Major Depressive Disorder

Major Depressive Disorder Overview

Major Depressive Disorder, also commonly called clinical depression, is one of the most common mental health disorders experienced in adults. It affects nearly 16.1 million people at any time in the U.S. alone. Typically, people with MDD experience a consistently depressed mood that significantly impacts their ability to function in daily activities. These feelings may continue uninterrupted for up to two weeks or longer and can seriously diminish almost every aspect of one's quality of life. Dealing with Major Depressive Disorder can be both exhausting and demoralizing when alone, but it is a problem many people have gone through, and professional help is available.

Signs & Symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder

Like all kinds of depression, Major Depressive Disorder is characterized by feelings of intense loneliness, sadness, hopelessness, and fatigue. What sets Major Depressive Disorder apart is that these feelings are nearly constant over a prolonged period. Without treatment, this can lead to severe personal and professional consequences, declines in health, and an increased risk of suicide. In addition to the feelings mentioned above, there are various signs and symptoms for Major Depressive Disorder, many of which feature alternate extremes. These include:

• Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
• Insomnia or excessive sleeping
• Loss of appetite or binge eating
• Aches, pains, or digestive problems
• Irritability or frustration
• A persistent feeling of emptiness
• Suicidal thoughts or attempt

When to Get Help for Major Depressive Disorder

Major Depressive Disorder will not go away on its own. It is a medical condition that requires professional treatment to improve the state of one's mental health. If you or someone you know have experienced any of the above feelings or symptoms, you should contact a mental health professional as soon as you can. MidValley Healthcare offers treatment and therapy for MDD and other mental health disorders that can help you overcome your condition and restore your quality of life.

What Treatments Are Available for Major Depressive Disorder?

At MidValley Healthcare, we specialize in three primary treatments for Major Depressive Disorder. These are:

• Medication
• Psychotherapy
• Transcranial magnetic stimulation or TMS

Traditionally, depressive disorders are treated with a combination of antidepressant medications and ongoing psychotherapy to learn healthy coping skills, address contributing factors, and evaluate your progress. An alternative option is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation therapy. It is a medication-free treatment that involves stimulating specific areas of the brain in control of mood, helping you regain the ability to function normally. In either case, getting treatment is essential for maintaining your mental health and preventing the oppressive effects of major depression.

Where Can You Get Help with Major Depressive Disorder?

Contact MidValley Healthcare today to schedule an appointment. Our team of licensed professionals in Boise, ID, and Meridian, ID, are here to help. We are standing by to provide the professional care you need to treat your mental health disorder and recover your ability to live unburdened by depression.