What is Depression?
Depression is the leading cause of disability for adults worldwide. Depression or major depressive disorder is a common but serious illness which negatively affects how you feel, think, and act. Depression causes you to feel sadness, hopeless or empty, lose interest and pleasure in activities, fatigue or low energy, poor concentration / memory, changes in appetite, feel guilt or fixation on failure or self-blame, and can lead to a variety of unexplained physical and emotional problems. The problems associated with depression can decrease your ability to function at work, school, or at home.
Types of Depressive Disorders
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
Major depression is one of the most common mental disorders in the United States. For some individuals, major depression can result in severe impairments that interfere with or limit one’s ability to carry out major life activities.
- Major Depressive Disorder is a period of at least two weeks when a person experiences a depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure in daily activities, and has a majority of specified symptoms, such as problems with sleep, eating, energy, concentration, or self-worth.
–NIH
Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)
Persistent depressive disorder (also called dysthymia) is a type of depression in which the individual has a depressed mood that lasts for at least two years. A person diagnosed with persistent depressive disorder may have episodes of major depression along with periods of less severe symptoms, but symptoms must last for two years to be considered persistent depressive disorder. Those with dysthymia usual experience mild symptoms of depression that are not debilitating or impact their ability to function.
–NIMH
Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression is much more serious than the “baby blues” (relatively mild depressive and anxiety symptoms that typically clear within two weeks after delivery) that many women experience after giving birth. Women with postpartum depression experience full-blown major depression during pregnancy or after delivery lasting longer than 2 weeks. The feelings of extreme sadness, anxiety, and exhaustion that accompany postpartum depression may make it difficult for these new mothers to complete daily care activities for themselves and/or for their babies.
–NIMH
Bipolar Depression
Bipolar depression is very common in very common in Bipolar I and Bipolar II disorders. It is characterized by episodes of extremely low moods that meet the criteria for major depression mixed with extremely high – euphoric or irritable – moods called “mania” or a less severe form called “hypomania.”
–NIMH
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Seasonal affective disorder is characterized by the onset of depression during the winter months, when there is less natural sunlight. This depression generally lifts during spring and summer. Winter depression, typically accompanied by social withdrawal, increased sleep, and weight gain, predictably returns every year in seasonal affective disorder.
–NIMH
Symptoms of Depression
- Depressed mood
- Feelings of Hopelessness
- Feelings of Emptiness
- Fatigue or Low Energy
- Difficulty Concentrating
- Problems with Memory
- Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep or sleeping too much
- Lost of Interest or Pleasure in Activities
- Changes in appetite
- Feeling of Guilt
- Fixation on Failure or Self-Blame
Our Approach to Treating Depression
At TMS El Paso, we understand that depression can be overwhelming and significantly impact your daily life. Our comprehensive treatment approach is designed to address your unique needs and help you regain control and achieve a sense of well-being. We offer a combination of advanced therapies, including lifestyle changes, personalized psychotherapy, medication management, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), and Spravato (Es-ketamine) to ensure the best outcomes for our patients.
Diagnostic Process
A thorough and accurate diagnosis is the first step in effectively treating depression. Our diagnostic process includes:
- Psychiatric Evaluation: A detailed psychiatric evaluation is conducted by our experienced psychiatric nurse practitioners to assess your mental health history, current symptoms, and any underlying conditions. This comprehensive evaluation helps in formulating a precise diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.
- Psychological Testing: We utilize a variety of psychological assessments to evaluate the severity and nature of your depression. These tests help us gain a deeper understanding of your symptoms and identify any co-occurring conditions.
- EEG Brain Mapping: This advanced technique involves recording the electrical activity of your brain. EEG brain mapping helps us identify specific patterns associated with depression, allowing for a more targeted treatment approach.
Treatments for Depression
Lifestyle Changes
We emphasize the importance of lifestyle changes in managing depression. Our holistic approach includes guidance on:
- Exercise: Regular physical activity can significantly reduce depression and improve overall mental health.
- Nutrition: A balanced diet can influence mood and energy levels, contributing to better depression management.
- Sleep: Ensuring adequate and quality sleep is crucial for mental health. We provide strategies to improve sleep hygiene and address sleep disorders.
- Stress Management: Techniques such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises can help you manage stress and reduce depression.
Psychotherapy
Our experienced therapists provide individualized psychotherapy to help you understand and manage your depression. We use evidence-based approaches, including:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This form of therapy focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to depression. CBT is highly effective in helping patients develop coping strategies and improve their emotional regulation.
- Mindfulness-Based Therapy: This approach incorporates mindfulness practices to help you stay present and reduce the impact of depression on your daily life. Techniques such as meditation and breathing exercises can enhance your ability to manage stress.
Medication Management
For some individuals, medication can be an essential part of depression treatment. Our psychiatric nurse practitioners are skilled in prescribing and managing medications that can help reduce depression symptoms. We work closely with you to monitor your response to medication and make adjustments as needed to ensure optimal effectiveness with minimal side effects.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive treatment that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. TMS has been proven effective in reducing symptoms of depression, especially for those who have not responded to traditional treatments. This innovative therapy is conducted in a comfortable outpatient setting and has minimal side effects, making it a viable option for many patients.
Spravato (Es-ketamine)
Spravato (Es-ketamine) is a fast-acting nasal spray approved for treatment-resistant depression. It works differently from traditional antidepressants and can provide rapid relief of depressive symptoms. Spravato is used in conjunction with an oral antidepressant and is administered under the supervision of our trained medical staff to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Comprehensive Care
At TMS El Paso, we are committed to providing comprehensive care tailored to your specific needs. Our multidisciplinary team collaborates to create a personalized treatment plan that addresses all aspects of your depression. We are here to support you every step of the way on your journey to better mental health.
Understanding Your Insurance's Coverage
Some insurance providers offer coverage for psychiatric services. Our team will work closely with your health insurance benefits, manage any necessary pre-authorizations, and ensure you are fully informed about your coverage and costs prior to your appointment.
