Depression

Optimal Performance Medicine -  - Internal Medicine

Optimal Performance Medicine

Internal Medicine & Primary Care Practice located in Woodstock, GA

In any given year, roughly 18 million people experience depression in the United States. At Optimal Performance Medicine in Woodstock, Georgia, Michael Skardasis, MD, and the team evaluate your symptoms to diagnose depression before developing your personalized health care plan. Call Optimal Performance Medicine or schedule an appointment online for depression care today.

Depression

What is depression?

Depression is common among both adults and adolescents. Many people think of depression as sadness, but it can be more complex than just a persistent low mood. You might feel hopeless, unmotivated, and uninterested in what you normally enjoy. You might also have trouble eating and sleeping consistently. 

In addition to major depressive disorder, the broadest type of depression, a few other types exist. Some people experience postpartum depression for some time after giving birth, and some experience seasonal affective disorder (SAD) during certain months of the year. 

At Optimal Performance Medicine, the team diagnoses and treats depression with personalized care and can help you return to your typical tendencies. 

What are the symptoms of depression?

Depression symptoms can vary from person to person, and they might fluctuate over the years. Depression is considered a chronic (long-term) condition, and you might go through periods of time without any symptoms. 

Your depression symptoms might include:

  • Hopelessness
  • Sadness
  • Teariness
  • Low energy and fatigue
  • Irritability
  • Sleeping too much or too little
  • Eating too much or too little
  • Headaches
  • Trouble concentrating
  • Suicidal thoughts or actions

It’s not uncommon for depression to co-occur with other health conditions like anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). You can also get depression alongside chronic physical illnesses like cancer. 

How is depression diagnosed?

The team at Optimal Performance Medicine diagnoses depression and related disorders using a comprehensive assessment. They review your symptoms and compare them to the criteria for depression.

How is depression treated?

Depression typically responds well to a personalized plan of care. Your treatment plan might include the following: 

Genetic Testing

Genetic testing enables you and Dr. Skardasis to learn how you metabolize different medications used in the treatment of depression. This is useful because individuals metabolize medications differently.

These tests are performed when an initial medication for depression has not worked. The test involves a cheek swab that is sent off for testing. Once the results are back, Dr. Skardasis and his team will review them with you and pick the most appropriate therapy for you based on your personalized genetic makeup. 

This is personalized medicine, which is not one-size-fits-all like most other clinics.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants are prescription medications that reduce depression symptoms.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy can be personalized according to your needs and helps you learn coping mechanisms for depression to reduce symptoms. 

Lifestyle changes

Your provider might recommend ways of changing your lifestyle to foster a brighter mood. They might suggest building a consistent daily routine, getting more exercise, or stopping the use of drugs or alcohol. 

If you experience persistent sadness and other depression symptoms, call Optimal Performance Medicine or schedule an appointment online today.