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What Causes Lack Of Interest In Everything, Fatigue And Low Mood?

Posted on Tue, 17 Jun 2014

Question: I am 71 years old. I was diagnosed with AFIB in February and taking 120mg daily of Cardizem. I have been dealing with depression as well as diagnosed by a psychiatrist. She prescribed Lexapro which I have not yet taken. I wanted to try and get through it without medication. It worked for awhile but now it is getting worse. I have very little interest in anything. About 2 weeks ago, I started with extreme fatigue. Tired all day and just feel like laying down in bed until it's time to go to sleep for the night. I guess I have a hard time believing that this extreme fatigue is based upon depression alone. I was diagnosed with AFIB while in the ER for very rapid heart rate. They ran various tests including blood, chest x-ray and brain MRI. They said all was normal even though a number of results are out of the normal range. I have the test results with me. Don't know whether to go to my GP next or take the Lexapro. By the way, my cardiologist check me out last week and said everything is fine from his stand point. He mentioned my problem could be sleep apnia based on the shape of my mouth. Hope you can help.

Answered by Dr. Ashish Mittal (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Hi

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for your query.
I appreciate your efforts for medical consultation in so much distress.

You are a known case of depression as diagnosed by psychiatrist, which is getting worse day by day without treatment.

Lack of interest in everything, fatigue, low mood and increase heart rate are all symptoms of depression, specially in case of normal examination findings and normal test reports.

In most of the cases it is better to take treatment for Depression in its presence, and people can not come out of this with will power alone in short duration. Even loss of will power is also a symptom of depression.

As a psychiatrist, I see significant improvement in patients who start treatment on time. Lexapro contain escitalopram and it is a very good medicine to relieve depression in 2-3 weeks. You can start it according to your psychiatrist advice without any worry and I hope you will become well soon with smile on face.

I hope this information has been both informative and helpful for you. In case of any doubt, I will be available for follow ups.

Wish you good health.
Regards,

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Ashish Mittal (14 hours later)

I will be seeing my regular doctor tomorrow. I presume he will do some blood tests. What will he be looking for which may be related to my depession and fatigue? Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Ashish Mittal (34 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Hi

Detailed Answer:
Hello again,
Thanks for follow up.

Depression is a clinical diagnosis, so no blood test required to detect it.

But doctors can advice you certain test for the following issues:
-To know the medical causes, which can cause or exacerbate depression: Like blood sugar level, thyroid function test, serum B12 and D3 level.
-To know medical causes of fatigue: Kidney and Liver function test, Complete blood count.

But again type of test differ doctor to doctor and depend more on their clinical judgement in given case.

Please accept my answer and give feedback in case there is no further query and you found reply helpful. In case of doubt, I am here to help you.

Wish you good health.
Regards

Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar