Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
Evidence-based, compassionate Major Depressive Disorder treatment via telehealth in Texas, Iowa, Washington, Arizona, and Pennsylvania and beyond or in-office at our psychiatric clinics.
Overview
What Is Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)?
Major Depressive Disorder, or MDD, is a serious illness that changes the way a person thinks, feels, and acts in everyday life. It’s one of the most common and difficult mental illnesses in the US; more than 21 million people are affected by it every year, and it’s the main cause of disability around the world.
Being depressed or going through a rough patch is not the same thing as having Major Depressive Disorder. It is a clinically significant condition that lasts longer than normal emotional responses, changes how a person sees themselves and the world, and needs professional help to be treated effectively.
The good news is that MDD is one of the easiest mental illnesses to treat. My Psychiatry Care has experienced psychiatric providers who can treat Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) through telehealth in Texas, Iowa, Washington, Arizona, and Pennsylvania.
Symptoms
Symptoms and Signs of Major Depressive Disorder
When someone has MDD, their symptoms may look different from person to person, and they may get worse or better during an episode. For a formal diagnosis, at least five of the following symptoms must be present over the course of two weeks and show a clear change from how the person was acting before. At least one of these symptoms must be either a depressed mood or a loss of interest or pleasure.
Feeling down all the time
Most of the day, almost every day, feeling sad, empty, tearful, or helpless, and not being able to explain why.
Having thoughts of committing suicide or death
Having frequent thoughts of death, wanting to die, or planning to kill yourself. These signs need to be looked at by a doctor right away.
Hunger or Weight Changes
Considerable changes in hunger levels that often lead to weight gain or loss that can be seen in a short amount of time.
Feelings of not being worthy or guilt
A strong feeling of being a burden to others or the world, too much or unfair guilt, or sharp self-criticism.
Going away from something you enjoy
A big drop in or total lack of interest in things like hobbies, socializing, and close relationships that they used to enjoy.
Problems with Sleep
Insomnia means waking up a lot at night and having trouble falling back to sleep. Hypersomnia means sleeping too much and not feeling rested.
Having trouble focusing
Problems with being able to think clearly, staying focused, making decisions, or remembering things, even when doing simple jobs.
Symptoms in the body
Experiencing aches, pains, headaches, or stomach problems that you can't figure out what's causing them, which is sometimes the main complaint.
Types
Types of Major Depressive Disorder We Treat
MDD is not a one-size-fits-all. All presentations have as a fundamental feature the depressive episodes but varied in pattern, severity, timing and associated aspects. Our psychiatric providers have experience in the diagnosis and treatment of all major types and specifiers of MDD.
MDD, Single Episode
One significant depressive episode (and so far, only). Prompt and effective therapy after a first episode dramatically minimizes the probability of recurrence.
MDD, Recurrent
It is characterized by at least two different depression episodes, each lasting at least two months without any prominent depressive symptoms. Longer-term maintenance treatment is often required in recurrent MDD to prevent further episodes.
MDD, With Anxious Distress
A frequent specifier where a depressive episode is accompanied by strong anxiety symptoms, such as tension, worry, and fear of losing control, typically necessitating a customized therapeutic approach.
MDD with Melancholic Features
A more severe presentation with significant loss of pleasure, early morning wakeup, notable psychomotor changes, overwhelming guilt and a depression that feels fundamentally distinct from ordinary grief.
MDD with Melancholic Features
A more severe presentation with significant loss of pleasure, early morning wakeup, notable psychomotor changes, overwhelming guilt and a depression that feels fundamentally distinct from ordinary grief.
MDD with Seasonal Pattern (Seasonal Affective Disorder)
Depressive episodes with a characteristic seasonal pattern most typically commence in late fall or early winter with remission in spring. Light therapy typically is a successful part of treatment.
Treatment resistant MDD
When an individual has not responded sufficiently to two or more typical antidepressant therapies. If you haven’t achieved relief through traditional means, we offer advanced solutions like as our at-home ketamine therapy program.
Causes & Risk Factors
What Causes Depression?
In most cases, MDD is not traceable to one cause. Studies suggest to a constant interplay of neurological, genetic, psychological and environmental elements. Understanding these contributions is not about blame; it is about developing a treatment approach to treat the full individual.
Genetics
A family history of depression or other mood illness, indicating a strong genetic component, raises the likelihood of getting MDD.
