How can we improve access to behavioral healthcare? How can we reduce the cost of care? How do we improve access for children and young people? And how do we alleviate the provider crisis? AHIP has brand-new research about mental health access that can answer some of these questions, and pose new ones.
Matthew Eyles is President & CEO of America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP), the national trade association representing health insurance providers. Matt leads the association toward fulfilling its mission and vision: expanding access to affordable health care coverage to all Americans through a competitive marketplace that fosters choice, quality, and innovation.
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Depression Symptoms and Treatment
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Depression Symptoms and Treatment
While it may seem like there is no cure for depression, the good news is that the condition is treatable. Fortunately, there are many effective treatment options, including therapy, medications, and changes in lifestyle. You can treat depression through a combination of approaches, such as lifestyle changes and exercise. If you feel overwhelmed by the symptoms of depression, consider talking to a professional. The right treatment option for you will be based on your individual needs and lifestyle.
If you are experiencing persistent low moods and a loss of interest in everyday activities, a depression doctor can help. Depression symptoms must not be caused by substance abuse or any other medical condition. Although a temporary drop in mood is natural and is common, persistent depression makes it impossible to function normally. A depression doctor can recommend treatment options based on your specific symptoms and your family’s history. For moderate-to-severe depression, antidepressants may be prescribed to treat the depression symptoms. They work by affecting different neurotransmitters in the brain.
A medical condition known as major depressive disorder affects a person’s thoughts, feelings, and behavior. It is characterized by sadness and the inability to engage in normal activities. The symptoms of depression can be accompanied by physical problems and impair one’s ability to function at work and school. Sometimes, medical conditions can mimic the symptoms of depression, including thyroid problems, brain tumors, vitamin deficiencies, and others. However, treatment is crucial in recovery from the symptoms of depression.
If you suspect you have a mental disorder, it is important to seek help immediately. You should be open to talking to family and friends, and seek help at depression support groups. It is not a sign of weakness to ask for help, and being able to talk to someone face-to-face can help tremendously. As with any other treatment, depression treatment takes time. It may even be frustrating, but in the end, it is worth the effort.
In addition to consulting a mental health professional, you should visit your primary care physician and a psychiatrist or psychotherapist. If you don’t have access to a psychiatrist, you can take a clinically validated depression questionnaire called the PHQ-9. This questionnaire can be taken by a healthcare professional or by yourself and may indicate depression. The PHQ-9 may not necessarily identify depression, but it can help your physician identify the symptoms of depression and recommend appropriate treatment.
Research suggests that some people may be genetically predisposed to depression. A recent international study of two million people linked 269 genes to depression. However, it should be noted that these genes do not write our destiny. Other factors may increase your chances of developing depression or trigger symptoms. Nevertheless, it is important to note that many people have no family history of depression, so it is vital that they receive the proper treatment as soon as possible. There is no definitive treatment for depression, but there is a lot of research to back up these findings.
Women with depression tend to ruminate. This can be manifested in a number of ways, including negative self-talk, sudden crying spells, feelings of guilt, or blaming oneself. Women with depression are also more likely to develop an eating disorder, anxiety disorder, and obsessive-compulsive behavior. In men, irritability, anger, escapist behavior, and apathy are common symptoms.
