Understanding Depression and Anxiety Support in Primary Care

Nearly 44 million adults in the U.S. will experience some form of mental illness in their lifetime. The most common conditions are anxiety and depression, which can sometimes cause significant challenges to everyday life. Surprisingly, less than half of those who experience symptoms of depression and anxiety seek mental health care. Some of the common barriers to receiving care are: 

• Cost
• Difficulty finding counselors
• Scheduling conflicts
• Inconvenient locations
• Feelings of embarrassment about seeking help

In this article, we’ll explore the role primary care physicians play in offering support for depression and anxiety. We’ll examine the types of mental health concerns that primary care physicians can address, the anxiety and depression medications they can prescribe, and whether treatment is covered by insurance.

Do Primary Care Physicians Treat Depression and Anxiety? 

Primary care physicians often play a critical role in spotting and treating basic mental health concerns like depression, anxiety, and panic attack disorders. While they can also diagnose more complex issues like attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), they may refer patients to specialists for more comprehensive care.

How Do Primary Care Physicians Detect Depression and Anxiety?

Because primary care physicians have routine checkups with patients, they can ask questions about mental health and look for changes in a patient’s mood or behavior. If patients present with symptoms like fatigue, insomnia, changes in appetite, or pain, primary care doctors may order additional tests to rule out any other conditions that could be causing these symptoms before diagnosing anxiety or depression. Once a diagnosis is made, treatment will depend on the severity of your symptoms. It could be as simple as making lifestyle changes to manage the stress that’s causing your depression and anxiety, or it could require medication to help manage your symptoms. 

What are Depression and Anxiety Symptoms Treated by Primary Care?

Depression and anxiety often occur together. Depression is marked by a constant feeling of sadness, while anxiety involves excessive worrying about things that are out of your control. Both can have similar symptoms, including:

• Feeling sad, hopeless, or anxious most or all of the time
• Difficulty falling or staying asleep
• Irritability, restlessness, and impatience
• Difficulty concentrating
• Changing in eating or drinking habits. 
• Fatigue

Distinct symptoms of depression may also include physical complaints, such as unexplained aches and pains, weight fluctuations, and thoughts of self-harm. On the other hand, anxiety symptoms can manifest as feelings of dread or exaggerated reactions to stress. 

How is Depression and Anxiety Treated in a Primary Care Setting?

Many times, patients with anxiety and depression present with physical complaints, like fatigue or headaches, but most patients are unaware that they may actually be experiencing depression or anxiety. 

1. Recognizing Physical Symptoms: Anxiety and depression can sometimes appear as physical symptoms, like fatigue or headaches, which can be mistaken for other health issues. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, it may be helpful to speak to your primary care physician.
2. Initial Assessment and Screening: After ruling out other causes, your doctor may use a quick screening tool called the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). This self-assessment asks you to rate how often you’ve felt certain symptoms and includes questions on quality of life and mental well-being. High scores usually indicate a diagnosis of depression.
3. Developing a Treatment Plan: Once diagnosed, your physician will collaborate with you to create a treatment plan suited to your needs. This may include lifestyle adjustments, medications, therapy, or a combination of these, depending on your symptoms.

It’s important to be open and honest with your doctor about your symptoms and any concerns you may have about your depression and anxiety treatment plan in order to achieve the best results. 

Why Choose a Primary Care Physician for Anxiety and Depression Treatment Treatment

Navigating anxiety and depression can feel challenging, but working with a primary care physician can make the process more supportive and accessible. Here are the mental health treatments that we offer:

• Behavioral Health Services: We offer specialized support for managing anxiety, depression, and any behavioral health concern in a primary care setting.
• Talk Therapy: This talk therapy approach helps you identify and change negative thought patterns, creating lasting improvements in mood and resilience.
• Medication Management: We provide medication options when appropriate, with careful monitoring to adjust treatment as needed.

If your symptoms are complex or require additional expertise, we’re here to connect you with experienced mental health specialists or an urgent care facility to ensure you receive the right level of care at every step.

What Types of Anxiety and Depression Medications Can Primary Care Physicians Prescribe?

Primary care doctors often prescribe SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) to treat anxiety and depression. These medications boost serotonin—often called the “happy hormone”—in the brain to help relieve symptoms. While SSRIs can be effective, they may have side effects, so keep your doctor informed about how you’re feeling.

If SSRIs aren’t effective, SNRIs (Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors) might be an alternative your doctor could try. Regular checkups are essential to monitor your progress and address any side effects you may experience.

Depression and Anxiety Treatment at AllCare

At AllCare, we offer specialized support for individuals struggling with anxiety and depression. Our primary care physicians can recommend a personalized treatment plan with lifestyle changes to help you manage symptoms, develop healthy coping mechanisms, challenge negative thought patterns, and promote emotional well-being. Schedule an appointment with AllCare today.