Clinical
Depression Disorder

What is depression?

Depression is a deep persistent feeling of sadness, plus several other symptoms:

• Changes in appetite that result in weight losses or gains
• Insomnia or oversleeping
• Loss of energy or increased fatigue
• Restlessness or irritability
• Feeling of worthlessness or inappropriate guilt
• Difficulty thinking, concentrating, or making decisions
• Thoughts of death or suicide

Depression is the single most common mental health disorder. It significantly impairs a person’s ability to work or function at home. Depression causes more sick days from work than heart disease or diabetes.

What is the treatment for Depression?

Treatment begins with a comprehensive evaluation. Since some medical disorders, such as hypothyroidism or anemia, have similar symptoms as depression, your clinician will assess whether or not these illnesses are causing your symptoms. Depressive symptoms can also be caused by some medications (e.g., steroids) so your clinician will want to know what other medications you take. Many people experience depression after a severe stressor such as the death of a loved one or a divorce. Moderate to severe depressions are best treated with a combination of medication and therapy; mild depressions can be treated by therapy alone. Your clinician will work with you to develop an individualized treatment plan.

What is Bipolar Disorder (Manic Depression)?

Bipolar means "two poles." A person with Bipolar Disorder can suffer both depressive episodes (all the symptoms of a depression) and manic episodes. The manic phase is dominated by persistent, abnormal "high" feelings, such as feeling on "top of the world," or irritability, and includes some of these other symptoms:

• Grandiosity or inflated self worth
• Decreased need for sleep
• Pressured, rapid speech
• Racing thoughts
• Excessive activity (e.g., working fifteen hours a day instead of your usual eight)
• Inappropriate, risky behavior

Bipolar disorder, regardless of which phase, significantly impairs a person’s ability to work or function at home.

What is the treatment for Bipolar Disorder?

The first step is a comprehensive evaluation. Some medical disorders, such as hyperthyroidism, or medications (hormonal treatments) can mimic mania. Your clinician will assess whether or not an illness or a medication is causing your symptoms. As with depression, a combination of medication and therapy is the best treatment for Bipolar Disorder. Commonly used medications include valproic acid and lithium. Sometimes additional medications such as anti-anxiety or anti-depressant medications are also needed. All medications have side effects and need to be carefully monitored.