; a low mood may also “flip” at a certain time of the day where you may feel more animated, anxious, and energetic.
• General apathy and lack of interest or pleasure in normal daily activities – You may feel listless, washed out, the world or your life flat or colorless. Depression often promotes isolation with sufferers not wanting to be around others, not wanting to go out and “have fun,” tending to spend more and more time at home.
• Low sex drive – In addition to being a symptom of depression, low sex drive may have a biological cause as depression is linked with hormonal changes.
• Forgetfulness or difficulty concentrating – decreased ability to recall the details of an event or situation, which impacts on problem solving and decision making skills.
• Pessimistic or hopeless outlook on life – a depressed person is more apt to dwell on negative consequences, or see upcoming events or social activities in a negative manner; they may experience feelings of guilt, helplessness or thoughts of suicide

Women and Depression

In the book “Listening to Depression” women often engage in behaviors that are “masked depression.” Depression for women may include compulsive shopping, working, eating or drinking. Women may also say they are not depressed but rather they just do not care – an attitude of indifference can signal depression.

Depression Help in Atlanta

Call the office for an appointment to discuss your symptoms and determine your next steps. Dr. Hege has decades of successful treatment for those suffering from depression.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently reported that one out of every 10 Americans is affected by depression and that number continues to rise 20% every year. Globally about 7% of adults experience a major depressive episode in any given year and is the leading cause of disability worldwide.

The Impact of Depression

Depression left untreated affects how you think, feel and behave, which leads to emotional, cognitive and physical problems. Depression robs you of motivation, excitement with life, strength and energy, and the ability to perform basic every day activities and routines. This illness affects your family, friends, peers at work, and can keep you imprisoned.

Depression Research Data

For many that suffer from diagnosed depression the focus has centered on treating the illness. New research in its early stages has shown there are multiple triggers giving fuel to the idea that depression has more root causes than previously thought. Exposure to chronic stress is one root cause that is receiving intense study.

Chronic Stress Tied to Depression

Healthline reports the results of a study published in Molecular Psychiatry where it was discovered that disturbances in one type of brain cell has a direct causal relationship with depression. This specific type of brain cell, microglia, accounts for the 10% of brain cells that represent the brain’s immune system. Exposure to chronic stress causes the microglia to change, with the change directly tied to depression symptoms.

Symptoms of Depression

Depression is also known as major depression, major depressive disorder or clinical depression.  The top signs or symptoms include:

• Loss of interest in life and normal activities
• Persistent feeling of sadness
• Feeling helpless and hopeless
• Complaints of general aches and pains that do not respond to treatment
• Lack of energy; easily fatigued
• Finding it difficult to concentrate or make any decisions
• Sleeping too much or not sleeping enough

Stop Debilitating Depression

Mental health practitioners with the proper knowledge and experience can better target the type of depression and its triggers to start improving their patient’s quality of life sooner.

Call an Atlanta depression psychiatrist Dr. Darvin Hege today!

National Institute of Health (NIH) research have taken a clinical look at “winter blues” in comparison with a more severe type of depression called seasonal affective disorder or SAD. NIH research has looked at over 30 years of data to report the term “winter blues” is not a medical diagnosis. “Winter blues” may come and go over a period of a few days or weeks at a time. Seasonal affective disorder / SAD interferes with the ability to function on a daily basis for up to 5-6 months a year. Suffering through months of depression that not only affects you, but also family, friends and co-workers can be successfully treated by an experienced mental health practitioner.

Seasonal Affective Disorder a Form of Depression

Seasonal affective disorder is a form of depression characterized by recurring episodes of mild to severe periods of depression. In addition, other psychiatric disorders, such as bipolar illness, also experience seasonal changes with depressive episodes that may mimic seasonal affective disorder. Receiving mental health treatment from a well-qualified experienced psychiatrist is critical in assuring an accurate diagnosis or multiple diagnoses in the evaluation and treatment planning for your unique set of symptoms and behaviors. Medicine.net reports that up to 10% of adults suffer through SAD, with women diagnosed four-times as often as men. While the average age to develop SAD depression is 23, people of all ages can develop this form of recurring depression.

