Depression

What is Depression?
What are the different types of Depression?
What causes Depression?
What are the Symptoms of Depression Disorder?
Frequently Asked Questions about Depression

What is Depression?

While the clinical picture of depression is variable, most people who are depressed feel a pronounced sad mood or dysphoria, and describe feelings of hopelessness and helplessness. They derive little if any pleasure from everyday activities or relationships. Many also experience anxiety, anger, or agitation. Depressed people become apathetic, losing the desire to engage in everyday activities. They may have to force themselves to go to school or work, to talk to friends, eat, and often experience sleep disturbances. Some may experience suicidal thoughts, perceiving that ending their lives may be the only solution to their troubles.

People suffering from depression are less active and productive. They may isolate themselves from others, staying in bed for long periods of time. Insomnia, trouble falling asleep, or early awakening, are common symptoms. Some experience hypersomnia and feel that they can't get enough sleep, sleeping most of the day. People with depression may move and speak more slowly, with a seeming lack of energy. Further, they may experience changes in appetite, finding it difficult to eat anything. Others with depression overeat, as a way to compensate for their feelings.

Finally, depressed people hold extremely negative views of themselves and their world. They may experience difficulty concentrating, with concomitant memory loss (sometimes leading to a misdiagnosis of dementia in the elderly). They may also experience physical (somatic) symptoms, such as chronic fatigue, headaches, indigestion, constipation, dizziness, and muscle pain. Some cases of fibromyalgia and chronic pain syndromes have primary components of depression.

What are the different types of Depression?

Normal Reactive Depression refers to a lowered mood in response to a negative life situation such as loss of a loved one, a relationship break-up or loss of a job. This form of depression, experienced by virtually everyone at some point, usually resolves fairly quickly with the passage of time. It is also responsive to positive stimuli in the environment (such as meeting someone new following a breakup).

Grief Reactions are a set of somatic (body) and psychological symptoms that result from great sorrow or loss. Somatic symptoms can consist of rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, headaches, body aches, malaise, gastrointestinal dysfunction, and others. Psychological symptoms include severe sadness, low energy level, inability to concentrate, poor ability to initiate new activities, hostility, restlessness, disruption of sleep patterns and eating problems. Symptoms may arise immediately after sorrow or loss, or they may be delayed, arising months or years later.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), also known as "Winter Depression" occurs when a person experiences depressive symptoms during a specific time of the year, usually in the Winter. It is differentiated from other forms of depression because persons with SAD have normal mood throughout the rest of the year. Persons with SAD experience typical symptoms of depression including difficulty sleeping, sadness, somatic symptoms, low energy levels, irritability, inability to concentrate and others.

Clinical Depression, also referred to as Unipolar Depression, is more severe than a Normal Reactive Depression. The symptoms last longer, and may be marked by endogenous, or biological symptoms. Clinical Depression affects about 17-20% of the world's population at some point in life (and about 5 to 10 percent of the US population in any given year). Women are almost twice as likely as men to suffer from clinical depression. The age of onset may occur at any point in life, with a recurrence rate of about 50%. In other words, those who have suffered from a Clinical Depression have a one in two chance of experiencing another depression at some point in their lives.

What causes Depression?

Depression has a strong genetic basis, with dozens of genes now identified which are associated with different forms of depression. Improper mood regulation may originate in the brain resulting from abnormal amounts of neurotransmitter substances. Losses and emotional trauma early in life may also make individuals more vulnerable to depression throughout life. Furthermore, a person’s temperament may predispose them to depression, affecting how they react to life events and frame things that happen in a positive or negative way. There are also medical causes of depression, such as side of effects of medications, medical problems such as hypothyroidism, chronic pain, neurological conditions, cancer and other chronic diseases. Persons with Seasonal Affective Disorder have problems with melatonin secretion, and problems with an out-of-sync body clock.

What are the Symptoms of Depression?

Symptoms of depression include feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, restlessness, and sadness. Individuals with depression often lose interest in daily activities, losing the ability to enjoy social interactions, hobbies, activities and even sex. Fatigue and insomnia may follow these feelings, leading to increased irritability. Eating problems may arise, manifesting as significant weight loss or gain. Difficulty concentrating, making decisions or remembering things, as well as somatic symptoms such as pain, headaches, and gastrointestinal problems may also occur.

Frequently Asked Questions about Depression

How is Depression diagnosed?

