Depression Treatment

What Is Major or Clinical Depression

An overwhelming sense of hopelessness and despair are signs of major depression, also known as clinical depression. With major depression, it may be difficult to work, study, sleep, eat, and enjoy friends and activities.

Most people feel sad or low at some point in their lives. But clinical depression is marked by a depressed mood most of the day, particularly in the morning, and a loss of interest in normal activities of daily living. Interpersonal relationships are negatively impacted. A depressed person often isolates, withdraws into his or her own world and has difficulty in explaining how he or she feels, which further exacerbates depressive symptoms.

Impaired concentration, indecisiveness
Insomnia or hypersomnia (excessive sleeping) almost every day or hyposomnia (too little sleep)
Markedly diminished interest or pleasure in almost all activities nearly every day (called anhedonia, this symptom can be corroborated by reports from significant others)
Restlessness
Recurring thoughts of death or suicide
Significant weight loss or gain (a change of more than 5% of body weight in a month)
Loss of energy

Who Is at Risk for Major Depression

Major depression affects about 6.7% of the U.S. population over age 18, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Overall, between 20% and 25% of adults may suffer an episode of major depression at some point during their lifetime. According to the Journal of European Journal of Psychiatry, depression is the leading cause of suicide. European Psychiatry , Volume 16 , Issue 7 , November 2001 , pp. 406 – 409. Suicide is a major health problem, and the global suicide mortality rate amounts to 1.4% of all deaths worldwide. “Most suicides are related to psychiatric disease, with depression, substance use disorders and psychosis being.

Are Women at Higher Risk for Major Depression

Almost twice as many women as men have major or clinical depression; hormonal changes during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, miscarriage, and menopause, may increase the risk.

Other factors that boost the risk of clinical depression in women who are biologically vulnerable to it include increased stress at home or at work, balancing family life with career, and caring for an aging parent. Raising a child alone will also increase the risk.

Causes of Depression

There are many possible causes of depression which include a combination of biological, psychological, and social sources of distress. Research suggests these factors may cause changes in brain function, including altered activity of certain neural circuits in the brain. Depression can be insidious in that it is stealthy-- a person may not notice it until symptoms become problematic. Depression can be organic, situational, or chronic or a combination of these factors. Depression cannot be overcome with will power alone. Clinical depression requires professional treatment. There should be no guilt, shame, or self-recrimination for having depression. It is a serious mental disorder. A person suffering from depression should never harbor self- blame. No one wants to recover more from depression than the person suffering from it.

The persistent feeling of sadness or loss of interest that characterize major depression can lead to a range of behavioral and physical symptoms. These may include changes in sleep, appetite, energy level, concentration, low mood, or low self-esteem. Depression can also be associated with thoughts of suicide or suicidal behavior which may lead to death. Symptoms of depression must occur every day for at least 2 weeks for a clinical diagnosis.

The treatment for depression always includes talk therapy and may require medication if clinically warranted. A wide body of research confirms that this combination is often the most effective treatment for depression.

Clinician’s Experience and Expertise in Treating Clinical Depression

I am a Licensed Independent Social Worker-Supervisor. I have a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from Ohio State University. I was on the clinical track in the MSW program. Prior to my current position as an outpatient therapist, I was a therapist on various acute crisis hospital inpatient crisis units since 2011. I treated many patients suffering from depression who either attempted or contemplated suicide.

I have been treating depressed clients throughout most of my career as a mental health professional. I am experienced and highly trained in the use of Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Client Centered Therapy, Existentialism, Problem Solving and Short-Term Solution Focused Therapy. Additionally, I have successfully used Eye Movement Desensitization Re-processing in treating depression and trauma. I specialize in suicide prevention and crisis intervention. I learned these skills in treating patient or clients who are at risk for suicide.

Therapy Sessions

My therapy sessions are structured with a specific agenda for each session. I do an exhaustive and very thorough intake assessment using a bio-psycho-social assessment which considers the “whole person” in his or her current environment. I use The Beck Inventory Scale-11 for assessing for depression as well as having a clinical interview specifically designed to assess the severity of depression. I explain the symptoms of depression and immediately begin normalizing a client’s feelings without judgment. I start teaching coping skills as soon as possible. I give hope by explaining to the client that depression is a very treatable mental disorder with good outcomes after treatment. I provide specific instructions for safety during the first session, informing the client of community resources. I have an excellent network of other mental health professionals with whom I collaborate such as psychiatrists, mental health nurse practitioners and psychologists. I can readily facilitate a higher level of care if necessary.

IMPORTANT NOTE: While I work with patients who are in crisis, I am not an emergency contact. I work strictly as an outpatient therapist. I am not an acute crisis facility. If you are feeling suicidal and need to speak to someone immediately, I encourage you to call the suicide hotline at 800-273-8255 or head to the nearest hospital or mental health clinic.