In recent years, in consequence of the challenges and constraints of the pandemic, there has been an obvious increase in mood and other behavioral health conditions in teenagers and other population cohorts but depressive illnesses have always been a potential challenge for youth. Even prior to Covid, the prevalence of Major Depression Disorder (MDD) in […]
Tag Archives: Depression
Depression in Adolescents 3/30/2022
The prevalence of Major Depression Disorder (MDD) in adolescents is 6%, with an additional 5-10% of teens presenting with sub-syndromal symptoms of depression. There is a 2:1 female: male ratio for MDD in adolescents. Teens frequently don’t necessarily present with the typical DSM criteria for MDD. Common depressive symptoms in adolescents include: irritability (as opposed […]
Alternative Treatments for Depression 4/11/2021
Depression is a common, often undertreated mental health for children and adolescents across the country. Front line treatments are well known, and include: various forms and types of psychotherapies (individual and/or family, DBT, IPT, etc.), medications such as the selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs), selective norepinephrine uptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and others, and various supportive interventions, […]
Perinatal Depression 1/10/2019
The American Academy of Pediatrics released an updated policy statement urging physicians to increase screening of women for perinatal depression. The statement titled “Incorporating Recognition and Management of Perinatal Depression into Pediatric Practice” was updated from an original statement in 2010. Perinatal depression can affect women during pregnancy and up to one year after delivery. […]
Psychiatry and Chronic Pain
Pain affects nearly 100 million people and is one of the most common complaints made to primary care providers by their patients. More than 20% of all medical visits are pain-related. Consistent with a biopsychosocial model of illness, individuals with chronic pain often report that the pain interferes with their ability to engage in occupational […]
Medical Differential for Patient Presenting with Depressive Symptoms
When a patient, especially one without a history of depression, presents with depressive symptoms, it is important to consider if those symptoms are a result of another medical condition. Depressive symptoms that are more likely to be in this category include: Fatigue/low energy Trouble initiating or maintaining sleep Hypersomnia Significant change in […]
“My child can’t focus. What does that mean?”
Many children and adolescents present to their primary care provider’s office with concerns about inattention, poor focus or poor concentration. Since the primary care provider’s office is typically the first stop, it is important to be comfortable further evaluating the presenting problem, identifying associated symptoms, determining the diagnosis and implementing the best treatment plan. Many […]
OCD
It used to be thought that obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) was rare, but it is more common than originally thought. The prevalence is between 2-3% worldwide and it affects males and females equally. Symptoms usually present between childhood and early adulthood, with 75% of patients having symptoms before the age of 18. OCD can be a […]
Treating Co-Morbid Depression and Coronary Artery Disease
Coronary Artery Disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and is one of the main contributors to the global burden of disease. One in four patients with coronary artery disease also suffer from depression, which adds to the risk of recurrent myocardial infarction and death. Guidelines exist to urge primary care […]
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
Approximately 75% of women experience premenstrual changes – increased irritability, tension, depressed mood, breast tenderness and bloating – commonly referred to as premenstrual syndrome (PMS). About 5-10% of women experience far more substantial premenstrual mood symptoms known as premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). PMDD symptoms includes moderate to severe depressed mood, irritability, mood lability, anxiety, anger, […]