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Underweight, Depressed, Stressed. How Can Confidence Be Gained, Treatment?

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Posted on Tue, 3 Jul 2012
Question: What kind of doctor should I seek out for help dealing with being underweight. I am 24 years old, 5'7" and weight about 110-115 llbs from day to day it seems. I think it might be that I am depressed and stressed all the time. Ive always been very small stature d and thin but in highschool I weighed around 120-125. Is there any medication I can ask a doctor to help with this problem. It's really killing my confidence.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Aashish Raghu (1 hour later)
Hello Mr. Longhorn,

Thank you for posting your query.

I understand your concern.

You have provided with good information, I appreciate it. In order to guide you appropriately, I will need a few more details regarding your problem, so please answer the following questions in as much detail as possible.

1. Do you have any of these, chronic cough, diarrhea, joint pains, weakness, racing heart, weakness ?

2. Has there been a recent change in sleep, appetite, mood throughout the day, general activity ?

It appears that you have trouble gaining weight. This has been going on probably since adolescence years, getting worse.

There are many possible causes of weight loss and failure to gain weight. Common causes include constitutional causes which may be due to genetic and familial reasons, infections, chronic inflammatory diseases, connective tissue disorders, tumors, psychiatric disorders like anxiety, depression etc.

Since you have been losing weight quickly it needs to be investigated. You can consult a leading General Physician or Specialist in XXXXXXX Medicine first to perform thorough investigations like blood work, required radiological scanning and testing for specific organ systems as well.

Eat high protein diet, plenty of fresh fruits and XXXXXXX leafy vegetables. Drink plenty of water. Do daily brisk walking, do muscle building exercises at gym which will help build muscle bulk and weight. Do Yoga to relieve stress.

Do not worry. It would be best to consult with a Psychiatrist with issues concerning sleep, depression, confidence issues.

I hope I have answered your query. I will be available to answer your follow up queries.

Wishing you good health.

Regards,



Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Aashish Raghu (3 hours later)
Well I have none of the symptoms you mentioned in 1., but I do have trouble making myself fall asleep at night and it isn't uncommon for me to wake up in the middle of the night. I'm almost positive I have depression and from what I have read that can be a major factor, as I am already naturally thin. I've read that dealing with the depression will get my appetite going again and that the medications usually make people gain weight, which would be a bonus for my small frame. I guess my real question is should I see a doctor for depression or for being underweight, as I feel like they are linked. Thank you, XXXXXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Aashish Raghu (8 hours later)
Hi there.

Thanks for the reply.

Depression is usually associated with weight gain or weight loss. In some persons, weight loss and trouble falling asleep could be major problems along with appetite issues.

If you have a low mood constantly throughout the day, sleep problems etc. it would be wise to consult with a Psychiatrist to resolve these issues.

Wishing you good health.

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

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E
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Answered by
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Dr. Aashish Raghu

Orthopaedic Surgeon

Practicing since :2011

Answered : 5482 Questions

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Underweight, Depressed, Stressed. How Can Confidence Be Gained, Treatment?

Hello Mr. Longhorn,

Thank you for posting your query.

I understand your concern.

You have provided with good information, I appreciate it. In order to guide you appropriately, I will need a few more details regarding your problem, so please answer the following questions in as much detail as possible.

1. Do you have any of these, chronic cough, diarrhea, joint pains, weakness, racing heart, weakness ?

2. Has there been a recent change in sleep, appetite, mood throughout the day, general activity ?

It appears that you have trouble gaining weight. This has been going on probably since adolescence years, getting worse.

There are many possible causes of weight loss and failure to gain weight. Common causes include constitutional causes which may be due to genetic and familial reasons, infections, chronic inflammatory diseases, connective tissue disorders, tumors, psychiatric disorders like anxiety, depression etc.

Since you have been losing weight quickly it needs to be investigated. You can consult a leading General Physician or Specialist in XXXXXXX Medicine first to perform thorough investigations like blood work, required radiological scanning and testing for specific organ systems as well.

Eat high protein diet, plenty of fresh fruits and XXXXXXX leafy vegetables. Drink plenty of water. Do daily brisk walking, do muscle building exercises at gym which will help build muscle bulk and weight. Do Yoga to relieve stress.

Do not worry. It would be best to consult with a Psychiatrist with issues concerning sleep, depression, confidence issues.

I hope I have answered your query. I will be available to answer your follow up queries.

Wishing you good health.

Regards,