Which doctor treats depression?

"Depression" is a word that has recently become common. Our bad mood, unwillingness to do anything, apathy we write off to depression, not going into the meaning of this word, without thinking that this is actually a disease requiring the intervention of a competent specialist.

According to statistics, up to 70% of the world's population suffers from mild depressive disorders, of which 15% - require treatment. A severe form of the disease can be a threat to life if you do not consult a doctor in a timely manner.

Noticing the first signs of the disease, less than one percent of the world's people are looking for help, the rest are simply ignoring them. But, when there are more serious symptoms - to become isolated in yourself in no event it is impossible!

To whom should I apply for help: to a therapist, psychologist, psychiatrist or psychotherapist, which doctor heals from depression? Everything depends on the neglect and severity of the condition. The degrees of depression are three: mild, moderate( moderate) and severe. Noticing the first symptoms, it is worth going to a specialist, because the harder the degree of illness, the longer the treatment.

Which doctor treats depression

The therapist is a doctor of general specialization. He can help you if the disease is mild and characterized by only a bad mood, fast fatigue. The doctor will prescribe to you sedatives and is obliged to follow the progression of the disease. If required - will appoint a consultation of a psychiatrist or psychologist.

Caution: if the symptoms do not go away within a two-week period - always consult a specialist!

A psychologist is a specialist able to help a mentally healthy person with some psychological problems. Therefore, in the treatment of early stages of depression, treatment of it will be fully justified. The psychologist will not prescribe medicines, but will provide completely different, psychological support.

A psychiatrist is a doctor who can fully treat depression, regardless of the condition of the patient. Only he can correctly determine the severity of the disease and choose medication.

How to determine to which doctor to go

If you have a constantly bad mood and there is a suspicion, on the manifestations of depression - contact the therapist. Result: they are likely to be referred to a psychiatrist, or they will prescribe sedative, mild antidepressants.

Feeling of anxiety, fatigue, apathy, which last less than 10 days - you can contact a psychotherapist or psychologist. His actions: listen, adjust to a positive way, help you understand yourself and understand the reasons for the appearance of such a state.

Manifestations of depression:

1. A constant sense of anxiety.
2. Apathy and reluctance to communicate with other people.
3. Dissatisfaction with yourself and life.
4. Fears and Aggression.

These symptoms, alone or in combination, are a good reason to seek help from a psychiatrist. What to expect from visiting a specialist? No sentimental conversations - only drug treatment, sometimes( in severe conditions) stationary.

Important: is best if an experienced psychiatrist is involved in the treatment of depression!

Define the type of depression

When choosing a doctor, it is necessary to take into account the type of depression that is determined by the cause that caused it.

Psychogenic

, in turn, is divided into neurotic and reactive. The neurotic arises from the influence of prolonged stress: conflicts at work, poor conditions and misunderstandings in the family, etc. The reactive arises from one great shock, a strong stressful situation: the death of a loved one, the dismissal from work. The psychogenic appearance of depression has a positive experience with the treatment of psychologists and psychotherapists.

Somatogenic

Occurs as a consequence of a physical illness. A vivid example is the often occurring depression in the background of thyroid disease. He is treated by a therapist, since he completely passes after eliminating its cause.

Endogenous

This kind of depression is congenital and is characterized by a constant depressed mood, frequent changes of mental state, etc. In especially severe cases, it can be a manifestation of schizophrenia or manic-depressive psychosis. It is treated by a psychiatrist, sometimes psychotherapy is also used.

Deceased depression

This type is difficult to diagnose due to the fact that the symptoms are absent, or manifest in a small amount. As an example: a bad appetite or sleep disturbance. Demented depression is extremely dangerous, because it is almost impossible to detect it in a timely manner, which means that very often it goes into serious form, threatening the health and life of the patient. Only a psychiatrist can treat this kind.

Postpartum depression

A fairly common occurrence among women who only became a mother. It manifests itself in not wanting to approach the baby, feed it, take care of it. A pronounced passive state to others, a constant desire to cry, etc. It is recommended to go to a psychotherapist for a prolonged period of time( more than a month).

So, comparing the symptoms, you can determine by yourself, which doctor treats depression, and to which specialist should be addressed in this or that case. If there is anything doubtful, it is better to contact a psychiatrist immediately. To be afraid of the expert in no event it is impossible: he is capable to precisely diagnose, and to appoint or nominate treatment( not necessarily medicamental).

Important: is forbidden to postpone a visit to a psychiatrist when suicidal thoughts appear!

A psychiatrist is a highly qualified specialist who has undergone a kind of medical training. Therefore, it is easier for any doctor to diagnose depression, knows more ways to heal, approaches each patient individually.

Neglect of internal health is unacceptable and causes many dangerous consequences: constant apathy( loss of interest to life), aggression, insomnia, confusion of thoughts, change in the person's personality, sometimes - suicide.

Fear of visiting a psychiatrist should not interfere, causing you to put off the way out of depression and tighten the situation worse.

That's why, put an important and feasible task - go to the reception and start treatment. After all, according to statistics, 99% of all patients who turned in time for help, in a few weeks, return to normal life, again rejoicing every day!