Dim lights, a haphazard room, and uncleanliness all around.
Can you relate to this scene in your life or from the life of a loved one?
Do you feel that your friend/family member has lost their zeal for life and feels lonely and disturbed all the time?
The sight of their demotivation and helplessness troubles you and you look for an answer? You have come to the right page.
An easy name for major depressive disorder is clinical depression, typically characterized by the masses as a condition where the people affected lose interest in everything around them, affects the way they feel, behave, and perceive things, and also renders them prone to problems of physical and emotional nature. A person in such cases experiences issues in even carrying out normal day-to-day activities, that uproots their routine and leaves them demotivated for further tasks.
It is more than just a small phase- the person who suffers from depression cannot just snap out of their trance. They are simply trapped in this endless cycle of lethargy, darkness, and demotivation and they lose track of their identity and their purpose in life.
If you are looking for information on tackling major depressive disorder treatments and searching for the best psychiatrist for depression in Delhi, you have landed at the right resource page.
Take a look at this short video by our expert psychiatrist Dr. Gorav Gupta on depression and its basic aspects for your better understanding.
Exploring the causes- Why does depression occur?
Depression is quite a common condition nowadays, but its onset in a person can be traced back to a variety of factors.
Some of us may be triggered by lifestyle issues, some may hold a genetic capacity for it and some may simply acquire it as a result of another condition. Let’s discuss how they trigger our depression.
- Brain chemistry- The body is regulated by a variety of neurotransmitters. When these neurotransmitters experience an imbalance, usually serotonin and dopamine, it triggers the neural pathways which result in triggering depression.
- Genetic makeup- The risk of developing depression is thrice as likely for a person who has a first degree relative (immediate family/sibling) who suffers from it.
- Traumatic life events- A person who has gone through a personal loss, physical/mental trauma or survived a difficult or stressful situation is more prone to succumb to depression.
- Medical complications- pregnancy, diabetes, chronic pain or PTSD can cause a person to slip into depression or raise chances for its development. Specifically, Post pregnancy depression, or postpartum depression, was not a highly recognized condition before, but due to many reported cases worldwide, it has come to light. Almost every ethnic group reports this issue for recovering mothers.
- Medications- Medications are also one of the crucial reasons for developing depression. It may be acute or chronic, depending upon the continued use of the medication causing this side effect.
What symptoms to look for?
Usually, the symptoms don’t show up until significant progress has been made. Physiologically, the symptoms can manifest quite late. Psychologically, the onset is quite rapid, leaving little trails and clues for others to keenly pick up on. As a caregiver or concerned individual, a constant lookout for out-of-character talks and small changes can prompt you to initiate conversation.
According to one of the best depression doctor in Delhi, these are the symptoms to look out for-
- Suddenly experiencing low energy throughout the day.
- Feeling anxious without any reason, and the feeling lingers for more than a brief period.
- Feeling disinterested in performing daily activities
- The thoughts shared indicate sadness and an inability to cope with life
- Reduced weight and appetite, with disinterest in eating for a long time
- Shares feelings of being worthless and fixations on past problems
- Chronic problems in sleeping (insomnia/hypersomnia)
- Trouble concentrating on tasks at hand
- Leaving things half-done and feeling irritated.
Based on these symptoms, the dominance of certain symptoms can describe the type of depression a person is experiencing. Based on it, further treatment plans can be evaluated.
What major depressive disorder therapies to look out for?
Usually medications and psychotherapy can do the trick for subsiding immediate symptoms and setting the client back on track to achieve their highest functioning with therapies and holistic techniques. However, it is important to note that each person carries a different set of symptoms, mix of symptoms and approach with them. In such cases, searching for the best depression treatment in Delhi should be your priority.
As per the best psychiatrist in Delhi for depression, these treatment methods can be highly compatible with people suffering from depression.
- Psychotherapy- It is considered as a first line of treatment for depressive disorders. If the condition dwindles between mild to moderate, it is a very effective method to explore. It uses interpersonal and cognitive behavioral therapy in its wake. It helps the clients to deal with their current problems, identify their negative beliefs and dominate them with a positive mindset, develop positive interactions with others, and reclaim the sense of satisfaction and control in their lives. It is necessary to administer since it raises realistic expectations towards life and develops the ability to handle distress.
- Medications- If you approach a depression doctor in Delhi, it is possible that they may suggest a series of medications for providing treatment. These medications may include- -Selective Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)- duloxetine, venlafaxine, desvenlafaxine, and levomilnacipran -Atypical Antidepressants- Bupropion, Mirtazapine, Nefazodone etc. -Tricyclic antidepressants- Imipramine, doxepin, trimipramine, etc are not prescribed unless SSRIs have been used, since they tend to have a list of side effects. -Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)- These are prescribed when every other medication has failed to produce an effect. MAOIs include Tranylcypromine, Isocarboxazid etc. These are applicable in only certain cases due to the high level of side effects and deadly reactions to certain foods.
- Non-traditional treatment- When people do not respond to traditional therapies and medications, alternate treatment methods are suggested. These include Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) ECT uses high levels of electrical currents to stimulate nerves and release neurotransmitters to relieve depression, whereas TMS uses brief magnetic pulses to stimulate affected areas of the brain (responsible for mood regulation). It is used when antidepressants don’t show significant results.
Looking to plan an intervention for depression? We’re here to help
If you feel that reading this article has provided you an insight into the lives of your loved ones and they do need help, we’re here to be your guidance and support. As the best psychiatrist in Delhi for depression, Dr. Gorav Gupta will be able to provide you with answers and guidance that you may not find anywhere else. To know more and secure a consultation, visit Dr. Gorav Gupta Clinic today.