Search
Related Links

 

 

Informative Articles

Children Depression: Medication Is Not Always A Panacea
Medication is not always a panacea in depression treatment of adults and children, although is very usefull in severe cases. But antidepressant drugs are a dangerous matter when they are diagnosed to a child. After being evaluated by a...
Depression Series: Why Don’t I Respond to Medications? (Part 1)
Maria has been feeling depressed for at least two and a half years. About three years ago, her husband of 20 years left her for another woman. Devastated, she became despondent and tearful almost daily. Eventually, her depression got worse...
How to Put an End to Depression
Depression can have many, many faces. If you are not aware of your feelings and emotions on a daily basis then it can creep up on you and cause misery in your life when you least expect it. We get sad when we fail in our exams, when we're rejected...
Managing Your Fears, Anxieties, Depression, OCD, And Panic Attacks
What do you do when your fears, anxieties, and depression are stronger than what you can handle? There are times that no matter what you do, your fears have the best of you. As a result, here is a brief list of techniques that a person can...
Tips To Beating Depression
Everyone has days when they are down, worn out and just not feeling all that happy. That's OK, you need to have days like this, otherwise how would you know when you are happy. You need to have something to contrast your happiness with. What is...
 
DEPRESSION OR A MEDICAL PROBLEM?

Publishing Guidelines: You have permission to publish this
article electronically or in print, free of charge, as long
as the resource box is included with a live link to my site.
A courtesy copy of your publication would be appreciated.
***********************************************************

Title: DEPRESSION OR A MEDICAL CONDITION?
Author: Dave Turo-Shields, ACSW, LCSW
E-mail: mailto:editor@overcoming-depression.com
Copyright: by Dave Turo-Shields, ACSW, LCSW
Web Address: http://www.Overcoming-Depression.com
Word Count: 528
Category: DEPRESSION

DEPRESSION OR A MEDICAL CONDITION?

Are you suffering from depression or a medical condition?
Depression can be a symptom of an undiagnosed medical
condition.

Decision trees are used in psychotherapy much like they are
in other professions. At the top of the decision tree are
always two items to rule out FIRST, before making a mental
health diagnosis.

1. A general medical condition or

2. A chemical dependency

As a rule-of-thumb if it has been longer than 2 years since
you have had a thorough medical examination it's time to
call and schedule that appointment. Please, don't put it
off until tomorrow, do it today (Are you hearing that
gentlemen?) ;-)

When I speak of "thorough medical examination" I mean the
actual physical exam given by your family doctor and a full
blood workup as well.

There are many diseases and medical issues that can cause
depressive symptoms. Common ones include: AIDS, anemia,
cancer, congestive heart failure, diabetes, infectious
hepatitis, malnutrition, MS, rheumatoid arthritis and
thyroid conditions.

The order of this decision tree is very important. You
don't want to treat what you think is a depression problem,
if there's a medical condition going unnoticed, untreated
and becoming worse.

Additionally, you will waste valuable time and money
treating a secondary condition that may well disappear if
you are treated for the primary medical condition at the
beginning.

I'm a psychotherapist, and NO, I'm not trying to chase off
business! I am,


however, interested in you getting better.

I speculate that the growing trend in "atypical
depression," or untreatable depression, lies partly in
untreated health problems. And, in particular,
malnutrition. Did you know that one study showed that 80% of
Americans suffer from malnutrition? Hard to believe? The
new field of Metabolic Typing has shed tremendous light on
this subject, and you may have heard it referred to as
"Syndrome X."

There are times when it's not this simple. You may be
convinced you have a medical problem, but all the tests
come back negative. In that case, your best bet is to treat
the depression and become your own information sleuth
and/or seek a second opinion. Modern medicine continues to
make tremendous leaps forward, but it is not perfect.

Also be aware that you may simply have depression and are
struggling with acceptance. Many people wrestle with the
fact that there is no concrete test, like a blood test,
that you can get to verify if depression is, with certainty,
the culprit. That's very understandable, but don't allow
it to get in the way of receiving proper help. You and
those you love do not need to suffer needlessly.

Another complex situation involves when you may need to be
treated for both a medical condition and a depression
condition. Even then, a doctor should first treat your
medical condition and monitor the depression to see if it
subsides with the treatment you're receiving. The doctor
can always recommend an antidepressant and psychotherapy as
needed. The only exception to this rule is if you have
severe depression and are in danger of suicide. Then you
may require immediate hospitalization for the purpose of
emotion stabilization.

All my best in your recovery efforts!