Symptoms of SAD Depression

While some do not exhibit all of these symptoms, the most common characteristics of recurrent depression or seasonal affective disorder reported by the National Alliance on Mental Illness include:

• Recurrent episodes of depression, usually seen in the late fall and winter
• Periods of depression are typically mild to moderate, but can reach severe states
• Thoughts of suicide is a risk during more severe depression episodes
• Pattern of insomnia or complaints of poor sleep patterns
• Recurring pattern of oversleeping
• Reports of carbohydrate craving and accompanying weight gain
• Decreased sexual interest and libido
• Feelings of hopelessness with daily life
• Lack of interest in normal daily activities
• Decreased socialization and interaction with peers

When SAD depression occurs in the summer, the symptoms most commonly exhibited include:

• Insomnia
• Poor appetite and weight loss
• Difficulty concentrating on basic tasks
• Crying spells
• Irritability
• Thoughts of suicide with severe depressive episodes

Atlanta Seasonal Affective Disorder Depression Psychiatrist

The “winter blues” are a form of depression that can be successfully treated following a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation to determine the type, form and degree of depression being experienced. Treatment and management is tied to correct diagnosis of one, two or multiple mental health issues being exhibited. Call the office and schedule an appointment if you’re experiencing these issues.

Major depression is a mood disorder in which feelings of sadness, loss, anger, or frustration interfere with everyday life for weeks or longer. The Anxiety & Depression Association of America reports that having a major depressive disorder is the leading cause of disability in the U.S. for adults into their mid-40’s. While each person is affected differently, everyone  is impacted when depression interferes with their home, work, school and personal life.

Major Depression Statistics

Healthline reports 1 out of 10 people experience depression following a loss, traumatic event or life change. In addition, the phrase “having the blues” is commonly understood as having a sad or emotional time. Major depression affects almost 15 million adults in the U.S. during the course of a year, with the median age of onset at 33 years old. The incidence of depression is higher than reported as many men and women fail to seek help, continuing to struggle on through daily life.

Symptoms of Major Depression

While symptoms experienced with major depression vary from person to person, Mayo Clinic reports indicate there are numerous symptoms that are reported time after time. These major depression symptoms include

• Feelings of being sad and unhappy that last more than 2 weeks
• Loss of interest or pleasure in taking part in normal daily activities
• Either insomnia or excessive sleeping
• 5% change in weight (up or down) in a one-month period
• Overwhelming fatigue and tiredness, slowed movements
• Poor ability to focus, concentrate or make decisions
• Dwelling on thoughts of death and suicide
• Unstable emotions (agitation, crying spells, angry outbursts, self guilt, etc.)

Reaching out for psychiatric help for major depressive diagnosis is critically important and can significantly ease the physical and emotional aspects of the disorder. Find the best psychiatrist who has years of experience and a track record of successful depression treatment in Atlanta.

Depression Usually Accompanied by Other Mental Disturbances

There are many mental health issues that often accompany depression which need to be considered in a complete diagnosis and treatment plan. Psychological disorders may be triggers to depression or may manifest themselves as a consequence of the depressive episode. In either case, prescribing a specific medication mix is paramount to effective treatment.

Each disorder needs to be addressed separately as well as comprehensively for an effective treatment plan to succeed. Research shows common co-existing anxiety disorders include PTSD, OCD, panic, general anxiety, and social phobia; substance abuse of alcohol and drugs are also often seen co-existing with depression.

Individualized Treatment by Expert Atlanta Depression Psychiatrist

Dr. Darvin Hege, a well known Atlanta depression psychiatrist, has a long successful history of treating major depression. Each person needs their program designed using a medication management regime that fits their specific needs, triggers, and possible co-existing illness.

Call now and take the first step in breaking through the dark cloud toward happiness and contentment.

Everyone experiences times in their lives when they feel discouraged, sad, and out of sorts about life. There are many reasons for people to become unhappy and depressed. Examples of things which may cause feelings of unhappiness and sadness can include things like dealing with a death in the family, conflict of some type with other people, suffering from a serious illness, divorce, or undergoing a major change in employment or education. For many, these depressed periods in their lives are temporary and do not continue to last for more than a short period of time.

