Depression

Mental Health Services - Depression and Bipolar Depression (Mood Disorders)

Depression, also known as clinical depression or major depressive disorder, refers to a mood disorder characterized by frequent loss of interest and feeling of sadness. The condition affects your feelings, thoughts, and behavior. It can also cause various physical and emotional problems. Bipolar disorder, sometimes called manic depression, has both depressive symptoms, along with periods of having a “too good” mood.

Symptoms of Depression

While some people experience depression only once in their lifetime, others may experience multiple episodes of it. The symptoms that you may experience during depression episodes include:

Frustration, irritability, and angry outbursts even on petty issues
Feeling of hopelessness, sadness, or emptiness
Loss of appetite, leading to weight loss
Increased appetite accompanied with weight gain
Frequent suicidal ideations
Memory loss
Difficulty concentrating
Self-blame and fixation on past failures
Restlessness, agitation, and anxiety
General body weakness, resulting in inability to accomplish even minor tasks
Loss of interest in your normal daily activities, including sex, sports, and hobbies
Headaches, back pain, and other unexplained physical problems

In most cases, the symptoms of depression are severe and highly noticeable. The condition may change the way you socialize and relate with others. It may also cause you to feel generally unhappy and miserable.

Symptoms of Mania

While some people have depressive symptoms only, other may have mania or hypomania. These are episodes in which the person:

Has more energy than normal
Talks more, or more rapidly
Decreased need for sleep, or pressure to stay up to be productive
May do more risk taking (spending, sex, driving, etc)
May seem irritable
Dress and appearance may change
In more extreme symptoms, the person may believe himself to have superhuman powers

Treatments of Depression and/or Mania

Treating depression depends on the underlying cause of the condition. Before selecting a suitable treatment method, your physician will carry out certain tests, including psychiatric evaluation, complete blood count test, and thyroid test to determine the cause of your condition.

Therapy

Psychotherapy (talk therapy) is often used as treatment for mood disorders. You and your therapist will determine which type of psychotherapy will best help you manage your symptoms

Medication

Antidepressant medications such as serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors are often prescribed for depression symptoms. For bipolar symptoms, a mood stabilizing medication is prescribed

Brain Stimulation Therapies

Brain stimulation therapies, such as trans-cranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may be employed for those with chronic symptoms of depression.

Other

Those suffering from depression or mania may also benefit from self-care home remedies such as proper rest, healthy eating, and quitting alcohol and recreational drugs.

Because depression and mania may lead to life-threatening complications, especially, in severe cases, it is advisable to seek medical help as soon as the symptoms appear. Your mental health professional will diagnose the cause of your condition and recommend a suitable treatment plan before the condition worsens.

Omega Health Services has been serving the Treasure Valley community with quality mental healthcare since 1997. It has been our endeavor to bring to you the best psychiatric services available at affordable costs during hours that accommodate your schedule.

(208) 853 - 0071

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Our mental health professionals can provide care to individuals experiencing virtually any mental health condition. If you or a loved one is dealing with life altering mental health symptoms we have treatments that can help. Contact our office for an appointment.