Symptoms of Depression - Diabetic Depression Symptoms

Symptoms of Depression
January 16, 2008
Debra Manzella, R.N.
About.com

Symptoms of Depression

Recognizing the symptoms of depression is important for getting the help that's needed.

* Feeling sad for a prolonged period of time.
* Feeling restless or anxious for no apparent reason
* Feeling hopeless, helpless or worthless
* Not being able to concentrate
* Inability to remember things
* Fatigue or loss of energy, feeling "dragged out" and tired
* Lack of appetite, or increased eating with accompanying weight changes
* No interest in the things that used to bring pleasure
* Not sleeping at night or sleeping sleeping too much
* Suicidal thoughts or thinking about death

Treating Depression

Getting help for depression not only improves a person's quality of life, it also can help people manage their diabetes better by giving them more energy and a more hopeful outlook. Talking to a counselor or therapist can be helpful. Most prescription anti-depressant drugs are appropriate for people with diabetes and do not affect glycemic control. Nortriptyline (Pamelor, Aventyl), however, can affect blood glucose levels, so it should be used with caution to treat depression that is complicated by a co-existing diagnosis of diabetes.

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