Getting depression treatment

Depression is a common issue globally. About 16% of people in the U.S. will suffer from depression at some point. The condition has a significant impact on the lives of those who suffer from it. It often leads to poor performance at school or work. It can strain relationships with family members and spouses.

The different types of depression a patient can be diagnosed with include:

• Bipolar depression: People with this type of depression often alternate between low and extreme high moods (mania). During their lows, such patients typically have similar symptoms with other types of depression like low energy and feeling hopeless or sad
• Major depressive disorder: Major depressive disorder (MDD) comes with overwhelming or intense symptoms that often last longer than two weeks. The symptoms of the condition typically interfere with the patient's everyday life
• Perinatal and postpartum depression: Perinatal depression typically develops during pregnancy, and it can last up to a year after having a baby. The condition typically leads to stress, anxiety, or sadness. It is often referred to as postpartum depression
• Persistent depressive disorder (PDD): Also called dysthymia, persistent depressive disorder is usually less severe than major depressive disorder. However, its symptoms sometimes linger more
• Premenstrual dysphoric disorder: This is a more intense form of premenstrual disorder. It only affects women during the weeks or days leading to their monthly periods
• Psychotic depression: People with this type of depression often experience severe hallucinations, delusions, and depressive symptoms. A person hallucinates when they feel, hear, or see things that are not really there. A person suffers from delusions when their beliefs are not based on reality
• Seasonal affective disorder (SAD): Seasonal affective disorder is also called seasonal depression. It typically starts in the fall and early winter months. It usually goes away during the spring and summer months

Treating depression starts with a psychiatrist evaluating the patient to rule out health issues as a cause for their depression. A physical examination and blood tests are typically ordered when evaluating patients. Patients are also given questionnaires to fill out, and the psychiatrist discusses their symptoms with them. Some of the symptoms people with depression often complain about include:

• Physical issues like sexual dysfunction, stomach aches, and headaches
• Self-harming or suicidal thoughts
• Memory problems
• Difficulty concentrating on tasks
• Irritability
• Changes to their sleep patterns
• Changes to their eating patterns
• Not enjoying things that once made them happy
• Feelings of sadness, worry, and hopelessness that linger

People who report at least five of these symptoms are typically diagnosed with depression. Once a patient has been diagnosed, treatment options a psychiatrist might recommend include:

3. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

TMS therapy is typically recommended when psychotherapy and medication have failed to bring a significant reduction in the patient's symptoms. It is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a treatment for depression, and it is a non-invasive procedure that does not involve using sedatives or general anesthetics.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation involves sending magnetic pulses into a patient's brain. It targets the prefrontal cortex, the area that regulates mood and other symptoms of depression. TMS therapy helps increase brain activity there, reducing the symptoms of depression. This approach to treating depression involves getting up to five 40-minute therapy sessions per week for up to six weeks.