Depression should be diagnosed by a mental health professional. The diagnosis of depression is based on a specific history of occurrences meeting the criteria for depression. A thorough evaluation of current symptoms is performed delineating how the depressive episodes have interfered with the Client’s everyday living, including negative effects on family, friends, work or school. The Client’s family history is also explored, as well as any history of drug or alcohol abuse, which may interfere with treatment.

What is the Prognosis for Depression?

Depression is a chronic illness that can be effectively managed with psychological treatment and medication. Research shows that medication, coupled with effective psychotherapy, sleep and stress management, and psycho-education, can significantly improve the wellness of someone with depression. Effective treatment is of paramount importance considering that persons with depression may lack a proper diagnosis or may be misdiagnosed. Symptoms may be so disabling, the person may have difficulty seeking help or staying in treatment. Proper treatment is also critical, in that depressed persons have higher levels of stress and conflict and accordingly, have higher death rates from suicide, heart problems, and other causes than those in the general population. Clients who receive effective treatment, however, experience significant improvement in their ability to function normally in society, including an increase in the number of days they feel well, more rapid recovery from depressive episodes and lower relapse rates. Effective treatment also improves survival rates, lowering the incidence of death from suicide and heart disease.

What Complications can Slow Recovery?

Persons with depression may lack the initiative to seek treatment or be non-compliant with therapy or medication. Finding the proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan tends to be difficult for this population. Substance abuse (especially alcohol, marijuana or cocaine) is especially common among persons with depression. Concurrent substance abuse dramatically interferes with effective psychological and medical treatment. Persons with depression may have problems relating to family or loved ones, thus lacking an effective social support structure that is important to help with their recovery.

How Can Friends and Family Help?

The strength of the social network of a person with depression, especially family and loved ones, is an important predictor of recovery. Family and friends need to educate themselves about depression to understand when the person needs help the most. They can be a valuable resource in monitoring medications and being vigilant in watching for symptoms that might denote a relapse. Family members are likely to help a person with depression enter a treatment facility, providing social and financial resources.

When Should a Client enter a treatment center?

When a person with depression is having serious problems that are negatively impacting their daily school or work life and personal and family relationships, an intensive treatment program is an appropriate option. Oftentimes once per week psychotherapy or medication is ineffective at managing serious symptoms of depression. A treatment facility, like PCH Depression Treatment Center, can be a more effective option than simple outpatient therapy, especially when the person with depression is not fully compliant or invested in that situation.

How does PCH Treatment Center treat Depression?

PCH Depression Treatment Center has extensive experience treating mild to severe depression. Dr. Jeff Ball has over 25 years of experience dealing with depression and related disorders. As the head of the PCH Treatment team, Dr. Ball is involved in the thorough initial assessment of each Client with depression. This assessment explores the Client’s specific symptoms and the effect these symptoms have had on their day to day functioning. Interference with work, school, interpersonal relationships, and overall sense of well-being is the norm for a person suffering from depression. At PCH Depression Treatment Center we pride ourselves on the success we have had in improving Client’s lives through treatment and management of depression. Often, we have to discard improper diagnoses. Evaluation of a Client’s medication regimen is also of paramount value. Dr. Bill Wirshing is an expert on psychopharmacology who assesses each Client’s medications. Many times a Client is on the wrong antidepressant, or an antidepressant that has unnecessary side effects. Furthermore, some Clients do not need to be on antidepressants, or they may be having difficulties withdrawing from them. Dr. Wirshing, in conjunction with the PCH Depression Treatment Center team, will design the proper medication plan, with an emphasis on minimizing appropriate medications and eliminating unnecessary medications when appropriate.

When a Client has depression that is significantly impacting their quality of life, or negatively affecting family members and loved ones, it is time to consider one of the PCH Depression Treatment Center Programs. Our Intensive Treatment Program offers the highest level of care, with up to five individual therapy sessions per week. As with our Day and Evening Treatment Programs, there are multiple group therapies, neurofeedback sessions, and holistic modalities including yoga, mindfulness meditation, sleep groups and family therapy sessions. Clients may also participate in a Family Therapy Program, especially when they live in the same domicile with family members or loved ones and are causing them distress. PCH Depression Treatment Center is a valuable resource for persons suffering from Depression, especially when they are not finding a solution with their routine therapy appointments or current medications.

