You deserve inner peace
Depression, also known as Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is the 3rd most common illness globally. It is the world’s leading cause of disability.
1 in every 6 people suffer from Depression in their lifetime.
Major Depressive Disorder has a variable course and can become severe if untreated.
Key features of illness
- It is hereditary
- Females are more affected than males
- Severe depression can lead to suicide
- Depression can happen, even when a person appears normal and is functioning normally.
Types of Depression
Exogenous
Depression which occurs due to the presence of external circumstances.
For example, death of a loved one, financial issues, adjustment problems etc.
Endogenous
Depression which occurs in the absence of any external reasons.
One morning a person is fine, and the other morning he wakes up depressed. Endogenous depression occurs due to a deficiency of serotonin and other neuro-transmitter chemicals in the brain.
Signs and Symptoms
Sadness of mood
Not enjoying activities that were previously enjoyable, e.g., outings, cricket matches, shopping, household chores
Lethargy/Laziness
Concentration difficulties
Forgetfulness
Irritability/Change in behaviour
Crying Spells
Increase or decrease in sleep
Increase or decrease in appetite
Excessive thoughts that a person is unable to control
Thoughts of dying/ Suicidal attempts
Body pains in various regions e.g. headaches, body aches etc
Guilt
Diagnosis is the First Step to Recovery
Diagnosis is based on clinical signs and symptoms. Blood panel is usually done to detect conditions like Hyperthyroidism which can cause depression.
Severity of depression is mapped using structured scales e.g. Hamilton Anxiety Rating scale.
How Is Depression Treated?
Depression is among the most treatable of mental disorders.
Between 80 percent and 90 percent of people with depression eventually respond well to treatment. Most, if not all, patients gain significant relief from their symptoms with treatment.
Medications
Imbalances in certain key neurotransmitters such as Serotonin, Nor-Epinephrine and Dopamine are responsible for causing depression. Antidepressant medications are the key to treatment. These medication increase the brain concentration of these neurotransmitters and help in restoring normal brain function. Benefits are seen after 15-21 days of starting medications.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy and Counselling play a vital role in treating patients with depression, especially those with exogenous depression.
Please refer to our dedicated “Psychotherapy services” page for more information.
Neurostimulation Services
Newer modalities of treatment for depression include neurostimulation techniques, which can bring about speedy recovery in patients of depression.
Neurostimulation methods are usually used in patients with severe depression or those who have not responded well to medications.
For more information, refer to the Neurostimulation Techniques section of our website.
Consultation Timing
Monday - Saturday
Morning: 9:00 -1:00 PM
Evening: 4:00 - 7:00 PM
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Parth Hospital,
3rd Floor Sigma Excellence,
Near Management Enclave,
Opposite Falguni Gruh Udyog,
Ahmedabad, 380015
For Appointment