Depression

What is depression?

Depression is a mood disorder that causes prolonged feelings of sadness, emptiness, and hopelessness. 

There are different types of depression that may develop from specific circumstances and cause varying symptoms. The types of depression include:

Postpartum depression

Postpartum depression occurs before or after a woman gives birth. A woman with postpartum depression may experience extreme sadness, anxiety, and exhaustion that may interfere with her ability to care for herself and her baby. 

Persistent depressive disorder

Persistent depressive disorder, also called dysthymia, is a type of depression that lasts for two or more years. Someone with persistent depressive disorder may experience episodes of major depression and periods of low mood.

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)

SAD is a type of depression that develops during the winter months, when there’s less natural light. Though it’s not clear what causes SAD, it’s theorized that it may develop due to an imbalance in serotonin levels, which is a brain chemical that affects mood. 

What are depression symptoms?

Depression symptoms vary in type and severity. Common symptoms include:

• Feelings of hopelessness
• Pessimism
• Sadness
• Feelings of emptiness
• Feeling guilt and shame
• Anxiety
• Fatigue
• Difficulty sleeping
• Weight gain or weight loss (unexpected)
• Change in appetite
• Lack of interest in usual hobbies or activities
• Withdrawal from friends or family
• Unexplained aches and pains
• Digestive problems
• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide

If you’ve experienced any of these symptoms on a daily basis for two or more weeks, contact Suburban Behavioral Health Services to schedule an evaluation. 

The board-certified psychiatrists provide comprehensive care for patients of all ages, including children, teens, and adults. 

What can I expect during a depression assessment?

When you come in to see the mental health professionals at Suburban Behavioral Health Services for a depression assessment, you can expect a comprehensive and compassionate evaluation.

During your depression assessment, your provider uses a clinical depression rating scale to assess the severity of your mood disorder. 

They also ask detailed questions about your symptoms, medical and mental health history, and the types of medications and supplements you take. 

How is depression treated?

Your provider at Suburban Behavioral Health Services develops a personalized treatment plan for your depression that may include psychotherapy and antidepressant medication. 

Suburban Behavioral Health Services offers pharmacogenomics testing to help identify the medication that best fits your genetic profile.

For patients with treatment-resistant depression, Suburban Behavioral Health Services offers FDA-approved transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), SPRAVATO® (esketamine) intranasal ketamine treatment, and IV ketamine treatment.

The psychiatric practice trains students from local universities who may be present during your therapy sessions. 

For out-of-the-box treatment for your depression, call Suburban Behavioral Health Services or book a consultation online today.