If you are concerned about your mental health or the mental of your loved one, do consider reaching out to a mental healthcare professional who offers holistic diagnostic assessments and high-quality treatment. Wonder Years provides such services, and we are highly trained in the treatment of conditions such as depression. Read on to learn more.
Learn More About Depression
Depression (major depressive disorder) is a common and significant medical condition that has a negative impact on how you feel, think, and behave. It is, fortunately, treatable. Depression results in emotions of melancholy and/or a lack of interest in previously appreciated activities. It may cause a number of mental and physical issues, as well as a reduction in your capacity to operate at work and at home.
Symptoms of depression may range from moderate to severe, and they include:
- Sad or depressing mood
- A loss of interest or pleasure in previously loved activities
- Appetite fluctuations — weight loss or gain unrelated to diets
- Sleeping difficulties or oversleeping
- Energy depletion or increased weariness
For a depression diagnosis, symptoms must endure at least two weeks and must show a change in your prior level of functioning.
Furthermore, medical diseases (for example, thyroid issues, a brain tumor, or vitamin deficiency) may resemble depression symptoms, therefore it is critical to rule out general medical reasons. Depression may strike anybody, including those who seem to be in reasonably good health.
Depression may be caused by a variety of circumstances, including:
- Personality: People who have poor self-esteem, are quickly overwhelmed by stress, or are habitually gloomy tend to be predisposed to depression.
- Genetics: Depression may run in families. If one identical twin suffers depression, the other has a 70% probability of developing the disorder at some point in their life.
- Biochemistry: Differences in specific brain chemicals may lead to depressive symptoms.
- Environmental factors: Chronic exposure to violence, neglect, abuse, or poverty may predispose certain persons to depression.
Depression is one of the most easily treated mental illnesses. Between 80% and 90% of patients suffering from depression ultimately react favorably to therapy. Almost all patients get some improvement in their symptoms.
A full diagnostic assessment, including an interview and a physical examination, should be performed by a health professional prior to making a diagnosis or beginning therapy. A blood test may be performed in certain circumstances to ensure that the depression is not the result of a medical issue such as a thyroid problem or a vitamin deficiency. The examination will identify specific symptoms and investigate medical and family histories, as well as cultural and environmental variables, in order to reach a diagnosis and create a course of action.
How Wonder Years Can Help with Depression
In addition to medications and therapy Wonder Years offers novel treatments for Depression including Spravato (Esketamine) and TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation). SPRAVATO® (esketamine), an FDA-approved therapy for depression in adults. It treats depression via novel routes and may benefit those who haven’t responded to standard treatments. We also provide Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy for people suffering from depression who are not responding to drugs or psychotherapy if you prefer a non-invasive and safe treatment.
Why Choose Wonder Years?
Collaboration with patients, family members, psychiatrists, teachers, therapists, and other care providers is a top priority at Wonder Years. This is done with a strong emphasis on treatment adherence and regular discussion about diagnosis, drugs, treatment choices, and potential pharmacological side effects.
Looking for diagnostic assessments and second opinions? Book an appointment with us today!
