Depression and Anxiety

Depression and anxiety are two of the most common behavioral conditions — affecting millions of Americans of all ages. At Leonida Family Practice in Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania, board-certified family medicine physician Efren B. Leonida, MD, Jennifer Leonida, CRNP, and the team provide complete care for depression and anxiety. A combination of healthy lifestyle changes and prescription medication can improve your quality of life and help you feel better. Call Leonida Family Practice to receive treatment for depression and anxiety, or book an appointment online today.

What are depression and anxiety?

Depression and anxiety are behavioral conditions that affect your mood, outlook, and behavior. Though often mentioned together, depression and anxiety aren’t the same.

Depression

Depression is an intense feeling of sadness or hopelessness that lasts for weeks or even months without improvement. Over time, you might even lose interest in hobbies or activities you used to love.

Anxiety

Anxiety is how your body responds to fear or stress. For example, your palms might sweat, or your stomach might churn right before giving a presentation. Everyone feels anxious occasionally, but if you have constant anxiety, it’s important to determine the underlying cause.

What are the symptoms of depression and anxiety?

Symptoms of depression and anxiety include:

• Feelings of sadness or hopelessness
• Angry outbursts
• Tiredness or lack of energy
• Agitation or restlessness
• Difficulty thinking or concentrating
• Frequent thoughts of death or suicide
• Sweating 
• Trembling
• Difficulty controlling worry

You might also experience gastrointestinal problems, like diarrhea or nausea. 

When should I see a doctor for depression and anxiety?

Make an appointment at Leonida Family Practice if you have anxious or depressed feelings that last more than a few weeks. That’s especially true if your symptoms affect your ability to work, go to school, exercise, or participate in other routine activities.

How are depression and anxiety diagnosed?

Your Leonida Family Practice provider reviews your health history and asks about your symptoms, including when they started and if they’re worse at certain times or during certain activities. 

Next, your provider completes a physical exam. They also order lab tests, including blood work and urinalysis, to check for thyroid problems, nutritional deficiencies, or hormonal imbalances. 

Last, they perform a psychiatric evaluation. Your provider asks about your thoughts and feelings and has you complete a comprehensive questionnaire. After gathering the necessary information, your provider makes treatment recommendations.

How are depression and anxiety treated?

Treatment of depression and anxiety depends on your age, the severity of your symptoms, and your general health. Sometimes, anxiety and depression respond to healthy lifestyle changes, like getting more sleep, eating a nutritious diet, exercising regularly, and keeping your stress levels in check. 

The team might prescribe medication if your symptoms continue even after making these changes. There are several drugs used to treat depression and anxiety, including:

• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
• Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
• Atypical antidepressants
• Tricyclic antidepressants
• Anti-anxiety medication
• Beta-blockers

You might also benefit from working with a psychologist or a counselor. The team can refer you to a provider in the area if necessary.

Call Leonida Family Practice to learn more about treatment for depression and anxiety, or use the online booking feature today.