Depression

Harmony Health MD

Primary Care Physician located in Glendale, CA

Almost 1 in 12 adults in America experience chronic depression. To understand the severity of your symptoms and protect your mental health, Aram Gabrielyan, MD, and the experienced team of doctors at Harmony Health offers in-office depression evaluations at the Glendale, California, office. The skilled team of physicians provide comprehensive care and referrals for professional therapy to help you manage your depressive symptoms and enjoy a high quality of life. Schedule a consultation to learn more about treatment options for depression using the online booking feature or by calling Harmony Health today.

Depression Q & A

What is depression?

Depression is a mood disorder that causes you to feel persistently sad or detached from your life for two consecutive weeks or longer. This condition can affect how you think, feel, and act, making it difficult to work or go about your usual activities.

The root cause of depression isn’t clear, but you may be at risk for the disorder because of your family history and your brain chemistry. You may also be prone to depression due to an imbalance in your hormones, following a traumatic event in your life, or because of existing health issues.

If left untreated, depression can increase your risk of self-harm and thoughts of suicide.

What are the symptoms of depression?

Depression can cause a number of symptoms that range from mild to life-altering. Some of the most common symptoms of depression include:

  • Sadness
  • Hopelessness
  • Persistent irritability
  • Unexplained weight changes
  • Loss of interest in usual activities

You may also have difficulties concentrating and frequently feel tired and weak. In some cases, it becomes difficult to get out of bed and take care of their responsibilities.

How is depression diagnosed?

During your evaluation, your Harmony Health provider performs a physical exam and discusses your symptoms. They may talk about issues that are affecting your life, including your job, relationships, and health.

You may need blood work to rule out infections or underlying health issues that may be triggering your depression.

Based on your evaluation, your Harmony Health doctor customizes a treatment plan to address your existing depression symptoms and help reduce your risk for future depressive episodes.

How is depression treated?

Treatment options for depression may include antidepressant medications and referral for behavioral therapy. You can also benefit from eating a healthy diet and staying physically active.

Your Harmony Health doctor works with you to monitor how well treatment is working and if you need more specialized care for your symptoms. In some cases, it takes several months to find the right medication and dosage to manage your depression symptoms.

You can rely on your doctor to provide consistent, compassionate care as you learn how to cope with your depression.

Find out more about treatment options for depression by calling Harmony Health or by scheduling a consultation online today.