Dr. Dan Bishwakarma offers routine screenings for patients with anxiety and depression based on their personal history, family history. He offers pharmacologic or nonpharmacologic treatments to patients with mild to moderate anxiety and depression. However, he refers them to a psychiatrist if they have severe conditions. At Prime Medical Care, LLC, the doctor and his staff serve patients living in and around the Alexandria, Virginia area.
Depression and Anxiety Q & A
What causes depression and anxiety?
Both depression and anxiety are serious mental health conditions that can have a devastating effect on a person’s physical health. While it may be hard to determine which came first, depression plays a significant role in how well a person heals and how long the recovery process takes. Anxiety can also aggravate health issues making them more prominent. Depression and anxiety may result from a chemical imbalance in the brain or they may be caused by excessive amounts of emotional stress that a person deals with on a daily basis. Physical illness may also play a role in the onset and severity of each condition.
How are depression and anxiety treated?
Antidepressants and other forms of medications can be effective at relieving both anxiety and depression. Cases that are associated with chronic health conditions can often be treated with relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, and regular exercise can be used to effectively boost endorphin levels improving a person’s mood and overall outlook on life. If depression or anxiety becomes so severe that they begin to affect a person’s judgment or perception, a Dr. Bishwakarma may choose to send the patient to a therapist to receive counseling. This type of treatment is much more effective if the cause of the condition is related to a traumatic event or serious illness.
What are commonly recognized signs of depression?
Depression is commonly recognized by many of its symptoms. When a person “loses their happiness” or doesn’t smile, they may be upset or depressed. Clinical depression, however, goes much deeper. The patient may no longer care about their appearance or whether or not they’re included in public activities. They may begin to avoid personal contact with friends or family. Depression can also be characterized by digestive upset which can lead to extreme fluctuations in weight. Fatigue, lack of interest in their favorite activities, and thoughts of suicide or self-harm may also be exhibited. Each person will react differently, but when the common signs are visible for more than just a few days, the condition may be more serious than someone just having a bad day.
