November
2007
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November
2007
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| Of Like Minds is now Mood! Over 175 articles on: Help support Mood --
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Maybe it’s not depression |
Summary Symptoms of illnesses that have physical causes, such as thyroid conditions, can mimic those of depression. Certain medications can cause them, too. Your doctor can make a diagnosis only on the information you provide, so it’s important to recognize what’s important to tell her. Low energy, lack of interest in things once found pleasurable, fatigue and difficulty concentrating are typical symptoms of depression, but can also be caused by hypothyroidism, sleep disorders, chronic infections, alcohol use and stroke. Medications that can cause symptoms of depression include some steroids, hormones, painkillers, tranquilizers, many medications for blood pressure, anxiety and heart conditions; and over-the-counter nighttime cold remedies. If you’re being evaluated by your primary care physician or a psychiatrist for what you think might be depression, be sure to discuss all your symptoms, especially physical ones. And, don’t forget to tell her what medications you’re taking. Have
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Symptoms of illnesses that have physical causes, such as thyroid conditions and infection, can mimic those of depression. Certain medications can cause them too. Your doctor can make a diagnosis only on the information you provide, so it’s important to recognize what’s important to tell her about what you’re experiencing. Low energy, lack of interest in things once found pleasurable, fatigue and difficulty concentrating are typical symptoms of depression. But, here are some other conditions that are characterized by similar symptoms. “Low levels of thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism) can cause depression,” says psychiatrist Jim Phelps, MD, author of Why Am I Still Depressed?. “High levels (hyperthyroidism) can cause anxiety and agitation.” The thyroid gland pumps out hormones that regulate metabolism, heart rate and body temperature. Imbalances in these hormones can cause depressed mood, weight loss or gain, fatigue and memory and concentration problems –just like depression. “An evaluation of mood problems should include a check of your thyroid status, ” says Phelps. If your doctor doesn’t mention it, he suggests you gently wonder aloud about whether it might be a good idea. Bipolar disorder is often misdiagnosed as major depression. It’s important to diagnose it correctly, because if bipolar disorder is treated with antidepressants, your condition may not improve and can even worsen. Other conditions that mimic depression include: Sleep disorders, such as ongoing insomnia or sleep apnea, can contribute to depression and make it more resistant to treatment. Sleep apnea is a condition which causes snoring, interrupted breathing and fragmented sleep. The person will not remember these nighttime struggles. The disorder can be treated. Alcohol use or abuse can cause the fatigue and fuzzy-headedness of depression. And, the underlying causes of alcohol abuse may be related to depression.
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Stroke and Parkinson’s Disease can cause symptoms typical of depression Some medications can cause depression symptoms:
If you’re being evaluated by your primary care physician or a psychiatrist for what you think might be depression, be sure to discuss all your symptoms, especially physical ones, even if you don’t think they’re related. There may be hidden causes. And, don’t forget to tell her what medications you’re taking. Related articles
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Some chronic infections (e.g. Hepatis B or C) or malignancies (including Hodgkin's lymphoma) can also cause the type of fatigue and lethargy typical of depression