How a Psychiatrist Treats Depression

Depression is a common and treatable mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. At Mental Health and Wellness Associates, our goal is to help our patients manage their depression symptoms and improve their quality of life. In this blog post, we explain how our top psychiatrists treat depression and the different treatment options that are available.

What is depression?

Depression is a mood disorder that can cause feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and worthlessness. It can also lead to physical symptoms like fatigue, changes in appetite and sleep patterns, and difficulty concentrating. Depression can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, life events, and brain chemistry.

How do psychiatrists diagnose depression?

Before we can begin treatment, the psychiatrists at Mental Health and Wellness Solutions, conduct a thorough psychiatric evaluation to diagnose the patient with depression and to rule out other mental health conditions. This initial assessment can also include a physical exam, blood tests, and psychological assessments. We will also ask the patient about their symptoms, medical history, and any medications they are currently taking.

Once your psychiatrists has gathered this information, we will use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to accurately diagnose the patient with depression. This manual provides a list of symptoms and criteria that must be met for a person to be diagnosed with depression.

What are the treatment options for depression?

There are several effective treatments for depression, and our psychiatrists work with the patient to determine the best individualized treatment plan for their specific needs and goals. Some of the most common treatment options include:

Medication: Antidepressant medications are often prescribed to help manage depression symptoms. These medications work by balancing chemicals in the brain that affect mood. It is important to note that not all antidepressants work for everyone, and it may take several weeks to see the full effects of the medication.

Psychotherapy: Psychotherapy, sometimes known as talk therapy, is a type of counseling that helps patients identify and change negative thoughts and behaviors. There are many different and specific types of psychotherapy, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT). Your psychiatrist at Mental Health and Wellness Associates may be able to provide talk therapy and can make referrals to the specific type of therapy that would be most beneficial to their patient’s specific goals and needs. 

Brain Stimulation Therapies: Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) are two brain stimulation therapies that can help improve symptoms of depression in some patients. Your psychiatrist can talk to you about all the options available and can make referrals as needed. 

Lifestyle Changes: In addition to medication and psychotherapy, lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, a healthy diet, and getting enough sleep can also help manage symptoms of depression and improve the effectiveness of other interventions.

With some of the best psychiatrists in California, based in Santa Monica, our goal at Mental Health and Wellness Associates is to work with our patients to find the best treatment plan for their individual needs. Having an initial consultation is a great way to get an accurate diagnosis and to best understand what treatment options are available. There is never an obligation to start a treatment until you are ready. 

In general, our psychiatrists will typically start with the least invasive options first, such as psychotherapy and lifestyle changes, and then move on to medications or brain stimulation therapies if needed.

It is important to remember that depression is a common and treatable mental health condition. Our goal is to help our patients manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. If you are struggling with depression, it's important to seek help from a mental health professional. With an accurate diagnosis and the right treatment plan, you can start feeling better and enjoying life again.

If you live in the state of California and are looking for help, we would be happy to speak with you. If you are interested in becoming a new patient, please schedule a time to speak with our practice manager (using the "book online" button above) or call our office today.