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ASK THE PHYSICIAN
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Depression
Depression is one of the more common problems a doctor sees in the office, although often it comes in disguised as some other symptom like troubled sleep, chronic fatigue, irritability, weight changes, or drinking. Thus, because the secondary symptoms are what often are most noticeable, depression may go unrecognized while the secondary symptoms get treated instead of the underlying cause. This is unfortunate because effective and safe antidepressant medications (not to be confused with tranquilizers) have been available for about thirty years. At the proper dose, they often make a significant difference in patients' lives. At The California Institutes of Preventive Medicine we routinely screen for depression in an effort to detect this condition.
Why people get depressed is a complicated question, but it commonly happens in situations where anger or resentment is felt but not expressed. Sometimes these situations are current, sometimes they are decades old and only remembered in one's unconscious. Because depression commonly occurs in people who grew up in, or presently are in, troubled family situations, you might find it helpful to read either of John Bradshaw's books, "The Family" or "Family Secrets." These can be bought in any mall bookstore and are well worth reading. Should you wish to discuss treatment further, you could do so with your physician. It is important to seek help for depression because it commonly makes one less able to fulfill one's daily responsibilities as a spouse, parent, friend, or worker. It can also cause or worsen a number of other medical problems. Fortunately, treatment can be quite effective - if it is sought.
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