Major Depressive Disorder
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a prevalent mental health condition characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyed. It can significantly impact various aspects of an individual's life, including work, relationships, and physical health.
Several factors can contribute to the development of MDD, including:
-
Research suggests that genetics plays a role in predisposing individuals to depression. People with a family history of depression are at a higher risk of developing MDD themselves.
-
Stressful life events such as trauma, loss of a loved one, financial difficulties, relationship problems, or chronic stress at work can trigger or exacerbate depression in susceptible individuals.
-
Imbalances in neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine are associated with depression. Brain structure and function abnormalities, hormonal imbalances, and chronic illnesses can also contribute to MDD.
-
Negative thinking patterns, low self-esteem, perfectionism, and unresolved emotional conflicts can contribute to the development or maintenance of depressive symptoms.
Treatment Options
Given the multifaceted nature of MDD, treatment typically involves a combination of approaches tailored to the individual's needs. These may include:
-
Medication Management
Antidepressant medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and other classes of antidepressants may be prescribed to help alleviate depressive symptoms. It's essential for individuals to work closely with a healthcare provider to find the most effective medication and dosage with the fewest side effects.
-
Psychotherapy
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy (IPT), and psychodynamic therapy are among the most commonly used psychotherapeutic approaches for depression. These therapies help individuals understand and modify negative thought patterns, improve coping skills, and address underlying emotional issues.
-
TMS Therapy
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a groundbreaking, non-medication treatment that has been FDA-cleared to treat depression and OCD. TMS uses magnetic pulses, similar to MRI technology, to modulate specific brain regions. At delve, a functional MRI may be performed to help identify brain networks that may be performing suboptimally, eschewing a one-size-fits-all all approach. TMS is proven to be safe, well-tolerated, and effective.
-
Ketamine Infusion Therapy
Ketamine infusion therapy operates by modulating specific brain chemicals, such as glutamate, known to influence emotional states. By blocking particular receptors in the brain, ketamine alters the functioning of glutamate, potentially facilitating a cascade that leads to the formation of new neural connections in regions associated with mood regulation, akin to initiating a reset mechanism.
