Depression is a real medical condition and there is help available. Dr. Jesalva offers care and treatment for patients throughout Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park, Westlake Village, Simi Valley, Agoura Hills, and Camarillo areas of east Ventura County in Southern California by providing mental health services for conditions like depression.
What is Depression?
Depression is a mood disorder that can cause serious symptoms that affect people's ability to manage the daily activities of life. Although anyone might feel blue once in awhile, depression lasts for at least two weeks, and in some cases, for many years. Perinatal or postpartum depression occurs during or after pregnancy; it's not just “baby blues” but a serious problem. Seasonal Affective Disorder is a form of depression that occurs in winter. Some people have a combination of depression and psychosis, and may become delusional or have hallucinations.
What Are the Symptoms of Depression?
People who are depressed report a persistent sad or hopeless mode, even when things are going well in their lives. They may be irritable, and some people who are depressed express their depression as anger. Symptoms of depression include decreased energy or chronic fatigue, feelings of guilt or helplessness, difficulty sleeping or concentrating, appetite or weight changes and thoughts of suicide.
Are There Risk Factors for Depression?
Depression is one of the most common mood disorders. It can happen at any age but is more likely to appear in adulthood. Genetics may play a role, as a family history of depression increases the risk, and depression often coexists with substance abuse or other mental health problems. Medication side effects can cause depression and people with chronic diseases may be depressed. Major life changes, trauma or stress can precipitate depression. A previous history of depression increases the risk of further depressive episodes.
How is Depression Treated?
Even severe cases of depression can be treated, although trial and error may be necessary to find what works best for an individual. Medications, psychotherapy or a combination of the two are the usual treatments. Medications may take a month or longer to work, and other symptoms like sleep and appetite may improve before the patient's mood gets better. If people don't respond to any other form of therapy, electroconvulsive therapy (sometimes called shock therapy) or other brain stimulating treatments may be helpful.
What is Depression?
Depression is a mood disorder that can cause serious symptoms that affect people's ability to manage the daily activities of life. Although anyone might feel blue once in awhile, depression lasts for at least two weeks, and in some cases, for many years. Perinatal or postpartum depression occurs during or after pregnancy; it's not just “baby blues” but a serious problem. Seasonal Affective Disorder is a form of depression that occurs in winter. Some people have a combination of depression and psychosis, and may become delusional or have hallucinations.
What Are the Symptoms of Depression?
People who are depressed report a persistent sad or hopeless mode, even when things are going well in their lives. They may be irritable, and some people who are depressed express their depression as anger. Symptoms of depression include decreased energy or chronic fatigue, feelings of guilt or helplessness, difficulty sleeping or concentrating, appetite or weight changes and thoughts of suicide.
Are There Risk Factors for Depression?
Depression is one of the most common mood disorders. It can happen at any age but is more likely to appear in adulthood. Genetics may play a role, as a family history of depression increases the risk, and depression often coexists with substance abuse or other mental health problems. Medication side effects can cause depression and people with chronic diseases may be depressed. Major life changes, trauma or stress can precipitate depression. A previous history of depression increases the risk of further depressive episodes.
How is Depression Treated?
Even severe cases of depression can be treated, although trial and error may be necessary to find what works best for an individual. Medications, psychotherapy or a combination of the two are the usual treatments. Medications may take a month or longer to work, and other symptoms like sleep and appetite may improve before the patient's mood gets better. If people don't respond to any other form of therapy, electroconvulsive therapy (sometimes called shock therapy) or other brain stimulating treatments may be helpful.