Nearly 1 out of every 10 American adults suffers from clinical depression, yet without adequate depression screenings, about half of these people are undiagnosed. That’s because many people ignore the subtler symptoms of depression, or they may attribute them to another issue, such as aging or daily stress.
For some people with depression, feelings of guilt can get in the way of recognizing depression as a true medical problem. In many cases, people with depression exert tremendous amounts of energy trying to manage their symptoms and live “normally,” without really understanding the physiological basis of their condition. All of these issues can interfere with diagnosis and treatment.
At Scottsdale Ketamine Clinic, our team uses depression screening tools to diagnose depression in women and men. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, we work with each patient to map out a custom treatment plan using ketamine therapy to target debilitating symptoms.
What is a depression screening?
A depression screening typically involves filling out a questionnaire that aims to draw out your feelings and other symptoms. As a diagnostic tool, a depression screening questionnaire can prove invaluable in spotting the signs and symptoms of depression. The questionnaire should only take a few minutes to answer, but it’s very important to answer it honestly and take your time before answering.
In addition to completing the questionnaire, it’s important to talk with your health care provider about any concerns you have about your mood, your anxiety level, your sleep patterns, or other behaviors or feelings. That’s true whether your symptoms are new, or if you’ve been dealing with them for some time.
Common symptoms of depression
Depression can cause a number of symptoms, including emotional and physical symptoms. Generally speaking, you should be screened for depression if you exhibit any combination of these symptoms:
- Loss of interest in activities that once gave pleasure
- Loss of interest in friendships, intimacy, or social interaction
- Moodiness, irritability, or feelings of frustration
- Feelings of guilt, hopelessness, or worthlessness
- Fatigue and low energy levels
- Problems with sleep — either too much or not enough
- Restlessness or feeling like you have no purpose
- Unplanned weight changes
- Problems focusing, concentrating, or making decisions
- Thinking about or attempting self-harm or suicide
Furthermore, because some of these symptoms can be associated with other medical issues, health experts recommend periodic depression screenings for everyone ages 12 and above. Undergoing screenings on a routine basis can help identify subtle signs of depression or other issues, so patients can get treatment as early as possible.
Treating depression with ketamine
Diagnosing depression is the first step in getting treatment. But for decades, the medications available to treat clinical depression have proven ineffective for many patients suffering from the condition. The good news is ketamine therapy has been shown to be extremely effective in treating depression, including depression that’s resistant to other types of therapy, including depression medicines.
Researchers believe ketamine relieves depression symptoms by ramping up the production and release of specific neurotransmitters involved in mood stabilization. Delivered intravenously, ketamine works far faster than other depression medicines, which means you could see your symptoms decline almost immediately. After 2-3 sessions, many patients find the results last for weeks. Ketamine therapy can be repeated to prolong its benefits indefinitely.
Don’t let depression rule your life
Depression is a real medical problem associated with physical changes in your brain. It’s not a sign of weakness, nor is it your “fault.” It’s a medical condition that needs medical treatment, and ketamine therapy can help.
If you’ve been diagnosed with depression or if you have symptoms of depression, we can help you feel better. To learn more, book an appointment online or over the phone with Scottsdale Ketamine Clinic today.
