Reactive depression is a specific form of mood disorder that develops in response to a difficult or stressful life event or experience. Specific examples of stressful events include loss of a job, divorce, loss of a loved one or an accident. Examples of ongoing experiences that can trigger a reactive depression consist of chronic illness, harassment at work or school, relationship conflicts, or financial difficulties. Reactive depression, by definition, lasts a minimum of six months. Symptoms are similar to traditional unipolar depression: sadness, hopelessness, helplessness, low energy level, changes in sleep and eating patterns, inability to concentrate, irritability, lack of interest and inability to make decisions. Reactive depression is also known by the names "situational depression", "exogenous depression" or "adjustment disorder."
Initial management of reactive depression consists of seeking help from a mental health provider. An initial evaluation should rule out underlying medical problems that my be contributing to signs or symptoms of depression. A good starting point is undertaking of psychotherapy, to address psychosocial stressors that may be triggering the reactive depression. Antidepressants can be considered as an adjunct to treat reactive depression, when necessary.
When psychotherapy and/or medication are not properly alleviating symptoms of a reactive depression, it is appropriate to consider a Reactive Depression Treatment Program. PCH Treatment Center offers immersive programs designed to treat reactive depression. Upon entering the PCH Reactive Depression Treatment Clinic Los Angeles, a Client undergoes a thorough assessment by a doctoral level psychologist, to precisely determine a diagnosis and treatment plan. Unlike weekly psychotherapy, a Reactive Depression Treatment Clinic, like PCH Treatment Center, involves the Client in a full day's activities. Individual therapy is the foundation of treatment. There is a place for both psychoanalytic therapy and cognitive-behavioral techniques. Group therapies can comprise Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Process Group, sleep evaluation and management, EMDR when there is a history of psychological trauma (past or ongoing), and pattern identification and reduction. The PCH Reactive Depression Treatment Center Los Angeles offers an intensive program with available residence, or outpatient day and evening treatment programs.
Reactive Depression can also be ameliorated by restoring the balance between mind and body. The PCH Reactive Depression Treatment Facility incorporates holistic activities into treatment, interweaving massage therapy, acupuncture, mindfulness meditation, yoga and outdoor exercise activities into treatment. These alternative treatment modalities take the whole person into consideration, rather than focusing just on psychopharmacology or specific psychotherapeutic methods.
Life can be very difficult, presenting challenges that a person cannot handle without seeking help. For this reason. PCH Treatment Center offers help and guidance for psychological issues, including reactive depression. The PCH Reactive Depression Treatment Center is a valuable resource for families and persons suffering from reactive depression. In addition to determining the correct diagnosis, we endeavor to identify the underlying psychosocial events that are triggering the mood dysfunction. While these events or situations are frequently apparent, oftentimes they may be subtle or hidden, requiring expert psychotherapy to elucidate. Clients at PCH Treatment Center can feel confident that they have chosen a state of the art facility with expertise in treating and resolving reactive depression.
