WHEN SHOULD I SEE MY DOCTOR?

<sub><sup>With drug companies running frequent TV, radio and magazine ads for anti-depressants, it's easy to become confused about when they're really necessary.  The information provided in advertisements may be helpful or alternately may cause you to jump to unwarranted conclusions about your health or the health of a loved one.  Although the point is to get you, the consumer, to "talk to your doctor" about one drug or another...there is inherent danger in self-diagnosis.

Of course, it's wise to see your doctor if you are ever concerned about your mental or physical health.  But, don't confuse normal sadness or fatigue with clinical problems which require professional help.

To help you wade through the abundance of information and advertising out there, we're providing some information to help you decide when you or a loved one really should talk to your doctor.

DEPRESSION

To meet the diagnosis of major depression, you must have at least four of the following symptoms, plus a depressed mood or anhedonia (an inability to feel pleasure) for at least two weeks:

Sleep Disturbance (a change in sleep routines from those which are normal for you including either increased or decreased sleeping)

Appetite Change or Weight Change (an unplanned increase or decrease in weight)

Guilt (or feelings of helplessness, worthlessness, hopelessness or regret)

Energy Deficit (not enough energy to do what you normally do or want to do)

Concentration Deficit (an inability to stay focused)

Other Interest Deficit (nothing seems to make you happy any more)

Psychomotor Retardation or Agitation (either you can't move or you can't stop moving)

Suicidality or Homicidality (thoughts of wanting to hurt yourself or others)
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BIPOLAR ILLNESS (MANIA)

Distractibility (difficulty staying focused or on track)

Indiscretion (excessive involvement in pleasureable activities which may be illegal, immoral or "out of character" for you)

Grandiosity (over-stated or unrealistic conclusions about things done or yet to be done)

Flight of Ideas (racing or uncontrolled thoughts)

Activity Increase (too busy with unrealistic expectations or goals)

Sleep Deficit (decreased need for sleep)

Talkativeness (pressured speech)

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When in doubt, DO see your doctor...particularly if you or a loved one has thoughts of suicide or is behaving in a way that might do harm physically, professionally or financially.  Also, any sudden profound changes in behavior or personality may be a sign of emotional, mental or even physical issues that may need to be addressed.</sup></sub>

 

 

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