Major Depressive Disorder

Nearly 15 million adults in the United States experience major depressive disorder. If you’re constantly sad and it’s negatively affecting your quality of life or you have suicidal thoughts, turn to Alamo Premier Mental Health in San Antonio, Texas. The highly trained mental health providers diagnose and treat major depressive disorder to boost your mood and overall mental well-being. Schedule an in-person or telehealth evaluation by calling the office or booking an appointment online today. 

What is major depressive disorder?

Major depressive disorder, also called clinical depression, is a condition that causes persistent sadness and loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed. It’s characterized by symptoms of depression lasting at least two weeks. Major depressive disorder is treatable with the help of the Alamo Premier Mental Health experts. They tailor a solution to your unique needs and goals.

Which symptoms can major depressive disorder cause?

The following are symptoms of major depressive disorder:

• Constant sadness lasting two weeks or more
• Lack of interest in once-favorite activities
• Changes in appetite or weight
• Difficulty sleeping 
• Problems concentrating
• Lack of ambition
• Fatigue
• Feeling hopeless, helpless, guilty, or worthless
• Thoughts of self-harm

Major depressive disorder might present as seasonal depression, postpartum depression, atypical depression, or other forms.

In comparison, persistent depressive disorder is a form of mild to moderate depression lasting at least two years.

Individuals with major depressive disorder might also struggle with substance use disorder (SUD), panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), bipolar disorder, or social anxiety disorder. 

Clinical depression is slightly different from temporary depression caused by a traumatic, stressful, or sad life event because it persists for longer. 

What are the risk factors for major depressive disorder?

Major depressive disorder risk factors include:

• Being a woman
• Lack of close interpersonal relationships
• Brain chemistry changes
• Family history of major depressive disorder
• Trauma
• Abuse
• Ongoing stress
• Financial challenges
• Substance misuse
• Divorce or breakup
• Loss of a loved one
• Low self-esteem
• Chronic illnesses
• Certain medications 

The cause of depression isn’t always clear, but mental health treatments can help you feel more like yourself.

How is major depressive disorder diagnosed?

The Alamo Premier Mental Health experts complete a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation using DSM-5 criteria. They ask questions about your emotions, thoughts, moods, lifestyle habits, and behaviors. 

Your specialist also offers DNA-based testing (pharmacogenetic testing) if you’re a candidate for medications to assist in finding the most appropriate one based on your genetic makeup. 

How is major depressive disorder treated?

Your personalized major depressive disorder treatment may consist of:

• Healthy lifestyle changes
• Stress management (yoga, tai chi, meditation, massage, acupuncture, etc.)
• Medication management
• Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Interpersonal therapy (IPT)
• Other forms of psychotherapy 
• Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)

You might notice some changes in the way you feel a week or two after beginning treatment for major depressive disorder. 

It’s helpful to stay active, get 7-9 hours of sleep, eat nutritious foods, spend time with loved ones, and avoid alcohol, drugs, and smoking. 

Experience major depressive disorder symptom relief at Alamo Premier Mental Health by calling the office or booking an in-person or telehealth appointment online today.