Depression
Depression
Depressive Disorders
Depression isn’t just feeling sad or having a down day; it’s a serious mental health condition that can take many forms. At Sulcata Psychiatry in Houston, Texas, our providers have extensive experience evaluating and managing symptoms of depression in children, adolescents, and adults ages 3 and up. If you or a loved one is experiencing depression, call the office today or request an appointment online to find relief. Telemedicine visits are also available.
About Depression
What is depression?
Also known as major depressive disorder, depression is a common mood disorder that can severely disrupt the ways you think, feel, and handle daily activities. Depression can cause a wide range of debilitating symptoms, including:
Physical and mental exhaustion
Changes to sleep habits and appetite
Feelings of guilt, shame, or hopelessness
Self-loathing or feeling worthless
Loss of interest or pleasure in previously enjoyed activities
Thoughts of suicide or self-harm
You may also experience irritability, crying spells over nothing in particular, or feeling like a zombie going through the motions of life.
You’re not alone if you’re feeling depressed. As one of the most common mental health conditions in the United States, depression is highly treatable. At Sulcata Psychiatry, we provide personalized, compassionate care for depression.
If you’re thinking about suicide or hurting yourself, call 911 or go to your local emergency center as soon as possible.
What are the types of depression?
Depression can take many different forms. At Sulcata Psychiatry, our providers treat the full scope of depressive disorders and conditions that involve depression, including:
- Major depressive disorder
- Persistent depressive disorder, which lasts for at least two years
- Postpartum depression, which many women experience after giving birth
- Bipolar disorders, which are separate conditions that may involve depressive episodes
- Adjustment disorders, which cause an emotional or behavioral reaction to a life change or stressful event.
Many people who have depression also experience other mental health conditions, such as anxiety.
How is depression different from grief?
Depression and grief cause many of the same feelings, and it’s common for people who are grieving a loss to describe themselves as being depressed. However, experiencing grief isn’t the same as having depression.
Grieving is a natural process that’s unique to each individual. Generally, grief causes painful feelings that come in waves, usually mixed in with positive memories. Depression, on the other hand, involves a low mood for most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks.
Although grief and depression are different, they can co-exist. Experiencing the death of a loved one, loss of a job, a major disaster, or any type of assault can certainly lead to depression. Sulcata Psychiatry will help you find the happiness and peace you deserve, regardless of your specific diagnosis.
How is depression diagnosed and treated?
Sulcata Psychiatry providers take the time to get to know you as a whole person and works with you as a partner in your mental health care plan. We perform a complete psychiatric evaluation, which may include cognitive testing to pinpoint your specific areas of difficulty. Then, we create a treatment plan that may include medication management, psychotherapy, bibliotherapy, and lifestyle changes regarding nutrition, exercise, yoga, and sleep habits. Sulcata Psychiatry also uses in-office Genomind® pharmacogenetic testing to determine the best medication prescription for you if indicated.
Don’t hesitate to seek help for depression. Call Sulcata Psychiatry today or request an appointment online.
What Is Treatment-Resistant Depression?
Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD) is a severe form of depression that affects approximately one-third of patients with major depressive disorder. These patients do not respond to traditional antidepressant medications or therapy, leading to persistent symptoms that can significantly impact their quality of life. The causes of TRD are not clear, but genetic factors, chronic stress, and other medical conditions may contribute to its development.
When diagnosing TRD, mental health professionals use a variety of different criteria to determine if a patient's depression is indeed treatment-resistant. In general, TRD is diagnosed in individuals who have not responded to at least two different courses of antidepressant medication, each of which was administered at an adequate dosage for an adequate period of time.
What Is Spravato?
Spravato is a newly approved medication for TRD that has shown significant promise in clinical trials. It is a nasal spray that contains a compound called esketamine, which targets the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor in the brain. This receptor plays a crucial role in regulating mood and emotions, and Spravato's mechanism of action helps to restore the balance of neurotransmitters that are disrupted in TRD.
Prescribing Spravato
At Sulcata Psychiatry, we prescribe Spravato as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes therapy and other medications, as needed. Our skilled psychiatrists carefully monitor each patient's response to the medication and adjust dosages based on their individual needs. Spravato is only given in a clinical setting, and our office is fully equipped to administer the medication safely and comfortably.
As one of the few clinics in the Houston area that can prescribe Spravato, we are proud to offer this cutting-edge treatment for TRD. If you are struggling with TRD, we invite you to schedule an appointment with us today to learn more about how we can help you feel better. Ask about Spravato at your next appointment.