Depression Treatment Options From a Psychiatrist

Depression is not something to ignore and hope it goes away on its own, but a serious mood disorder that can impact all parts of a person’s life. Depression treatment from a psychiatrist helps people manage this disorder and return to living a happy, healthy, and productive life. Since no two people are alike, depression treatment looks different for everyone. A psychiatrist can diagnose depression and match clients with the right treatment plan.

Depression explained

Depression is more than feeling sad or blue from time to time; it is a mood disorder that can negatively impact personal and professional life and even physical health. It is also known as major depressive disorder (MDD) or clinical depression. According to the American Psychiatric Association, “symptoms must last at least two weeks and represent a change in one’s previous level of functioning for a diagnosis of depression.” Those with depression can experience extreme symptoms resulting in lost sleep, decreased work productivity, and impaired function in one’s daily living and relationships. Other symptoms include:

• Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
• Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
• Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
• Increase or decrease in appetite
• Trouble controlling emotions
• Fatigue
• Apathy

The longer depression continues without treatment, the worse these symptoms get, and the more likely clients are to develop thoughts of suicide or negative coping mechanisms. Self-medicating with alcohol or other substances is a common example. Therefore, depression treatment from a qualified mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist, is crucial.

How a psychiatrist diagnoses depression

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor trained to treat mental disorders such as depression. The first thing they will usually do is question the client about their symptoms, medical history, and family mental health history. Next, they will conduct a physical exam and order tests to check for any physical conditions that may be causing or contributing to the client’s symptoms. If the depression diagnosis is confirmed, the practitioner will match the client with the right treatment.

What to expect from depression treatment

The treatment the psychiatrist recommends will depend on the type and severity of the client’s depression and their personal health situation. Treatment is constantly evolving as we learn more about depression and how to help people manage it. A psychiatrist will monitor a client closely and adjust their treatment plan as needed.

Medication

Antidepressants are typically the first line of treatment when it comes to depression. There are many types of these drugs. However, the most commonly prescribed are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). Antidepressants change how the brain uses certain neurotransmitters — mainly serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine — to help improve mood.

Though highly effective, these medications can take several weeks to start working. In addition, each comes with its advantages, disadvantages, and side effects. The psychiatrist will work with the client to find the best fit and help them get the dosing right. Therefore, it is crucial the doctor closely monitor the client.

Talk therapy

A psychiatrist may also recommend the client undergo some form of talk therapy. Many of the most successful depression treatment plans involve a combination of medication and therapy. Talk therapy often involves weekly appointments with a psychologist or therapist. These mental healthcare professionals work with the client to uncover what is behind the depression and explore healthy ways of managing it.

Just as a wide range of medications can help with depression, there are also many forms of talk therapy that can be helpful. Some therapies are behavioral, while others examine past traumas and underlying emotions. Our team gets to know the client and helps them determine which style of therapy is likely to be most effective for them.

Other forms of therapy

Sometimes, traditional methods of treating depression, such as talk therapy and antidepressants, do not produce the desired results. Therefore, the mental health industry has developed other ways of treating depression. One example is transcranial magnetic stimulation, or “TMS.” This therapy involves using magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells and improve symptoms.

Ketamine therapy is another newer form of therapy aimed at treating treatment-resistant depression. Ketamine is a dissociative drug that has been used as anesthesia for decades. Recently, psychiatrists have prescribed it to clients who have not responded well to more traditional forms of depression treatment. Ketamine can be administered through IV, injection, or a nasal spray.

Do not let depression derail your life

Depression is a serious condition that no one should feel they have to cope with alone. Treating depression calls for the help of a mental health professional. Our psychiatric team helps people overcome their depression and get back to living their best life. To learn more about your depression treatment options, call our office today.

Request an appointment here: https://nycpsychiatricassociates.com or call NYC Psychiatric Associates at (917) 391-0076 for an appointment in our New York office.

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