Depression: Symptoms & Treatment

An estimated 16.2 million adults in the United States experienced at least one major depressive episode in 2016, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. In Long Beach, California, Pacific Mind Health psychiatrists know the toll depression can take on daily life and professional and personal relationships. The skilled specialists offer effective treatments to manage depression, including psychotherapy, medications, and transcranial magnetic stimulation. The attentive Pacific Mind Health providers are here to help.  Call or click to schedule online.

What is depression?
Depression is a mood disorder involving a persistent overarching feeling of sadness and a general loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy. Depression is also referred to as major depressive disorder or clinical depression.
Depression is more than just a passing bout of the blues. In many cases, depression is a mental health disorder that may require long-term treatment.

What are the symptoms of depression?
Many people with depression have difficulty with normal day-to-day activities. Symptoms include:

• Angry outbursts, irritability, and frustration over trivial matters
• A general loss of interest and pleasure in activities
• Feelings of hopelessness, sadness, and emptiness
• Sleep disturbances and poor sleep quality
• Chronic fatigue and a lack of motivation
• Anxiety, agitation, and impatience
• Impaired or slowed cognitive functioning and memory
• Reduced appetite, weight loss or gain, or increased cravings
• Thoughts of death or suicide and suicide attempts

Many people with depression also experience unexplained physical problems, such as headaches or back pain. Others may experience feelings of worthlessness or guilt and become frequently fixated on self-blame or past failures.

What causes depression?
The cause of depression isn’t definitive, but as with many mental health disorders, there may be a number of factors at play, including:

• Hormones
• Inherited traits
• Brain chemistry and certain changes in the brain

Certain life events can trigger a depressive episode. Other risk factors for depression include having a chronic illness and chronic pain, low self-esteem, a history of other mental health disorders, and substance abuse.

What are the treatments for depression?
Following a psychiatric evaluation, Dr. Flatow devises a personalized treatment plan and may recommend treatments, such as:

• Psychotherapy and counseling
• Medications, such as antidepressants, anti-anxiety, and stimulants
• Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
  
• Lifestyle changes, including frequent exercise, sufficient nutrition, and stress management
  

Your Pacific Mind Health provider might recommend transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). During TMS, you sit in a reclining chair and wear earplugs. Your psychiatrist places a treatment coil against your scalp near your forehead that sends brief magnetic pulses to stimulate nerve cells in your brain that play a role in mood regulation and depression. The amount of magnetic energy is tailored to suit you and each treatment takes between 40 minutes to an hour. You can return to your daily activities right away.

If you’re experiencing depression, call Pacific Mind Health or schedule online for quality, compassionate care.