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Major depression is a common and serious mental health condition that affects over 21 million Americans. To identify warning signs of depression in their earliest stages, the providers at Greenbrook Medical offer depression screening services on-site. Prakash Machhar, MD and Raj Machhar, MD take a compassionate approach to screenings and can also customize a care plan to help you manage mental health conditions, like depression and anxiety. To schedule a depression screening, call the office in New Port Richey or Seffner, Florida today or request an appointment online.
What is a depression screening?
A depression screening is a diagnostic procedure to identify depression, a chronic mental health condition. Screenings can identify the severity of your condition and the type of depression.
Common types of depression include:
- Major depression
- Persistent depressive disorder
- Bipolar disorder
- Postpartum depression
- Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
Depression causes persistent symptoms of hopelessness, guilt, and sadness that last for two weeks or more. These symptoms can make it difficult to manage your responsibilities or care for yourself.
Why do I need a depression screening?
Without treatment, depression can increase your risk for suicidal thoughts or actions. By screening for depression symptoms during your annual physical, the Greenbrook Medical physicians can help you get the treatment you need before your condition worsens.
You should schedule a depression screening if you have symptoms like:
- Feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, or guilt
- Persistent fatigue
- Difficulties concentrating
- Sleep problems
- Mood swings
- Unintended weight loss
- Loss of interest in usual activities
The providers can also evaluate your risk for anxiety and other mental conditions during your depression screening. Anxiety causes uncontrollable and intrusive thoughts and excessive worry, as well as physical symptoms like rapid heart rate and sweating. The condition can occur along with depression in many people.
What can I expect during a depression screening?
During your depression screening, the Greenbrook Medical providers spend time reviewing your personal and family medical histories. They also complete a physical exam.
To rule out underlying health issues that can cause depressive symptoms, the physicians may request blood work or other diagnostic testing.
After reviewing your test results, the providers will ask questions about your emotions, behaviors, and lifestyle. You may also need to fill out a questionnaire that asks for more detailed information about your mental health.
If your screening uncovers depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues, the physicians can discuss your options for treatment. In some cases, they may provide you with a referral to a mental health specialist for further evaluation and treatment.
To schedule a depression screening, call the Greenbrook Medical office nearest to you today or request an appointment online.