What is depression?

Clinical depression is a serious medical illness that negatively affects how patients feel, the way they think, and act. Clinical depression is treatable. The symptoms of clinical depression vary from mild to severe. Here are some common symptoms that our psychiatrist at MOOD EDEN looks for when examining for clinical depression

• Feelings of sadness and depressed mood
• Loss of interest and pleasure in previously enjoyed
• Changes in appetite that result in weight loss or gain
• Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
• Loss of energy or increased fatigue
• Feeling worthless or guilty
• Difficulty thinking, concentrating, and making decisions
• Thoughts of death or suicide
  
  

When should I talk to a doctor about my depression?

Feeling sad after something terrible happens is completely normal. However, when the above symptoms last for two weeks and represent a change from previous levels, it is time to get help for depression

Depression occurs in 1 in 15 adults(6.7%) in any given year. And 1 in 6 people (16.6%) will experience depression at some point in their lifetime. Depression is starting to occur at an earlier age, with a mean age of diagnosis at 16 in the United States. Between 20-30% of adolescents reported symptoms of depression, with 9% attempting suicide this past year. We have child & adolescent psychiatrist on staff to help adolescents struggle with depression get better.

What causes depression?

Depression can affect anyone. Some factors can cause depression, including genetics, personality, environmental factor,s and medical conditions. Depression can run in some families, but it doesn’t have to.

How is depression treated?

Our psychiatrist at Garden Psych takes a detailed history and develops a customized treatment plan for each client. Depression is a very treatable condition, with 80-90% patients reporting eventual response to treatment.

Before a specific treatment regimen is provided blood test maybe needed to be needed to make sure another problem is not responsible for the depression. Thyroid problems and vitamin deficiency can look like depression.

Brain chemistry can contribute to depression. Antidepressants are prescribed to help modify the brain chemistry to treat depression. These antidepressants are not sedative, “uppers,” or tranquilizers. They are not habit-forming. Antidepressant medications are prescribed for six months or more to treat depression.

We at Garden Psych also frequently recommend a form of “talk therapy” that be done called Cognitive Behavioral Therapy(CBT). CBT helps patients realize distorted and negative thinking patterns and change those distorted patterns. The combination of medications and CBT is the most effective treatment combination for the treatment of depression.

For a more pleasurable and enjoyable life that is depression free make an appointment by calling us at 609-601-4161