The Record Special Sections Health Quarterly 04-28-2019 | Page 4

4 ❚ SUNDAY, APRIL 28, 2019 ❚ THE RECORD
HEALTH QUARTERLY / ADVERTISING SECTION
Depression: Different
Levels, No Single Cause
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3
Telltale signs of a depressed mood
include a change in appetite, sleep pat-
terns, energy level, daily behavior and in
extreme cases, thoughts or plans of sui-
cide. When these symptoms occur every
day and last for two or more weeks, it’s
important to reach out to a loved one
or close friend for support or seek out a
medical professional. Substance abuse
or withdraw, certain medical conditions
and medications, and bipolar disorder can
induce symptoms of depression. “In order
to diagnose pure clinical depression, a
health professional should first rule out any
of these possibilities as the medical choices
are very different,” notes Dr. Magdalena
Spariosu, interim chair of the Department
of Psychiatry & Behavioral Medicine at
Hackensack Meridian Health.
There’s no single cause of depression,
according to research. It can be the result
of brain chemistry, hormones and genetics,
as well as life experiences and physical
health. Different levels of depression can
range from mild to moderate to severe,
bearing a lack of confidence, loss of con-
centration and feelings of hopelessness
which, in turn, can impact or significantly
impair not only the individual, but fam-
ily, relationships, school and professional
functioning. “What we’re really concerned
about is major depression,” says Dr. Pritesh
Shah, director of Behavioral Health at Holy
Name Medical Center. “Major depression
with psychosis is very severe and can be
associated with paranoia and delusions,
requiring immediate medical attention and
close monitoring.”
Children and adolescents can also strug-
gle with depression. Hormonal changes,
bullying, challenges of conformity, identity
and self-esteem issues are all common trig-
gers for the onset of depression in younger
individuals.
“The isolation and false depictions that
the virtual world presents are rising factors
Empathy and understanding related through common experiences among friends,
family and support groups can help cope with isolation and symptoms of depression.
for adolescent depression,” adds Dr. Bolo.
Children are often more reluctant than
adults to voice their feelings and reach out
for care, and in some cases, will instead
turn to drugs and alcohol for quick relief.
Ultimately, this becomes a vicious cycle as
substances can worsen depression causing
patients to require parallel treatments.
Depression in the elderly is also quite
common. As we age, life changes and
health problems may develop, bringing on
feelings of loneliness and isolation. But like
depression in all ages, it is not a normal
part of aging. “In the elderly, depression
can be a harbinger of dementia. The loss
of a spouse, close friends, even the culture
See DEPRESSION Page 22
Urogynecology at New Jersey Urology
We’re pleased to announce that Dr. Nyarai Mushonga will provide urogynecological services
in three New Jersey Urology locations. Dr. Mushonga is board certified by the American Board
of Obstetrics and Gynecology and board eligible in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive
surgery specializing in:
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Bladder dysfunction disorders
Bladder pain
Cystocele
Rectocele
Fecal incontinence
Female pelvic pain
Fistulas
Labial hypertrophy
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Overactive bladder (OAB)
Pelvic floor dysfunction
Pelvic organ prolapses
Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Robotic surgery
Urethral diverticulum
Urine leakage
Vaginal rejuvenation
Please call [phone] to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Nyarai Mushonga
www.NJUrology.com
West Orange
375 Mount Pleasant Avenue, Suite 250
West Orange, NJ 07052