About the Author

Dave Turo-Shields, ACSW, LCSW is an author, university
faculty member, success coach and veteran psychotherapist
whose passion is guiding others to their own success in
life. For weekly doses of the webs HOTTEST success tips, sign
up for Dave’s powerful “Feeling Great!” ezine at
http://www.Overcoming-Depression.com

 

Welcome to Depression.com
Facts about depression, including how to manage it and how to live with this medical condition.
www.depression.com
 
NIMH: Depression
Such a disabling episode of depression may occur only once but more ... Depression can also affect the physical health in men differently from women. ...
www.nimh.nih.gov
 
NIMH: Depression
National Institute of Mental Health presents a comprehensive series of articles on symptoms and management. Includes booklets of personal accounts and ...
www.nimh.nih.gov
 
Clinical depression - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Clinical depression (also called major depressive disorder) is a state of intense ... By definition the symptoms are not as severe as with Major Depression, ...
en.wikipedia.org
 
Great Depression - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Great Depression was an economic downturn which started in 1929 (although its ... The Great Depression ended at different times in different countries; ...
en.wikipedia.org
 
Dr. Ivan's Depression Central
This site is Internet's central clearinghouse for information on all types of depressive disorders and on the most effective treatments for individuals ...
www.psycom.net
 
Depression Screening Test
Answer a few simple questions to determine if you are experiencing depressive symptoms. Provides a referral list and information on depression.
www.med.nyu.edu
 
MedlinePlus: Depression
From the National Institutes of Health; Depression (National Institute of Mental Health) ... Select services and providers for Depression in your area. ...
www.nlm.nih.gov
 
Welcome to depression-screening.org
Most people with depression, however, do not seek the professional help they ... The depression-screening.org web site is sponsored by the National Mental ...
www.depression-screening.org
 
iFred - International Foundation for Research and Education on ...
"This book can help those directly and indirectly touched by depression. ... iFred Brings New Hope to Depression with Thousands of Sunflowers ...
www.ifred.org
 
Depression information and treatment
Information about depression, depression treatment, and facts about depression.
www.psychologyinfo.com
 
Depression
Depression is a strong mood involving sadness, discouragement, despair, or hopelessness that lasts for weeks, months, or even longer.
www.kidshealth.org
 
Depression Alliance web site with information about depression ...
Information about the symptoms and treatment of depression from Depression Alliance, a UK charity for people with clinical depression and anxiety.
www.depressionalliance.org
 
WebMD Depression Health Center - Learn the symptoms of depression ...
Articles, links, and resources for sufferers of depression.
www.webmd.com
 
Depression - Information and Support
THE starting place for exploring Depression. Support forums, links, articles and more.
depression.about.com
 
beyondblue: the national depression initiative
Australian organisation provides information about depression to consumers, carers and health professionals.
www.beyondblue.org.au
 
Using EFT for Depression, Teen Depression & Clinical Depression
EFT's results for all forms of depression are often astonishing. In most cases the depressed feelings vanish or are materially reduced within a few minutes ...
www.emofree.com
 
Depression
The website for Depression. ... Please note that Depression is comprised of backfile volumes. Volume 4, Issue 2 (1996). Articles in this Issue: ...
www3.interscience.wiley.com
 
Depression - MayoClinic.com
Depression is more than just a bout of the blues. Fortunately, treatments are available.
www.mayoclinic.com
 
Mental Help Net - Depression (Unipolar)
Depression is one of the most common and most serious mental health ... Fortunately, there are many highly effective treatments for depression today that ...
mentalhelp.net
 
 

