Depression Specialist in San Diego, CA

There is no single cause of depression; it is often a combination of factors that can vary from one person to the next. Some possible causes include:
 
• Hormones — Changes in natural hormone levels can affect mood and emotional disposition. Furthermore, people who have low levels of certain B vitamins, such as B12, are at higher risk of developing depression than those who do not.
• Family — Depression has a hereditary component as it can be passed down genetically from parent to offspring.
• Environment — Problems during childhood and stressful life events, such as the loss of a loved one or losing a job, can increase the risk of developing depression.
• Lifestyle — Certain lifestyle factors are intrinsically linked to depression; several studies have shown that having a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and doing enjoyable things can improve mental health—the opposite is also true: people who do not have a healthy, well-balanced diet, do not exercise regularly and consume alcohol and tobacco are more likely to experience negative effects on mental health.
• Other Illnesses — While people often feel low if they have a physical illness, the risk for depression is significantly higher in people living with chronic pain or a life-threatening illness. Some people may also experience mental and emotional disturbances due to a brain injury or dementia.

Symptoms of depression can include:
 
• Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood
• Feelings of hopelessness and pessimism
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and helplessness
• Loss of interest in hobbies and activities
• Decreased energy, fatigue, feeling “slowed down”
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering, and making decisions
• Insomnia, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
• Low appetite and weight loss
• Overeating and weight gain
• Thoughts of death or suicide, suicide attempts
• Restlessness, irritability
• Persistent physical symptoms that are unresponsive to treatment

The types of depression include:
 
• Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), with symptoms of:
• Depressed mood
• Lack of interest in activities normally enjoyed
• Changes in weight
• Changes in sleep
• Fatigue
• Feelings of worthlessness and guilt
• Difficulty concentrating
• Thoughts of death and suicide
• Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD), with symptoms of:
• Feelings of sadness
• Loss of interest and pleasure
• Anger and irritability
• Feelings of guilt
• Low self-esteem
• Difficulty falling or staying asleep
• Sleeping too much
• Feelings of hopelessness
• Fatigue and lack of energy
• Changes in appetite
• Trouble concentrating
• Bipolar Disorder, is characterized by:
• Fatigue, insomnia, and lethargy
• Unexplained aches, pains, and psychomotor agitation
• Hopelessness and loss of self-esteem
• Irritability and anxiety
• Indecision and disorganization
• Postpartum Depression (PPD), with symptoms such as:
• Low mood, feelings of sadness
• Severe mood swings
• Social withdrawal
• Trouble bonding with baby
• Appetite changes
• Feeling helpless and hopeless
• Loss of interest in things previously enjoyed
• Feeling inadequate or worthless
• Anxiety and panic attacks
• Thoughts of hurting oneself or a baby
• Thoughts of suicide
• Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), is characterized by:
• Extreme fatigue
• Feeling sad, hopeless, or self-critical
• Severe feelings of stress or anxiety
• Mood swings, often with bouts of crying
• Irritability
• Inability to concentrate 
• Food cravings or binging
• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), with symptoms like:
• Depression, sleepiness, weight gain during the winter
• Atypical Depression, is characterized by:
• Excessive eating or weight gain
• Excessive sleep
• Fatigue, weakness, and feeling “weighed down”
• Intense sensitivity to rejection
• Strongly reactive moods

During depression, the brain experiences lower quantities of important neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, which are all fundamental in the regulation of mood.
 
If you or someone you know is feeling depressed, the professionals at Dintyala Medical can help. For more information, contact us or request an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 888 Prospect Street San Diego, CA 92037. We serve patients from La Jolla CA, Delmar CA, Solana Beach CA, Carmel Valley CA, Encinitas CA, La Mesa CA, and surrounding areas.