Brain Chemistry and Neurobiology
MDD is intimately related to dysregulation of neurotransmitter systems, especially serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, and alterations in brain structure and stress-response pathways.
Trauma & Chronic Stress
Trauma, such as adverse childhood events, abuse, sorrow, loss or chronic high stress can cause depressive episodes and increase sensitivity to subsequent episodes.
Health Conditions
Depressive symptoms may be directly caused by or associated with chronic illness, thyroid diseases, cardiovascular disease, chronic pain, hormonal changes, and neurological conditions.
Some medications
Certain prescription medications, such as certain blood pressure meds, hormonal therapies, and corticosteroids, include depression as a known side effect.
Drug Use
Alcohol and drug use can both trigger and dramatically exacerbate MDD and the factors often feed off each other in a compounding cycle.
Life situations
Common environmental factors that lead to depressive episodes are social isolation, big life changes, financial stress, marital problems, or a protracted period of loss of purpose or meaning.
Treatment
Major Depressive Disorder Treatment at My Psychiatry Care
For the majority of persons with MDD, the correct assistance can provide considerable respite from symptoms. At My Psychiatry Care, we recognize that what works for one patient may not work for another and we individualize our care. Your treatment approach is individualized based on how you present, your history and your goals and may involve any combination of the following.
Psychiatric Assessment and Diagnosis
A complete evaluation of your symptoms, your individual and family health history, your lifestyle and your goals, the foundation for an accurate diagnosis and a successful MDD treatment plan.
Medication Management
Antidepressants, including SSRIs, SNRIs, atypical antidepressants (bupropion, mirtazapine), and other classes of therapy, are beneficial in many people with MDD. We will watch your response closely and change the prescriptions as needed to discover the best fit for your particular presentation and needs.
Referrals for Therapy
We connect patients with experienced therapists who use evidence-based procedures like as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Behavioral Activation, and Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), which are some of the most successful psychotherapeutic treatments for Major Depressive Disorder.
Continued Follow-Up and Support
Ongoing check-ins to monitor your progress, discuss problems, and fine-tune your treatment plan, as recovery from MDD is a process that requires regular, attentive care rather than a one-and-done appointment.
Getting Help
When to Get Help for MDD Treatment
Asking for help is not a weakness and there is no level of suffering that you have to achieve before you are entitled to support. “The sooner you talk to a psychiatric provider, the better the outcome.” If you meet any of the following criteria, consider arranging an evaluation:
Consider reaching out if:
- Your low mood or loss of interest has lasted for two weeks or more
- Your MDD symptoms are interfering with your work, relationships or day-to-day duties
- You’ve attempted to fix yourself on your own without lasting success
- You are turning to narcotics like alcohol to deal with your mood or emotional pain
- You have had a few episodes of depression and want a plan on how to manage this in the long run.
- You are thinking about hurting yourself, or killing yourself
My Psychiatry Care offers telehealth anxiety care across multiple states, along with in-person services at select clinic locations. We provide care for patients of all ages and accept most major insurance plans.
Psychiatric Mental Health & Family Nurse Practitioner
Meet Faith Agho, PMHNP-BC
- ANCC board certified
- Licensed in 5 states
My name is Faith Agho. I am a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with 16 years of experience in the healthcare industry. I am passionate about mental health and committed to providing individualized care that recognizes each person’s unique story and needs. My approach is centered on creating a safe, welcoming, and judgment-free environment where you can feel comfortable being honest about what you’re experiencing. At Faith Bridge Behavioral, I believe that seeking help is a sign of strength.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
My Psychiatry Care treats people with MDD through telehealth in Texas, Iowa, Washington, Arizona, and Pennsylvania. You can make appointments online from home, so you don’t have to drive anywhere.
Sadness is a normal and healthy emotion that usually has a reason and goes away on its own as time goes on or things change. MDD, on the other hand, is a medical condition that can happen without a clear cause, last for weeks or months, and make it hard to do things in ways that can’t be fixed by willpower or a change in mood.
My Psychiatry Care offers ketamine therapy that can be done at home for people who haven’t responded well to two or more normal antidepressant treatments. This program is run by qualified clinicians and uses sublingual ketamine tablets that can be taken at home with clinical supervision.
Ready to Get Support?
Our compassionate psychiatric team is here to help. Book a new patient appointment today.
