Depression Treatment in Plano, TX
Here at Friedman Psychiatry we provide the best in psychiatric care and counseling for adults at our psychiatric clinic in Plano, TX. Led by board-certified psychiatrist, Dr. Ran Friedman, we provide comprehensive diagnosis and personalized treatment plans for patients experiencing symptoms of depression in Richardson, Allen, and Murphy. Learn more about how we can help by calling to schedule your consultation with our experienced Psychiatry Clinician today!
What is Depression?
Depression is a common mood disorder that can cause serious symptoms in many individuals. These symptoms often make daily activities a difficult struggle, and require proper diagnosis and treatment from a specialized physician like Dr. Friedman.
Common Symptoms of Depression
Many people may think of depression as simply feeling sad, but it can include a wide range of specific symptoms, including:
- Anxiety
- Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
- Tearfulness
- Feeling hopeless
- Frequent thoughts of death or suicide
- Intense fatigue
- Difficulty in remembering things or concentrating
- Trouble sleeping or excessive sleeping
- Fixating on life problems or past failures
- Increased irritability
- Feelings of guilt
- Sudden anger
- Slowed speech and/or body movements
- Changes in appetite
- Physical discomforts like back pain or recurring headaches
Not every individual will experience symptoms of depression in the same way. These unique variances may include several of the symptoms listed above, which may range in severity from one person to another. In order to be officially diagnosed with depression, an individual must experience symptoms consecutively for at least two weeks.
The Different Types of Depression
Depression is a complex mental disorder that can manifest in a variety of ways. It is not just a feeling of sadness, but a combination of symptoms that can affect a person’s thoughts, feelings, behavior, and physical well-being. WebMD has included a list of different types of depression, which includes:
Postpartum Depression
Many women experience mild depressive symptoms in the first few weeks after delivering a child, but postpartum depression is a more serious form of this common “baby blues.” Women with postpartum depression may experience symptoms of extreme sadness, fatigue, and anxiety while pregnant or soon after giving birth.
Persistent Depressive Disorder
Also known as dysthymia, persistent depressive disorder is a mood disorder that lasts for a period of two years or more. During this length of time, individuals with persistent depressive disorder are likely to experience varying intensities in their symptoms, leading them to battle severe depression at some moments, and mild symptoms at others.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
This particular subtype of depression causes depressive symptoms to frequently occur during winter months when less sunlight is available during the day. Symptoms typically subside or lessen as the months progress into spring and summer seasons, but are likely to return once winter approaches.
Psychotic Depression
Psychotic depression can occur when a person experiences psychosis, which is usually caused by a deeply disturbing revelation or delusion. This serious condition is often associated with equally serious symptoms and should be treated as soon as possible.
Causes and Risk Factors
Depression is a complex mood disorder that is not fully understood, and there is no one specific cause. It can arise at any age, but it is most often first diagnosed in early adulthood. The causes of depression are likely to be a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. Some of the factors that may influence the development of depression include:
- Family history of depression
- Major trauma or personal stress
- Side effects of a medication
- Related medical problems or serious illness
Just as symptoms can vary significantly in different people with depression, so too can recommended treatment options. Prescribed medications often provide relief, and may also be implemented in conjunction with behavioral therapy.
Depression Treatments
Psychotherapy
Speaking with a mental health professional is the goal of psychotherapy, sometimes known as talk therapy. Your therapist assists you in recognizing and altering negative feelings, ideas, and actions.
There are several forms of psychotherapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most prevalent. Sometimes you just need short-term counseling. Some people stay in treatment for a few months or even years.
Medication
Antidepressants, a class of prescription drugs, can help alter the brain chemistry that underlies depression. Finding the antidepressant that works best for you may take some time because there are various varieties. The adverse effects of several antidepressants frequently get better over time. Speak with your healthcare provider if they don’t. You could benefit more from using a different drug.
Schedule a Consultation For Depression
In order to determine what course of treatment is best for an individual, they must personally discuss their symptoms with our specialist. Recommendations from Dr. Friedman may also change later on if initial solutions begin to lose their effectiveness, or if the individual experiences sudden bouts of more severe symptoms. Fortunately, even these more drastic cases can be managed using professional care. Contact our office to schedule an appointment with Dr. Friedman today!
