What is depression & How is it treated?

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), commonly referred to as depression, is a mental health condition characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest or pleasure in activities. It is one of the most common mental health disorders worldwide and can significantly impair daily functioning and quality of life. 

Key features of Major Depressive Disorder include: 

• Persistent Depressed Mood: Individuals with MDD experience a persistent feeling of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness that lasts for most of the day, nearly every day. 
• Loss of Interest or Pleasure: Anhedonia, or the loss of interest or pleasure in previously enjoyable activities, is a hallmark symptom of depression. Hobbies, social activities, work, and relationships may no longer bring joy or satisfaction. 
• Changes in Appetite or Weight: Depression can lead to significant changes in appetite, resulting in either weight loss or weight gain. Some individuals may experience a decrease in appetite, while others may overeat as a way to cope with their emotions. 
• Sleep Disturbances: Insomnia, characterized by difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, or hypersomnia, involving excessive sleepiness or sleeping for longer than usual, are common symptoms of depression. 
• Fatigue or Loss of Energy: Individuals with MDD often feel persistently tired or lack the energy to engage in daily activities. Even simple tasks may feel overwhelming and exhausting. 
• Feelings of Worthlessness or Guilt: People with depression may experience feelings of worthlessness, self-blame, or excessive guilt, even when there is no rational cause for these emotions. 
• Difficulty Concentrating or Making Decisions: Depression can impair cognitive function, leading to difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or remembering information. 
• Psychomotor Agitation or Retardation: Some individuals with depression may experience psychomotor agitation, which involves restlessness and an inability to sit still, while others may exhibit psychomotor retardation, characterized by slowed movements and speech. 
• Recurrent Thoughts of Death or Suicide: Many individuals with depression experience recurrent thoughts of death, dying, or suicide. In severe cases, these thoughts may progress to suicidal ideation or suicide attempts. 

To receive a diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder, these symptoms must be present for at least two weeks and significantly impair daily functioning and overall quality of life.  

How common is depression? 

Depression is one of the most prevalent mental health conditions in the US, and is the leading cause of disability worldwide. It is estimated that globally nearly 5% of adults experience regular feelings of depression, yet nearly 39% of adults with major depressive episodes did not receive treatment. 

How is depression treated? 

At Meah Modern Psychiatry, we recognize depression as a heterogeneous condition, meaning there are likely a variety of subtypes of depression with difference causes and contributing factors. We believe the best treatment approach is individualized and tailored to the person sitting in front of us. We offer a variety of treatment paths including TMS, Ketamine Therapy, Psychotherapy, Medication management, Integrative and Nutritional Psychiatry, and Intensive Outpatient Therapy. At Meah, your team will help you create a treatment plan that will address the root cause of your symptoms and help get you better, faster.