 
Content Menu
  • 10 depression blasters for overcomers

  • 10 tips for depression

  • 1st 2 cure depression

  • 5 proven tips to help you wipeout your depression so you can live a happy life

  • 5 reasons to not let depression control you anymore

  • 5 super effective tips to kill depression

  • 5 surefire tips to beat depression now

  • 5 tips to reduce depression

  • 5 tips to reduce holiday depression

  • 5 tips to reduce holiday depression 2

  • 5 useful tips to kill depression

  • 5 way tips to manage depression

  • 7 things you can do immediately to ease depression

  • 8 things you can do for someone suffering from depression

  • accutane side effects lawyer hair loss depression suicide

  • accutane side effects should depression be a concern

  • aging depression suicide and eq

  • andropause and depression

  • anxiety and depression

  • anxiety and depression natural antidepressants for mood boosting

  • anxiety and depression treatment

  • anxiety and depression treatment 5 tips for beating depression

  • anxiety depression

  • anxiety depression symptom

  • attacking anxiety and depression

  • avoiding depression

  • ayurveda regimen for winter depression

  • ayurveda regime for winter depression

  • a few steps for fighting depression

  • a look at different depression treatment regimens

  • a look at different depression treatment regimens and programs

  • a powerful method for healing depression

  • a review of techniques in managing your depression

  • a simple cure for anxiety and depression

  • beating depression

  • beating depression by action

  • beat depression with five blues busters

  • bigger than the baby blues signs of postpartum depression

  • bipolar depression

  • bone loss osteoporosis depression menopause tai chi

  • can diet prevent symptoms of depression

  • can you overcome depression

  • children depression medication is not always a panacea

  • chronic fatigue syndrome and depression are not the same thing

  • conquer depression 5 super effective tips to kill depression

  • cure against depression and low self confidence

  • dealing with depression

  • dealing with regular and non regular depression

  • depression

  • depression after a heart attack

  • depression after heart attack

  • depression also man can be affected by depression

  • depression and anxiety

  • depression and anxiety disorders

  • depression and celiac disease

  • depression and epa fish oil does it really work

  • depression and experts

  • depression and insomnia relationship

  • depression and learning disabilities

  • depression and procrastination twins in the job search

  • depression anxiety medication

  • depression are antidepressants the best choice part one

  • depression are antidepressants the best choice part two

  • depression a treatable illness

  • depression can dolphins relieve depression symptoms

  • depression diagnosis

  • depression disorderly conduct

  • depression dont let the blues get you down

  • depression escape your mental prison

  • depression explained

  • depression finding the write solution

  • depression from a spiritual perspective

  • depression from bodybuilding

  • depression in long term care heart patients often goes untreated

  • depression in others

  • depression is a cry for help

  • depression kills

  • depression mantra

  • depression nothing to sneeze at

  • depression nutritional supplement may ease depression

  • depression or a medical problem

  • depression recommendations for sexual side effects by antidepressants

  • depression sad because of winter

  • depression seeing the light with self hypnosis cds

  • depression series part 2 my antidepressant doesnt work what can my psychiatrist do

  • depression series part 3 what to do with those antidepressant side effects

  • depression series why dont i respond to medications part 1

  • depression symptoms and medication

  • depression vitamin supplements may help to stop depression

  • depression would be second largest illness by 2010

  • diabetes depression sleep and hypnosis

  • diabetes depression sleep and hypnosis a surprising connection

  • do natural stress anxiety and depression supplements really work

  • do you love someone who suffers from depression

  • do you think you have depression

  • do you wake up at 2 am is it depression or is it

  • faith and depression

  • fda approves new therapy for depression

  • fears anxieties depression ocd panic attacks and your stresses

  • feel depression melt away

  • fighting depression by restoring your routines

  • first thing you should do to get out of depression

  • food anxiety and depression

  • get rid of depression once and for all

  • handling severe depression

  • health suffering from depression

  • helping somebody with depression

  • how depression effects learning disabilities

  • how do you know if you have manic depression

  • how to avoid post partum depression

  • how to beat depression

  • how to conquer depression naturally

  • how to get started with depression treatment

  • how to manage and conquer depression

  • how to put an end to depression

  • how to spot potential depression or bipolar disorder

  • how to step out of the state of depression

  • how to tell sadness from depression

  • how your pet can help fight depression

  • how you can learn to treat depression

  • implant to treat chronic depression

  • index

  • introduction to depression

  • i dont like depression

  • i dont like depression its so so depressing

  • i dont want stress anxiety and depression

  • just say no to depression

  • kill your depression five 5 super effective tips

  • leaving depression behind

  • looking for depression support groups

  • major depression and manic depression any difference

  • manage depression in 5 easy to follow steps

  • managing discouragement doubt and depression

  • managing stress and depression

  • managing your fears anxieties depression ocd and panic attacks

  • manic bipolar depression facts and reality

  • mindfulness and depression things are looking up

  • mood disorders and depression

  • mood stabilizers mood enhancers a remedy to naturally boost mood alleviate depression

  • music and depression

  • natural treatment for depression is there an alternative

  • natural treatment options for depression

  • never lose hope in dealing with your fears and depression

  • new depression and anxiety info choosing light heartedness

  • panic attacks depression harm your mind and body

  • phobias depression and anxiety

  • postpartum depression

  • prevention of depression stop your depression before it starts

  • recognizing and treating the symptoms of depression

  • recognizing depression

  • regulating manic depression bipolar disorder during one year

  • rotator

  • self development beating depression

  • signs of depression

  • silent epidemic of workplace depression is the most costly illness for employers

  • stop your depression before it starts

  • stress and depression are killing us

  • stress anxiety and depression what is the difference

  • stress is a major cause of depression

  • st johns wort and depression

  • talking about depression

  • talking to others about your depression

  • the black cloud of depression

  • the different depression medications available today

  • the end of extreme depression self injury incited violence suicide

  • the formula for preventing depression

  • the fuel of stress anxiety and depression

  • the fuel of stress depression and anxiety

  • the ultimate drug for treating depression

  • tips for helping remove anxiety depression and stress over lost loved ones during the holidays

  • tips to beating depression

  • tips to beat depression

  • tips to conquer depression naturally

  • tips to control depression

  • treatment for anxiety and depression

  • treat depression depression would be second largest illness by 2010

  • tricyclic antidepressants are still a good choice for treating depression

  • understanding depression

  • vagus nerve stimulation for chronic or treatment resistant depression

  • ways to overcome depression

  • welatonin for depression

  • whats causing my depression and fatigue

  • what about drugs for anxiety and depression

  • what are the symptoms of depression

  • what you need to know about depression

  • when a friend struggles with depression and anxiety

  • when someone you know has to deal with depression anxiety and fear

  • when someone you know struggles with depression and anxiety

  • when your fears and depression have the best of you

  • work with the internet to become a depression treatment professional

  • your daily struggle with depression

  • you can deal with your depression