Depressive Disorder Treatment

What Is Depressive Disorder?

Characterized by low mood and a lack of interest in previously enjoyable activities, depression is considered to be a mood disorder. Often referred to as major depression or clinical depression, those who suffer with this condition may feel hopeless and are at an increased risk for suicidal behaviors. It can become difficult for those affected to manage their day-to-day lives as they may find it hard to even get out of bed. These individuals may miss a lot of work or school or do poorly when they do attend.
 

Symptoms

While each individual may show different signs of depression, there are some symptoms that are commonly seen with this disorder.
 

Mood fluctuations

When someone is depressed, they are likely to feel sad, hopeless or empty inside. They may experience episodes of uncontrollable tears that seem to appear out of nowhere, and they may not be able to explain why they feel that way.

Those with depression may be easily irritated and may become easily frustrated or angry over minor issues. Symptoms of anxiety may also occur, with those affected becoming restless or fidgety.
 

Thought distortions

The potential to dwell on past failures is a common symptom among those who are depressed, and they are likely to spend hours ruminating and blaming themselves for events that were out of their control. Unfortunately, this just adds to feelings of worthlessness and may lead to thoughts that everyone would be better off if they were not around, increasing the risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors.

Although those with depression are able to think deeply about issues that are negative in nature, they are generally unable to remember the more positive aspects of life. They may also find it difficult to concentrate on tasks or make decisions on even the smallest matters.
 

Behavioral changes

If someone is experiencing a major depressive episode, they may spend more time in bed. They are less likely to expend their limited energy in social activities or engaging in pursuits that they used to enjoy. Avoidance of people and situations is common in those who are depressed.
 

Physical transitions

Sleep disturbances commonly occur in connection with depression. Those affected may find it hard to get to sleep, or they may sleep too much. Either way, they may feel tired all of the time with very little energy to complete small tasks. Their movements or speech may become slow and deliberate.

Changes in appetite are common, causing a loss or gain in weight. Physical aches and pains with no identifiable cause may also increase, with headaches and backaches being the most common complaints.
 

Types of Depression Disorders

Rather than being a single condition, depression can take on various forms that each has its own specific diagnosis. Although symptoms may overlap, there are typically some determining factors that will allow the therapist to differentiate for more personalized treatment options. These are the most common forms of depression.
 

Clinical depression

According to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America, major depressive disorder affects up to 21 percent of adults at some point. Symptoms are present for at least two weeks, interfering with affected individuals' daily lives.
 

Dysthymia

Milder than clinical depression, dysthymia may be diagnosed when symptoms last for at least two years.
 

Seasonal affective disorder

Often referred to as SAD, seasonal affective disorder generally occurs during specific times of the year. Most common during the winter months, those affected generally begin to feel better during the early weeks of spring.
 

Bipolar disorder

Formerly known as manic depression, bipolar disorder is characterized by alternating periods of depression and mania that are interspersed with periods of normalcy. Those who experience mania are extremely happy in nearly any situation. They have excess energy, and they may seem like they are always on the go. With mania, however, people are likely to engage in risk-taking behaviors.
 

Cyclothymia

A milder form of bipolar disorder, cyclothymic individuals experience hypomania rather than full-blown manic episodes. Cyclothymia is harder to diagnose because periods of depression and hypomania are shorter and expressed in milder symptoms.
 

Treatment Options

Those who experience clinical depression cannot just pull up their bootstraps or get over it. Different treatment options are shown to be highly effective in helping those affected to control symptoms and improve the overall quality of their lives.
 

Medications

Antidepressants are very effective at treating depression because they balance the chemicals in the brain that are responsible for regulating mood. Medications may not be as effective for those who experience milder symptoms.
 

Counseling

Used alone or more commonly in connection with medications, counseling has many facets, with the most common being cognitive behavioral therapy, problem-solving therapy, interpersonal psychotherapy and guided self-help. However, counseling sessions are typically determined through an agreement between the patient and the provider and will be personally tailored to effectively address the individual's concerns to better reach the self-identified goals of treatment.

If you are in the Orlando area, Spark Wellness Group is dedicated to providing compassionate care of the highest quality to each and every patient. You will not have to endure extensive medication changes to find one that works because we use genetic testing to find out which medications have the best chance of working with your body. Our psychiatry providers have extensive experience working with patients from diverse backgrounds who suffer with symptoms of depression. Simply complete our contact form or give us a call today to get started on your journey for a better quality of life.