Major Depressive Disorder

Major depressive disorder, also known as unipolar, clinical or major depression is a mental disorder that is characterized by a persistent feeling of sadness or a lack of interest in normal activities and relationships. The condition can affect how an individual feels, thinks and behaves, sometimes leading to a variety of emotional and physical problems.

Symptoms and Treatment

A Buffalo psychiatrist will make an MDD diagnosis based on your symptoms, feelings, and behavior patterns. A majority of people with major depressive episodes experience severe symptoms that last up to two weeks or longer and are enough to cause noticeable problems in day-to-day activities such as work, school, social activities or relationships with others. Here are some common symptoms that often accompany the condition:

• Fatigue or loss of energy for an extended period
• Impaired concentration, difficulty in thinking, and indecisiveness
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt almost every day
• Feelings of restlessness
• Lack of sleep or too much of it
• Significant weight loss when not dieting or weight gain
• Anxiety or agitation 
• Frequent or recurrent suicidal thoughts or attempts
• Unexplained physical problems, such as back pain or headaches
• Loss of interest in most activities that were once enjoyed
• Physical aches or pain

Several factors play a role in clinical depression including genetics, biochemistry, personality and environmental factors. Drug and alcohol use, as well as certain medical conditions such as cancer, brain tumor, thyroid problems or vitamin deficiency, can mimic symptoms of depression, so it's important to rule out general medical causes.

Fortunately, major depressive disorder is well understood by medical professionals and is often treatable through a combination of medication and talk therapy. Some lifestyle adjustments can also help ease specific symptoms.

Psychotherapy for Major Depressive Disorder

For those experiencing mild forms of depression, psychological treatments (or talking therapies) are often the first thing to try to help you manage the condition. A Buffalo psychiatrist can help you understand your diagnosis and how it impacts your life, helping you develop strategies that decrease the severity of the symptoms.

Medication

Medications called antidepressants are often used to treat moderate-to-severe depression. These can only be prescribed by your GP or psychiatrist. Antidepressants function by altering levels of a group of chemicals - serotonin, norepinephrine, and other neurotransmitters in the brain. Each situation is unique, and an individual must go on their own medication journey.

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

For those that fail to respond to psychotherapy and antidepressant drugs, a healthcare provider may recommend Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) or other brain stimulation therapies. It's often used in severe cases or emergency situations, such as imminent suicide.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a noninvasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain to improve symptoms of depression. TMS is typically used when other depression treatments haven't been effective.

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Lifestyle Changes

In addition to receiving professional help, lifestyle management is vital for all patients with depression. It could include regular exercise, healthy diet, sleep hygiene, stress management strategies, avoiding substance abuse, keeping a daily mood chart, etc.

Early intervention is crucial in the treatment of major depressive disorder and depressive disorders. If one seeks the necessary support and treatment early on, the depression can be stopped before it takes over your life. When left untreated, the situation can continue to become more severe and have adverse effects on your quality of life.

If you or your loved one is experiencing a depressive episode, it's important to seek help from your primary care physician or a mental health professional. Whenever you feel unsafe, call an emergency center immediately.