Depression
At the Gold Center, we believe in a multifaceted approach to psychotherapy. All of our psychiatrists and clinicians are trained in psychodynamic principles as well as cognitive behavioral therapy, supportive therapy and more strictly behavioral approaches. Our therapists have experience working with children, adults, couples, and families. Generally, psychotherapy is once to twice per week. With children and adolescents, it is always time limited and we try to identify one or two primary measurable goals. However, often goals and direction shifts as treatment progresses. We believe strongly that parents must be involved in their child’s treatment. In some cases, we meet together with child and parent and in other circumstances we will meet with parents alone. With adolescents, we are very clear about how and when parents will be involved in order to ensure confidentiality and cultivate independence.
Depression is a common but serious medical disorder that negatively affects how you feel, the way that you think and how you act. Depression causes feelings of sadness and loss of interest in activities once enjoyed. Depression can lead to a number of emotional and physical problems. It can impair a person’s ability to function at work and at home. Sadness is something that we all experience. It is a normal reaction to a loss or a setback, but it usually passes with a little time. Depression is different. Depression can occur at any age but often begins in teens or early 20s or 30s. Fortunately, depression is treatable.
Symptoms must last two weeks to make a diagnosis. It is important to rule other medical problems that can mimic depression such as anemia, thyroid problems, and vitamin deficiency.
Symptoms Include:
- Feeling sad or having a depressed mood
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
- Changes in appetite (weight loss or gain unrelated to dieting)
- More difficulty with sleep or sleeping too much
- Loss of energy or increased fatigue
- Increase in purposeful physical activities (e.g. hand wringing, pacing) or observable decrease in movements and speech
- Feeling worthless or excessive guilt
- Difficulty thinking, concentrating or making decisions
- Thoughts of death or suicide.
Stats:
- An estimated 16.2 million adults in the United States have had at least one major depressive episode.
- This number represented 6.7% of all U.S. adults.
The prevalence of major depressive episode is higher among adult females (8.5%) compared to males (4.8%).
Treatment:
Depression is very treatable. Between 80 and 90 percent of people with depression will eventually respond to treatment.
Before a diagnosis or treatment can begin, an individual should see a mental health professional who will do an evaluation. A thorough evaluation includes a clinical interview and a detailed medical and family history. It may also include a physical exam and blood work.
A treatment approach should address the medical, psychological and social factors impacting the person’s life. A treatment plan may include psychotherapy (talk therapy) or medication or a combination of both. It should also include lifestyle modifications that decrease stress and improve mood and health such as healthy diet and exercise. If a patient has a poor or partial response to medication or therapy, he or she may be a candidate for transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). TMS is a noninvasive therapy that uses magnetic pulses that are focused directly on the area of the brain known to cause depression. The repeated pulses alter the circuitry in the brain leading to decreased symptoms of depression. TMS is most effective when used in conjunction with therapy, medication and a thoughtful and comprehensive treatment plan.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on how one’s thoughts, emotions and behavior impact each other. In CBT, patients learn techniques to recognize how negative patterns impact mood and happiness. CBT is a time-limited, research-based treatment effective for a wide variety of problems including depression, anxiety, eating disorders, addictions, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, obsessional thinking, social and performance anxiety. CBT usually lasts for 12-20 sessions. Between weekly individual sessions, patients practice skills learned in session through homework exercises. Our clinicians can also incorporate CBT skills into a broader treatment plan.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Program
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a specialized cognitive therapy approach designed for individuals who are prone to experience intense emotions which lead to actions such as self-injury, anger outbursts and volatile relationships. It is considered first line treatment for adults diagnosed with borderline personality disorder. DBT has been adapted for adolescents struggling with emotional dysregulation who engage in self sabatoge and who have low frustration tolerance. DBT treatment is composed of individual and group sessions along with booster phone calls as needed. We encourage adolescents and young adults to attend one group session and one individual session per week. In our adolescent program, weekly parent sessions are also recommended.
Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
Often called therapy or psychotherapy, psychodynamic psychotherapy is an individual therapy that helps individuals to address a range of psychological issues to better cope with various life stressors. The goal of psychotherapy is symptom remission and improved self-esteem. Patients should gain insight and skills to realize their fullest potential in their relationship in their life goals. Our clinicians treat a variety of conditions including: life transitions/stressors, anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD, learning disorders, bipolar disorder and a variety of medical concerns.
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