Coral Springs

 

1890 N. University Drive

Suite 215

Coral Springs, FL 33071

Telephone: (954) 227-2700

Fax: (954) 227-2704

Linda Berlin, Psy.D.

&

Psychological Associates

Boca Raton

 

7000 W. Palmetto Park Road

Suite 407

Boca Raton, FL 33433

Telephone: (561) 347-0997

Fax: (561) 347-0996

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. I only have four symptoms. Does that mean I don’t have major depression?

A. The DSM-IV is meant to be a guideline, and is not cast in stone. Moreover, your doctor or psychiatrist is likely to consider other factors in making a determination.

Q. I have been told to snap out of it. Depression must be my fault, right?

A. Wrong. Depression is a medical illness which affects an organ, the brain, which in turn affects the rest of the body. One can no more snap out of depression that one can snap out of diabetes or heart disease. It would help to have a positive outlook, but the very nature of depression is a lack of positive outlook. Unfortunately, having depression still carries a stigma, though not nearly as bad as in the past. If there is any consolation, you are in good company: Winston Churchill, Abraham Lincoln, Peter Illych Tchaikovsky, Frederic Chopin, and Mike Wallace, just to name a few, all had crushing depressions.

Q. Are there any other physical aspects of depression?

A. Yes. Mind and body are very much connected. The risk of heart disease is doubled in people with depression, and a previous depression is often the greatest risk factor for heart disease and other ills, over smoking, drinking, high blood sugar, and previous heart attacks. Depression has also been connected to diabetes, bone loss, stroke, irritable bowel syndrome, and possibly cancer. In addition, people with depression have much higher rates of alcohol and substance use than the general population.

Q. Are women especially vulnerable to depression?

A. Yes. Besides postpartum depression, some women also experience depression as part of their hormonal cycle, referred to as premenstrual dysphoric disorder, or PMDD. Across all nations and cultures, it was found that twice as many women experience depression as men. The disparity starts as girls become teens, and it is thought that their concerns about social acceptance and fitting in have a lot to do with it. Moreover, the experts believe that women ruminate more than men, and that their lower socio-economic position gives them more reasons to be depressed.

Q. So men get off lightly, right?

A. Wrong. A strong body of opinion posits that the DSM is biased toward women. For example, perhaps the most important symptom of depression - feeling depressed most of the time - lists as its only example "appears tearful." Men tend to express their inner hurt in other ways, such as anger, irritability, aggression, and antisocial behavior. Women eat for comfort, or not eat if they are worried (which is recognized as a symptom) while men take solace in alcohol or drugs (which is not recognized as a symptom). This suggests that many men are not getting treated or are getting the wrong treatment. The next DSM may make some changes in this regard.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Depression

By: Linda Berlin, Psy.D., R.N., Clinical Director

Who Gets Depression?

Depression is a very common illness which affects approximately 1 in 20 Americans each year.  The good news is that depression is very treatable.  Typically the cycle for a depressive episode is approximately 6-9 months.  Most likely, without treatment, you will recover from depression within that time frame.  However, with the proper treatment, recovery can occur much more quickly.  In fact, successful treatment can eliminate your depressive symptoms and restore you to your normal life within 6-8 weeks.

How Do I Know If I Have a Clinical Depression?

The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) lists nine symptoms for major depression. If at least 5 of the symptoms listed below, including depressed mood or loss of interest in activities are present for 2 weeks or longer without physical cause, you should contact a health care practitioner immediately.

  • Are you feeling sad, empty, down in the dumps?

  • Have you lost interest/pleasure in those activities which were previously enjoyable?

  • Do you have a change in appetite (eating more or less, gaining or losing weight)?

  • Do you have a change in your sleep patterns (sleeping too much or insomnia)?

  • Are you frequently tired or feeling fatigued?

  • Are you experiencing a loss of motivation?

  • Do you have trouble concentrating, making decisions?

  • Do you feel worthless or excessively guilty?

  • Do you have recurrent thoughts of death, suicide?

What Types of Treatments Are Available?

Current research indicates that the most effective treatment for depression is a combination of psychotherapy and antidepressant medication.  Many clients are concerned about the use of medication.  Common concerns include fears of becoming addicted and/or being "too drugged to be able to function."  Fortunately, in fact, antidepressants are non-addictive and side effects are minimal, very temporary and usually are limited to mild insomnia.  Of course, should you decide that medication is not an option for you, your wishes will be completely respected.

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Dr. Linda Berlin is the Director of Linda Berlin, Psy.D. & Psychological Associates. She has been working in the Coral Springs community for over 15 years.  Dr. Berlin is also a registered nurse and was an adjunct professor at Nova Southeastern University.  To learn more about Dr. Berlin click here. For any other information you may need, Dr. Berlin can be reached at (954) 227-2700 or (561) 347-0997.

Read Dr. Berlin's article on Life Coaching.

Read Dr. Berlin's article on Anxiety & Panic Attacks.

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