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+ Article on Depression

- Article on Depression

The death of a family member or beloved pet may bring on a period of extreme emotional grieving that lasts for an extended period of time. The sudden loss of a job during may cause grave disappointment, bitterness, and anxiety. A teenager’s departure for college can prove to be a time of uncertainty and emotional upheaval for those left behind. All of these are normal reactions to changes that every human experiences in varying degrees. Emotionally, people take time to adjust to new circumstances, and during this time, they may suffer from symptoms which mimic those of depression. Thankfully, the professionals at a depression treatment clinic have the proper diagnostic tools to diagnose true depression as opposed to normal human reactions or moods.

After a tragedy or disappointment, most people experience some sleepless nights, moodiness, difficulty concentrating, or feelings of sadness and loss. These are expected reactions from which most bounce back within a short time frame. People suffering from depression, however, are in a different emotional state and should seek help from a depression treatment clinic in recovering their normal coping ability. In fact, more than eighty percent of those who suffer from depression are able to recover with proper treatment such as that offered at a depression treatment center.

Most doctors will diagnose depression when four or more of the following symptoms are present for longer than a two or three week period and is causing a significant interruption in the patient’s ability to follow a normal routine:

Changes in eating patterns, sudden weight loss or weight gain
Unusual tiredness unrelated to activity levels
Loss of desire for normally pleasurable hobbies or interests
Excessive sleeping or insomnia, any change in the individual’s normal pattern of sleep
Feelings of guilt unrelated to actions or events
Confusion, forgetfulness, or inability to concentrate and stay focused
Body aches, headaches, or stomach pain unrelated to a physical problem

Other factors which are sometimes present when an individual is experiencing depression are more serious. When experienced for an extended period, the following symptoms are almost always indicative of true depression rather than normal emotional upheaval and should be treated by professionals at a depression treatment center:

Death wishes or actual suicide attempts
Slower movement or speech than normal
Feelings of being overwhelmed
Irrational or disturbed ideas or actions

Because people who are suffering from several of these symptoms of depression may be incapable of seeking help for themselves or determining if their feelings are a disorder or a normal mood state, family and friends may need to initiate a visit to a depression treatment center. At a depression treatment center los angeles, a caring staff will provide the testing and management plan needed to help the client return to his or her normal activities. Depression is not a hopeless condition any more. In fact, a depression treatment center offers the best opportunity for complete recovery and long-term stability based on the latest available research.

Call or email our Depression Clinic Los Angeles today and we will do our best to help you or your loved one. A depression center los angeles offers care from some of the most qualified individuals in the field of depression treatment.

Depression can be a very debilitating illness, affecting not just the person suffering from it, but their entire family. Depression is believed to result from low levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin within the brain. Many antidepressant drugs function by increasing central serotonin levels. While antidepressants have been shown to be effective, they do not eliminate the symptoms of depression, and they frequently have significant side effects. The most frequently prescribed antidepressants at a depression treatment clinic are the class of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI). These drugs prevent the reuptake of serotonin at the receptor level, effectively increasing the amount of neurotransmitter available. Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, Lexapro, Celexa and Luvox are all SSRIs, and are the most popular antidepressants on the market today. A depression treatment center, like PCH Depression Treatment, does not rely solely on antidepressants to address depression.

Newer antidepressants, referred to as atypical antidepressants, act by different mechanisms. These drugs may affect norepinephrine or dopamine levels in the brain, and offer a different mechanism of action and antidepressant effect. Wellbutrin, Effexor, Cymbalta, Remeron, Desyrel and Serzone are members of this class. These atypical antidepressants can be used for persons suffering unpleasant side effects from other drugs (such as SSRIs), or persons with specific issues such as insomnia or agitation. First generation antidepressants include tricyclics and monamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). The tricylic antidepressants are still used in certain situations, but MAOIs have been discontinued due their serious drug interactions and side effects.For the most outstanding depression treatment Los Angeles, contact PCH Treatment Center.

Each Client is evaluated to establish a proper diagnosis. Their medications are assessed. If they do not need medications, we discontinue them. If they are not on the proper medication we change them. Our goal is to utilize the minimal medication necessary. Our depression treatment clinic focuses on psychotherapy and holistic healing to promote recovery. PCH Depression Treatment Center is located in Mar Vista, California. We are a highly successful, cost-effective depression treatment center Los Angeles. We structure each Client's day to maximize their exposure to cutting edge treatment modalities. We are a highly experienced depression clinic Los Angeles with therapists with over 25 years of experiencing treating depression. Individual psychotherapy is the basis of our treatment plan, supplemented by group therapies, neurofeedback and holistic activities. Our Clients have had great success with their experience at PCH Depression Treatment Center, returning to their jobs, school and families.

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