What is depression?
Depression, also called major depressive disorder or clinical depression, is a mood disorder that interferes with your thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and actions. The effects of a mood disorder may interfere with many aspects of your life, including your sleep, work, and relationships.
There are many types of depression, including:
- Major Depressive Disorder
- Postpartum depression
- Seasonal affective disorder
- Persistent depressive disorder
- Psychotic depression
Depression is not unusual and may develop from a combination of factors, including genetics, environmental, biological, and psychological. You may be more likely to develop depression if it runs in your family, you’ve gone through a traumatic event, or as a side effect of an underlying chronic health condition.
What are the symptoms of depression?
Depression symptoms vary in type and severity. Common symptoms include:
- Feelings of hopeless or helplessness
- Sadness
- Fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating
- Loss of appetite
- Increase in appetite
- Unexplained aches and pains
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Poor Motivation
- Restlessness or anxiety
- Thoughts of death or suicide
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, contact Health & Psychiatry for an evaluation. It’s not uncommon for depression to cause feelings of utter hopelessness and despair that may leave you feeling as though nothing can help you feel better. But depression is treatable, even in the most severe cases.
How is depression diagnosed?
Dr. Sajan and her team conduct an initial psychiatric evaluation for all new patients seeking help for depression. During your exam, they review your symptoms, medical and family history, and perform mental tests to assess mood.
How is depression treated?
Dr. Sajan and her team take a holistic approach to the treatment of depression and develops individualized plans based on the underlying cause of your depression and the severity of your symptoms. Your treatment plan may include a combination of psychotherapy and medication.
Though there are many effective treatments for depression, some people continue to experience symptoms despite trying multiple medications, treatments, and therapies. For treatment-resistant depression, Dr. Sajan and her team offer transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), which is a noninvasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate the nerve cells in your brain to alleviate your depressive symptoms.
Your depression may leave you feeling hopeless and alone, but help is available to restore hope and harmony. Call Health & Psychiatry or request an appointment online today.
