It's estimated that 16.2 million adults in the United States, or 6.7 percent of American adults, have had at least one major depressive episode in a given year.
Making the choice to seek treatment for depression should be a well-thought-out and careful decision. Clinical depression is a serious medical condition. It can have a major impact on both mental and physical health. Depression also significantly impacts a person's quality of life. Contrary to what some may believe, depression is not just something a person can 'snap out of'. It is a complex disease that can often be challenging to treat. Seeking effective treatment is a courageous decision that reflects both strength and hope. Therefore, it is vital to do homework before selecting a healthcare provider to treat depression.
First, it is important to understand all treatment options. Secondly, recognizing that not all doctors are qualified in all depression treatment options is vital. This is why a depression treatment center may be the best option when it comes to seeking effective treatment. Treatment should bring significant relief or complete remission.
What to ask?
A few questions to ask when seeking a qualified healthcare provider should include:
- What percentage of their practice or patients include treatment for depression?
- Does the physician rule out all possibilities for physical causes of depression symptoms before treating for depression?
- What are your options for treatment other than medications?
- How do they monitor the effectiveness of treatment and/or progress for improvement?
- Is the physician or licensed healthcare provider board certified?
- Do they have patient testimonials (on their website, etc.)?
The benefits of effective depression treatment should move toward improved physical, mental, social, and emotional well-being. The treatment center should assist the patient in making specific changes and developing new skills. This will help one to enjoy a more productive and satisfying life. Typically, depression treatment centers offer a variety of treatment options for optimal results. For instance, the patient participates in psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT helps with empowerment to regain control over thoughts and behaviors. Therapy is used to augment other treatment modalities.
There is no one size fits all treatment option for depression. Every person struggles with depression in their own unique way. And, every patient responds differently to the variety of treatment options. What’s most important is finding a depression treatment center that best fits specific needs, goals, and preferences.
What do depression treatment centers offer?
Most depression treatment centers today offer the most advanced forms of treatment. In addition to antidepressants, supplements, and psychotherapy, this may include any or all of the following:
- TMS Depression Treatment | Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS therapy) - an FDA-approved, non-invasive, outpatient treatment where an electromagnetic coil creates a magnetic field that targets a specific area of the brain known to be under-active or uderperforming in those with depression
- Spravato (esketamine) - an FDA-approved prescription nasal spray taken with an oral antidepressant where patients are monitored for a couple of hours by a trained health care provider after dosing
- Ketamine - while Ketamine is not yet FDA-approved for depression, many physicians are now using it in the clinical outpatient patient setting as an IV or nasal mist to assist in temporarily relieving acute symptoms of severe depression, especially in those experiencing thoughts of death or suicide
- Ketamine assisted psychotherapy - Ketamine is a synthetic compound that modulates a neurotransmitter called glutamate. Some practitioners are using low doses of Ketamine during psychotherapy to tap into a person's unconscious mind to assist patients with working through emotional challenges more rapidly.
- Psilocybin therapy - Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic compound produced by more than 200 species of mushrooms. Some mental health practitioners are now using Psilocybin to accelerate the healing process in patients experiencing distressing emotional symptoms, such as depression, OCD, and anxiety.
TMS HELPS
Therefore if you are someone who suffers from depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, or another condition, and you are seeking TMS therapy as a treatment option – TMS Directory can connect you with someone in your area who specializes in treating these conditions with the most advanced forms of medicine. Please Follow Us On Facebook.
Please also see: TMS Therapy Near Me