Are loss of appetite, sleeping trouble and being distant signs of depression?
Patient: my husband has been acting different lately. he told me he is not tired of being married but he is not happy. he can not tell me why he is unhappy, he just says he does not know. could he be suffering from a mild case of depression? he had a stroke 4 years ago, could that lead to some sort of depression now? he has not been eating much lately, is distant, and has trouble sleeping good ( but he works graveyard shift). any advise would greatly be appreciated. I don t want my marriage to end over this. Doctor: Hi,I can understand your concern regarding your husband's symptoms. from what you have mentioned, it is quite possible that your husband is having a depressive episode. To link it with stroke is a bit difficult. Usually, post stroke depression starts within 2 years. In  your husband's case, it has been 4 years. It may be possible but less likely.In any case, he would need treatment. You should seek a psychiatric consultation for him. Treatment with anti-depressant like escitalopram will be effective.Hope this information was helpful. Best wishes.