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 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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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://mb.futurepsychsolutions.com or call Future Psych Ketamine Clinics at (843) 788-9718 for an appointment in our Myrtle Beach office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Depression Treatment in Myrtle Beach, SC.
Panic attacks are common among people living with anxiety disorders. These attacks happen even though there is no real threat. They can be so overwhelming that some people go to the emergency room thinking they are having a heart attack. Panic attacks are not life-threatening, but knowing how to manage them can bring much-needed relief.…
Seeking treatment for an anxiety disorder is crucial in restoring and maintaining your mental health. Unfortunately, many will not seek help, leaving their personal and professional lives and health to suffer. This is why it is crucial to seek help, and seeking help becomes easier when you know where to look and what to expect.According…
In recent years, MDMA therapy has emerged as a potential psychiatric treatment in a ketamine clinic setting. Many patients have questions about whether it is appropriate for them as part of a structured mental health care plan by a psychiatrist. The following blog answers some of the most the common questions about MDMA therapy and…
Almost everyone experiences a certain degree of anxiety at some point. However, an anxiety disorder is a serious mental health condition where anxiety gets out of control and interferes with one's ability to function daily and enjoy life. Perhaps you worry that you or a loved one struggles with an anxiety disorder and are unsure…