Depression.
Depression, also known as Major Depressive Disorder or Persistent Depressive Disorder, is an experience that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think, and how you act. It includes feelings of sadness/low mood and/or a loss of interest in activities once enjoyed. While it can lead to a variety of problems and can decrease a person’s ability to function at work and at home, depression does not always look like what you might see in movies or on TV. People can be very high functioning in life and still be depressed.
The diagnostic criteria for a major depressive episode include the presence of some of the following symptoms:
(Based on the Diagnostic & Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition, Text Revision, by the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-5- TR).
Treatment for depression often involves a combination of therapies:
Effective management of depression is best when an individualised approach is used following thorough assessment. This may only require psychotherapy for some people, and for others it may involve a comprehensive approach, combining multiple treatment modalities to address the various aspects of need.
If you are seeking assistance with depression and would like to book with Katy, please use the tab below.
The diagnostic criteria for a major depressive episode include the presence of some of the following symptoms:
(Based on the Diagnostic & Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition, Text Revision, by the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-5- TR).
- Depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day, such as feeling sad, empty, hopeless, flat, numb, or teary.
- Markedly diminished interest or pleasure in all, or almost all, activities once enjoyed.
- Significant weight loss or weight gain (e.g., a change of more than 5% of body weight in a month), or a decrease or increase in appetite.
- Insomnia or hypersomnia i.e. sleeping too little or too much.
- Psychomotor agitation or retardation.
- Fatigue or loss of energy.
- Feelings of worthlessness or excessive or inappropriate guilt (when you haven't really done anything wrong).
- Diminished ability to think or concentrate, or indecisiveness.
- Recurrent thoughts of death (not just afear of dying), recurrent suicidal ideation.
Treatment for depression often involves a combination of therapies:
- Psychotherapy with a trained psychologist:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): Focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviours.
- Interpersonal therapy (IPT): Addresses interpersonal issues which contribute to depressive symptoms.
- Other forms of therapy: Such as problem-solving, skills training such as assertiveness training or interpersonal effectiveness skills.
- Lifestyle Changes:
- Regular physical activity: Exercise can help improve mood and overall mental health.
- Healthy Nutrition: Eating in a way that best optimises mood.
- Adequate sleep: Ensuring sufficient and quality sleep is crucial, however you may need psychology sessions to learn how to establish a good sleep pattern again.
- Avoiding alcohol and drugs: Substance use can worsen depression and is best avoided when depressed.
- Medications prescribed by a GP or Psychiatrist:
- Antidepressants: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), and atypical antidepressants.
- Other medications: Depending on the individual’s response to antidepressants, sometimes other medications like antipsychotics or mood stabilizers may be prescribed.
Effective management of depression is best when an individualised approach is used following thorough assessment. This may only require psychotherapy for some people, and for others it may involve a comprehensive approach, combining multiple treatment modalities to address the various aspects of need.
If you are seeking assistance with depression and would like to book with Katy, please use the tab below.