Medical Causes of Depression

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Sometimes certain physical conditions may mimic or worsen physical symptoms of depression. Therefore, it is important to consider these possibilities when evaluating a patient presenting with depressed mood. For example:

Low levels of thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism) may cause low energy, depressed mood, and weight gain.
Anemia may lead to fatigue and lightheadedness. This is especially important to consider in extremely picky eaters and menstruating teenagers.
Eating disorders, especially the kinds in which a patient may be severely restricting intake, can present with seemingly poor appetite, weight loss, and low energy.

Certain medications can cause depressed mood in some people. For example:

Isotretinoin (ex. Accutane) that is used to treat severe acne
Birth control pills
Alcohol
Marijuana
Acyclovir which is used to treat herpes and cold sores
Opioids
Benzodiazepines
Seizure medications
Blood pressure medications such as beta-blockers and calcium-channel blockers

Your clinician will take a careful history of your child’s overall health and determine if certain tests and referrals may be indicated. It is also important to let your clinician know of ALL the medicines(prescription, over the counter, and homeopathic) that your child is taking.