
What Causes Depression?



Reason of referral is most probably to rule out depression or anxiety
Detailed Answer:
Hello thanks for asking from HCM
You are a 23 years old female and had symptoms like feeling extremely down, exhausted all the time. Such symptoms could occur due to anxiety or mild form of depression. This was the probably the reason your PCP prescribed Zoloft to you. Zoloft is sertraline and is an antidepressant drug. The drug is known to increase anxiety and restlessness during first week of its therapy and this resulted in ending up in ER.
She might have referred you to Psychiatrist because feeling down and exhausted all the time are common symptoms of depression. To rule out depression as cause of your symptoms she has referred you to a psychiatrist.
Before going to Psychiatrist two medical conditions should be ruled out. One is nutrient deficiencies mainly Vitamin B12 and iron deficiency. In both conditions individuals start feeling low and have feelings of tiredness. I would advise you to get your Haemoglobin and B12 levels checked to rule out these conditions.
Second reason that should be ruled out is hypothyroidism. In low thyroid functions individuals have complaints of feeling low, tiredness etc. Getting a TFT or thyroid function test to rule out this condition is a good option.
If these medical conditions can be ruled out then consultation of a psychiatrist is advisable.
Thanks, hope this helps you. Don't hesitate to ask again for more uncleared doubts or questions in follow up.


They have referred you to make diagnosis of depression
Detailed Answer:
Hello again, thanks for asking a follow up
Mood disorders are type of disorder of mood and emotion which includes depressive disorders, mania (acute excitement of mood which elevated mood and energy), or both mania and depression.
Probably the symptoms which you have mentioned like feeling down and exhausted feeling are occurring due to depression. The acute reaction due to Zoloft was probably severe anxiety or may be manic switch. This is the probable reason they have referred you. To differentiate between depression and mania they have referred you.
Mood disorders are dealt by a Psychiatrist only (and not by PCP) and there is no harm in going to them. Visiting a psychiatrist doesn't mean that he/she will prescribed you medicine. Just for confirmation of your diagnosis you should visit. After confirmation of diagnosis you can take help from a therapist. If diagnosis comes to be depression then in such cases Cognitive Therapy have excellent roles in resulting in improvement. Visit a therapist after confirmation of diagnosis.
Thanks, hope this helps you.

Answered by

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
