A General Practitioner (GP) can be a key resource in helping manage depression, they can offer several forms of both practical and emotional support and guidance which we will delve into.
Here is how a GP might assist with the assessment, diagnosis and treatment options for depression.
Assessment and Diagnosis
Your GP can conduct a thorough assessment to understand the scope and severity of your depression. Sometimes, it is difficult to distinguish depression from other conditions, so a GP can help with a proper diagnosis or refer you to a specialist if needed.
How is depression diagnosed?
When considering the diagnosis of depression, your GP will ask the following questions during the initial assessment
- During the last month, have you often been bothered by feeling down, depressed, or hopeless?
- During the last month, have you often been bothered by having little interest or pleasure in doing things?
If the person answers 'yes' to one of the questions and symptoms have been present most days, most of the time, for at least 2 weeks, we ask about associated symptoms of depression.
Symptoms of depression
- Disturbed sleep (decreased or increased compared to usual).
- Decreased or increased appetite and/or weight.
- Fatigue or loss of energy.
- Agitation or slowing down of movements and thoughts.
- Poor concentration or indecisiveness.
- Feelings of worthlessness or excessive or inappropriate guilt.
- Recurrent thoughts of death, recurrent suicidal ideas, or a suicide attempt or specific plan.
Older people may only present with physical symptoms or a deterioration in cognitive functioning.
Treatment options
- Medication: If it is appropriate, they can prescribe antidepressants or other medications. They will monitor your progress and adjust prescriptions if needed, helping to find the right treatment plan for you.
- Referrals to Therapists or Specialists: They might recommend seeing a psychologist or psychiatrist for therapy (like CBT or other counselling approaches) or refer you to a specialist who can provide more targeted care.
Holistic and Long-Term Care
Private GPs often take a more holistic approach, looking at factors like your lifestyle, diet, sleep, and stress levels. They may offer advice on lifestyle changes (exercise, nutrition, sleep hygiene) that can have a positive effect on mental health. They could also guide you toward coping strategies and preventive measures to avoid future depressive episodes.
Access to Additional Resources
Private practices sometimes have quicker access to mental health services and specialists, meaning you could get faster help compared to public healthcare systems. They may also offer direct access to complementary therapies like mindfulness or relaxation techniques.
Ongoing Support
They can provide ongoing support, adjusting treatment as needed and checking in with you on your progress, which can be reassuring when you're feeling stuck or overwhelmed.
If you are experiencing depression, it's a good idea to schedule a visit with a GP to discuss your symptoms and explore possible treatment options tailored to your needs. Dr Kedia works at Pinehill Hospital where they have GPs with extended appointments which can be helpful to provide the space and time to fully explore anxiety, allowing for a relaxed experience for the patient to open up and find a solution to their problem.