TMS Annapolis Experts, the Pysch Associates of Maryland, Explore How These Mental Health Disorders are Connected
Sadness and anger are common human emotions that everyone experiences. However, these negative emotions are sometimes indicative of a serious mental illness. For instance, people whose moods disrupt their normal manner of living may have depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Some patients might even be struggling with both conditions. In our latest blog post, TMS Annapolis experts — the Psych Associates of Maryland — explore the relationship between these two mental health disorders.
It is possible for a physician to diagnose a patient with both PTSD and depression. In fact, depression is one of the most common co-occurring mental health disorders in patients with PTSD. Out of a group of subjects that were diagnosed with PTSD, 48 to 55% of them also experienced depression. So how does this happen? The TMS Annapolis experts from Psych Associates of Maryland explains how.
This relationship between PTSD and depression can manifest in a variety of ways in patients:
While these mental health disorders do coincide in some cases, it is important to know how to distinguish the two of them from each other. Sometimes, people with depression and PTSD exhibit similar symptoms to each other. However, the causes behind these symptoms often vary. That’s why TMS Annapolis experts — Pysch Associates of Maryland — are there to break down the different causes and symptoms of PTSD and depression.
PTSD is commonly associated with people struggling with anxiety and flashbacks of traumatic events. When some people think of PTSD, they think of injured soldiers returning from active combat zones. But PTSD can affect anyone, especially if they have gone through an emotionally devastating experience such as a car crash or an attack. Victims of sexual assault, a natural disaster, war, and domestic violence are also at risk of developing PTSD.
Symptoms of PTSD do not normally appear right after a traumatic event has occurred. Instead, they can appear weeks — and even months — later.
Some of the most common symptoms of PTSD include:
Depression can also result from a traumatic event. Medical problems, medications, genetic vulnerabilities, and faulty mood regulation by the brain can also cause depression.
Common symptoms of depression include:
In order to be diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, a person must have experienced a traumatic event while also exhibiting the following symptoms for at least a month. They must also significantly impair one’s ability to function regularly.
Patients who are diagnosed with depression must exhibit at least five of the common symptoms of the mental health disorder within a 2-week period or longer.
If you are struggling with depression or PTSD, it is imperative that you seek professional treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you are able to receive help, the sooner you are able to start healing.
Patients with depression or PTSD have a wide array of treatment options available to them:
As you discuss your individual treatment plan with your primary care physician, it can be helpful to remain informed of these options.
Are you or a loved one struggling with PTSD and depression? Help is out there. Contact TMS Annapolis experts, the Psych Associates of Maryland, to schedule an appointment today.
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