Effective Medication for Depression – Atlanta Depression Psychiatrist

When depression is long lasting and persistent over a period of weeks and it begins to overwhelm your life leaving you with feelings of helplessness and hopelessness, it is time to get the help of a psychiatrist who can prescribe medication proven effective in treating the symptoms of depression. Specific symptoms of depression can vary between individuals but generally there are some symptoms which are common. If you exhibit one or more of these symptoms for a period of weeks there is help available. What are the symptoms of depression? The symptoms of severe or clinical depression include;

• Depression most of the day, nearly every day
• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities you once enjoyed
• Weight loss or weight gain
• Difficulty sleeping or oversleeping on a daily basis
• Excessive fatigue, lack of energy
• Feelings of worthlessness
• Feelings of hopelessness and isolation
• Diminished ability to think and concentrate
• Thoughts of death or suicide

Severe depression has been linked to causes including genetic makeup and environmental, psychological, and biochemical factors. It is estimated that as many as 1 in 10 people suffer from depression and twice as many women as men. Some of the most effective treatments for clinical depression include antidepressants. Research suggests that there are significant changes in the brain chemistry of depressed people and antidepressant medication helps restore that chemical balance.

Depression is a treatable psychological disorder which usually surfaces in the late teens to mid-twenties, but is also commonly found in older adults. If you need help with depression your best course of action would be to consult with an Atlanta psychiatrist like Dr. Hege. Unlike a psychologist, a psychiatrist like Dr. Hege is a medical doctor who can prescribe medication to treat your symptoms.

Atlanta Depression Psychiatrist Dr. Hege

Dr. Hege is an experienced Atlanta psychiatrist who helps patients with depression. He’s been helping patients for over 25 years. He can prescribe medication for your depression to help you lead a more balanced, symptom free life. Contact his office today and make an appointment to evaluate your condition and learn how Dr. Hege can help you.

Panic attacks can be devastating for those suffering from the condition. Attacks come at random and can occur frequently or can have long periods of time between episodes. The fact that attacks can't be anticipated causes more anxiety. Ultimately, two thirds of the people who have a panic attack will be diagnosed with a panic disorder within a year following their first attack, and half of those who go through a panic attack will develop clinical depression within a year. It seems that panic attacks and depression often go hand in hand.

The first thing to do after experiencing a panic attack is to go through a medical evaluation so physical conditions can be ruled out as the cause of the panic attack. Overactive thyroid, heart problems, too much nicotine or caffeine, certain medications, and abuse of alcohol or illegal drug use can cause symptoms similar to panic attacks. Scientists aren't sure what causes true panic attacks. They may be caused by chemical imbalances in the brain. Sometimes panic attacks are an inherited condition. Many times there is no physical reason for an attack, but it is best to get medical help to rule out physical causes.

Repeated anxiety attacks can cause depression and panic attacks can turn into a panic disorder. The anxiety of wondering if another panic attack is on the way causes severe stress and sometimes thoughts of suicide in people who suffer from them. Since panic attacks are frighteningly similar to symptoms of serious medical conditions such as heart attacks, people naturally become more anxious that their attacks may be life-threatening. The lack of control that sufferers go through is often depressing as is the fact that they can't anticipate an attack. If a person has lived with panic attacks for a while, the anxiety they feel can give them low self-esteem or may lower their self-image which also can result in depression. Panic attacks and depression combined can make people feel like they are in a downward spiral that can never be escaped.

When panic attacks and depression occur together, it is best to get help from a qualified psychiatrist. Early intervention can help the person before the condition affects their lives too much since often people will avoid the places or situations they feel bring on their panic attacks, leading to a decreased quality of life. Depression is a serious condition and needs to be treated separately from the the panic attacks. But, anti-depression medication, certain types of psychotherapy, or a mixture of the two can effectively treat the individual who suffers from panic attacks and depression. Dr. Darvin Hege, an Atlanta-based psychiatrist, says "addressing the core panic disorder or other condition with the vast selection of tools with which psychiatrists are familiar will likely result in relief and success."

Dr. Darvin Hege has 25 years of experience dealing with patients who have panic attacks and depression simultaneously. He offers evening and weekend office hours at his Atlanta, GA practice. Call today at 770 458-0007 for an evaluation for relief of your panic attacks and depression and for help deciding the most effective and safest treatment.