Despite all the media attention given to depression, there remains a great deal of confusion about what this diagnosis means. We screen every new patient for depression, and frequently come across people who meet the diagnostic criteria, but are surprised that their symptoms "count". It is estimated that the national prevalence of depression is 17.1% of the population. In the bariatric population, however, this rate more than triples to 49.3%. Therefore, it is important for all bariatric patients to be able to recognize the signs of depression.
Although classified as a Mood Disorder, it is important to see depression as a systemic disruption which can affect all life functions. While predominant sad and/or tearful mood can be one of the prominent symptoms of depression, it is possible to be depressed without experiencing sadness. This is often the biggest surprise to patients, who respond to the diagnosis with the statement "But I don't feel sad". Other symptoms of depression are listed below:
Irritable mood, most of the day almost every day
Loss of interest in pleasurable activities or the inability to experience pleasure
Sleep disturbances (too much or too little)
Weight-loss or weight-gain associated with changes in appetite
Fatigue or loss of energy almost every day
Changes in physical movement (either feeling "jittery" or as if movements are slowed down)
Difficulty concentrating
Inappropriate guilt
Persistent feelings of worthlessness
Recurrent thoughts about death
While everybody has their moments with feelings like these, if you have been experiencing some of these symptoms for more than two weeks, you should make an appointment to discuss this with your health care provider. There are many forms of treatment available, and the earlier you seek treatment, the less entrenched symptoms are apt to become and the sooner you will be feeling better.
