Depression in Houston, TX
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Contact UsWhat Is Depression?
Also known as major depressive disorder (MDD), depression is a mood disorder that produces relentless feelings of sadness, irritability, and despair. A diagnosis is typically made when you have been dealing with symptoms of depression for two weeks or longer. Depression can occur in anyone at any age and lead to additional mental and physical health problems if left untreated. For adults in Houston, TX struggling with depression, we can diagnose and treat this condition with Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). Reach out to TMS Therapy Center to learn more or schedule a consultation.
What Are the Symptoms of Depression?
Depression is a common but serious mood disorder that affects how you feel, think, and handle daily activities. Recognizing the symptoms of depression is the first step toward getting help. Here's a quick guide to understanding the various signs:
- Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood
- Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
- Irritability or frustration, even over small matters
- Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities
- Decreased energy, fatigue, or being "slowed down"
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
- Changes in appetite or weight (either loss or gain)
- Sleep disturbances, including insomnia or sleeping too much
- Physical symptoms that are unexplained, such as aches or pains
- Thoughts of death suicide, or suicide attempts
What Are the Causes of Depression?
Although the cause of depression is not entirely known, certain factors may put you at a higher risk of developing depression. Genetic predisposition plays a significant role, as depression can run in families. Biological factors, such as changes in neurotransmitter levels or hormonal imbalances, also contribute to the development of depression. Environmental stressors, including trauma, loss, or chronic stress, along with psychological vulnerabilities, like low self-esteem, further increase the risk of developing depression. Understanding these causes is crucial for seeking appropriate treatment and support.
How Is Depression Diagnosed?
Depression is diagnosed through a comprehensive evaluation that includes a detailed interview about symptoms such as mood, energy, sleep, appetite, and concentration, alongside a physical examination and possibly blood tests to rule out medical conditions. Mental health professionals may use Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders criteria, requiring symptoms like persistent sadness or loss of interest for at least two weeks, and consider the severity and impact on daily functioning. A differential diagnosis ensures symptoms aren’t due to another mental health condition; standardized tools may be used to assess severity. The diagnosis leads to a tailored treatment plan involving therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes.
How Is Depression Treated?
TMS Therapy Center specializes in BrainsWay Deep TMS treatments, which are cleared by the FDA to safely treat depression. Through multiple research studies, Deep TMS has been clinically proven to effectively reduce symptoms of depression with or without the addition of psychiatric medication. Deep TMS consists of magnetic pulses that are delivered to your brain through an H-Coil that is attached to the inside of a padded helmet. The helmet is placed on your head so the magnetic pulses can target the region of the brain that is involved in stabilizing your mood called the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). For the best results, we recommend 20 sessions over a period of four weeks.
What Are the Risk Factors for Depression?
The risk factors for depression include a combination of genetic, biological, psychological, and environmental factors. A family history of depression or other mood disorders increases the likelihood of developing the condition. Imbalances in brain chemicals, hormonal changes, and certain medical conditions can also contribute to depression. Additionally, stressful life events, such as the loss of a loved one, financial difficulties, or trauma, may act as triggers. Chronic stress, substance abuse, and lack of social support are also significant risk factors. Understanding these influences can help identify those at higher risk and guide early intervention for effective treatment.
Enhance Your Quality of Life
If you are experiencing intense feelings of hopelessness or no longer take pleasure in activities you once took part in, you may have a major depressive disorder. Thanks to advances in the mental health industry, a radically new form of treatment is available for depression at TMS Therapy Center in Houston, TX. To see if you qualify for Deep TMS treatment, set up a consultation today.
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About UsDepression FAQs
What are some of the signs and symptoms of depression?
You may be diagnosed with major depression if you experience at least five of certain symptoms for two or more consecutive weeks. These symptoms must include either a depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure in life activities that you once enjoyed. At TMS Therapy Center, our experts will help you determine if your symptoms qualify for a depression diagnosis.
Why is depression more prevalent in women than in men?
Depression is up to twice as common among women as among men. This may be in part due to biological, life cycle, hormonal, and psycho-social factors unique to women. DIagnosis may also vary between genders.
How is depression diagnosed and treated?
Diagnosis starts with a visit to our Houston, TX office for a medical evaluation to rule out other causes. Once diagnosed, depression can be treated with antidepressant medications, psychotherapy, TMS therapy, or a combination of treatments.
