Treatment for Depression

Depression is a mood disorder that affects nearly every aspect of daily life. At least 21 million American adults have had at least one depressive episode in the past year. Clinical depression differs from the situational form in that it is persistent and may manifest in cycles (bipolar disorder) or be relatively continuous for months or years. Two of the most common types of depression are major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder.

Someone living with depression will find their symptoms disrupt their daily life. Some will be able to function as far as caring for themselves and even being productive at work or school, but they still find themselves unhappy most of the time and unable to get much pleasure out of life.  An example is losing interest in things that you used to enjoy.

The good news is that these conditions can be treated successfully. While it isn’t technically “curable” yet, we have evidence-based treatment methods for depression that can substantially improve symptoms and quality of life. Depressive disorders are almost always manageable with proper diagnosis and the right kind of care.

Understanding your Depression

Depression can take the color out of life, affecting relationships, school, career, recreation, and hobbies. Depending on the type, it can make you more likely to encounter legal issues or take unnecessary risks. There are therapeutic interventions and treatment methods that are proven effective for most cases of depression.

If you or someone you love is living with this type of mental health challenge or want to learn more, we have summarized major types of depression below. This is an incomplete list, however, as depression is a complex illness with many subtypes and variants.

Treatment for Depressive Disorders

We use evidence-based treatment methods that are supported by clinical research. Depression is a complex illness; successful treatment depends on accurate diagnosis, a well-informed treatment plan, and a willing patient.

Mental health treatment is too important to trust a rushed or haphazard diagnosis, leading to treatment that misses the mark. We emphasize careful and precise diagnoses and dynamic treatment, adapting to new information rather than following a staid plan which ignores the results.