There are various treatment options for depression, including psychological treatments, medication, and general measures such as relaxation techniques, often which are combined according to the individual’s needs. Our Clearbrook Massachusetts rehab is a reputable healthcare facility dedicated to providing comprehensive and evidence-based treatment for individuals grappling with addiction or mental illness. Employing a multidisciplinary approach rooted in clinical expertise and cutting-edge research, our facility offers a tailored and structured treatment program designed to address the complex nature of depression. Our commitment to excellence in the field of mental health is evident in our state-of-the-art facility, highly trained medical staff, and a patient-centered approach. Keep reading to learn more about our inpatient Massachusetts depression treatment and how we can help you or a loved one recover.
How Do Doctors Diagnose Depression?
Major depressive disorder (MDD), or depression, is a common and serious mental health disorder marked by persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness and loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed. In addition to emotional problems, individuals with depression may also experience physical symptoms, such as chronic pain or digestive issues. To be diagnosed with depression, symptoms must be present for at least two weeks.
To diagnose depression, a doctor performs a physical exam, asks about your symptoms, and recommends a blood test to determine if any other condition could be causing your symptoms. If the doctor does not find any other underlying causes of your depression symptoms, he or she will perform a psychological evaluation. Healthcare professionals will base their mental health evaluations on DSM-5 criteria for depression to diagnose patients.
Using The DSM-5 to Diagnose Depression
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) outlines the following criteria that doctors need to see in patients to diagnose depression. The individual must be experiencing 5 or more of the following symptoms in the same 2-week period, and at least one of the symptoms must be either (1) depressed mood or (2) loss of interest or pleasure.
The DSM 5 criteria for depression include:
- Experiencing depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day.
- Diminished interest or pleasure in all, or almost all, activities most of the day, nearly every day.
- Significant weight loss when not dieting or weight gain, or decrease or increase in appetite nearly every day.
- A reduction in thought and physical movement that are noticeable by others and not merely subjective feelings of restlessness or being slowed down.
- A sense of fatigue or loss of energy nearly every day.
- Experiencing feelings of worthlessness or excessive or inappropriate guilt nearly every day.
- A diminished ability to think, concentrate, or make decisions nearly every day.
- Recurrent thoughts of death, recurrent suicidal ideation without a specific plan, or a suicide attempt or a specific plan to commit suicide.
How Many Types of Depression Are There?
The symptoms of major depression may vary from person to person. To identify the type of depression you have, your doctor may add one or more specifiers. These refer to features associated with a specific type of depression.
While there are at least 10 types of depression, below are the common specifiers that can be seen in individuals with major depressive disorder:
- Anxious distress: Depression with unusual restlessness or worry about possible events or loss of control.
- Atypical features: When the individual has depression but experiences temporary happiness, increased appetite, excessive need for sleep, sensitivity to rejection, and a heavy feeling in the arms or legs.
- Catatonia: Depression that includes motor activity involving either uncontrollable and purposeless movement or fixed and inflexible posture.
- Melancholic features: Severe depression with a lack of response to something that used to bring pleasure. Depression with melancholic features is also associated with early morning awakening, worsened mood in the morning, major changes in appetite, and feelings of guilt, agitation, or sluggishness.
- Mixed features: Simultaneous depression and mania, which include symptoms like increased self-esteem, talking, and energy.
- Peripartum onset: Depression that occurs during pregnancy or after delivery (postpartum depression).
- Psychotic features: Depression accompanied by delusions or hallucinations, which may involve personal inadequacy or other negative themes.
- Seasonal pattern: Also referred to as seasonal affective disorder, this type of depression is related to changes in seasons, weather, and reduced exposure to sunlight.
It’s important to note that depression can manifest differently from person to person, and the severity and duration of symptoms can vary. Accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plans involving therapy, medication, or a combination of both are essential for managing depression effectively. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of depression, our Clearbrook is one of the few Massachusetts depression treatment centers that offers individualized care on a residential level. We can accurately evaluate you or a loved one to determine the best course of action.
Our Inpatient Depression Treatment in Massachusetts
Our residential treatment for depression is an intensive and structured mental health program that offers clients a supportive and therapeutic environment for managing their symptoms. Unlike outpatient therapy, where individuals attend sessions and return home, residential care involves living on-site at our Northeast addictions treatment center for a designated period.
Our residential depression treatment in Massachusetts offers services such as:
- 24/7 Support and supervision
- Aftercare planning
- Duration
- Family therapy
- Holistic approach
- Medication management
- Peer support
- Safety and stabilization
- Structured therapy
Overall, our Massachusetts depression treatment is designed for individuals who require intensive and comprehensive care to address the severity of their symptoms. We offer a structured and therapeutic environment where clients can focus on their recovery and acquire the skills necessary to manage their depression effectively.
Finding Inpatient Depression Treatment Near Me
If you or someone you care about is coping with depression, take the first step toward healing today. Clearbrook Massachusetts offers specialist inpatient depression treatment led by a team of clinicians, psychiatrists, and support staff dedicated to guiding patients in their recovery.
