Our Approach to Treating Depression

At our psychiatry clinic, we recognize that depression can be a long-standing battle for many individuals. This is why our depression doctors strive to provide solutions that offer lasting results. In fact, an impressive 75% of our patients have reported a significant improvement in their symptoms. This includes those who have previously tried various treatments without success.

Our team utilizes cutting-edge treatment methods to provide our patients with the best mental healthcare available. We uniquely include whole body health to help your brain’s ability to respond to treatment.

Your genetics, inflammatory markers, hormones, vitamin/mineral levels, and lifestyle can impact your response to your depression treatment. Together, we will take the time to understand your overall health and identify possible causes of your depression.

Then, we will create a personalized treatment plan that addresses each aspect that needs improvement. Your provider will work with you to develop a plan that fits your personal preferences and insurance coverage.

Our team is passionate about finding relief for even those most severe depression cases. We know that many of our patients have struggled with depression for many years and are looking for relief that will last.

75% of our patients report feeling a significant improvement in their depression symptoms. This includes patients who have not found and are not likely to find, relief from other treatments.

What is depression?

Depression is a common mental health disorder defined by ongoing negative thoughts or feelings that impact daily life. While it is normal to feel sad at times, some key characteristics of a depressive disorder include:

1. You feel symptoms everyday for a minimum of two weeks.
2. Your negative thoughts are internally focused. For example, with depression, you may think “I am worthless” vs. “I feel sad about my breakup”.
3. Depression is typically not associated with a single event such as the loss of a job or the loss of a loved one.

The severity of depression can vary greatly, ranging from mild to severe. While the psychiatric community continues to study depression, its causes, and new treatments, it is clear that even the most severe cases can typically be managed with the right tools.

Signs and Symptoms of Depressive Disorders

Depression symptoms are relatively consistent on a day-to-day basis and typically do not improve on their own. Depression symptoms typically get worse until they are treated. Potential signs of a depressive disorder typically include at least two of the following:

• Negative thoughts about oneself
• Suicidal thoughts
• Loss of interest in things you once enjoyed
• Feeling empty
• Oversleeping or difficulty sleeping
• Changes in appetite or weight
• Feeling detached from others
• Feeling restless – pacing, fidgeting, etc.
• Lack of motivation
• Trouble concentrating

Note: Suicidal thoughts alone are enough to diagnose depression. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, seek help immediately.

At Advanced Brain and Body Clinic Ketamine TMS, we offer the only FDA-approved treatment for suicidal ideation. Ketamine/esketamine (Spravato) is a powerful depression medication that can provide immediate relief. Our mental health providers can administer ketamine treatments through a nasal spray, shot, IV infusion, or lozenge.

Causes

Various factors can cause depression.

• Atrophy of the brain
• Genetic factors
• Hormone changes
• Physical health problems affecting the brain, nervous system or hormones
• Unhealthy lifestyle such as poor sleep, nutrition, inactivity, or drug/alcohol abuse

What is treatment resistant depression?

Common antidepressant medications do not provide relief for 1 in every 3 depressed patients. If you have tried two or more antidepressant medications and have not felt an improvement in your mood, you have treatment resistant depression.

Patients with treatment resistant depression are less likely to benefit from more traditional antidepressant medication trials. That’s why we made it our job to help to specialize in treating patients who are not improving from common depression treatments.

Our specialty depression clinic will take the time to get a deep understanding of your medical history and symptoms. Your mental health provider may order labs to see what factors may be causing your depression. Imbalances in vitamins, minerals, or hormones may be enough to keep common antidepressant medications from working for you.

While our team is able to help patients with any level of depression, our clinicians specialize in treating the most severe cases of depression. We offer a variety of treatment methods that have a 75% success rate among patients with treatment resistant depression.

If your depression treatment is not working, we can help.

Depression Treatments 

Common Treatments for Depressive Disorders

Medical professionals typically treat depressive disorders in the following ways:

• Antidepressant medications:
  – SSRIs- Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
  – SNRIs- Serotonin Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors
  – MAOIs- Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors
  – TCAs- Tricyclic Antidepressants
  – Others
• Psychotherapy “talk therapy”
• Augmentation strategies such as mood stabilizers, stimulants, hormones, and anxiolytics may also be added.

Specialty Treatments for Treatment Resistant Depression (TRD)

We specialize in treatment resistant depression. Our outpatient depression treatment options work differently than common interventions. By combining cutting-edge treatments and holistic strategies, we can help stabilize even the most severe cases of depression.

• Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
• Ketamine Therapy/esketamine (Spravato)
• Vagal Nerve Stimulation (VNS)
• Psychotherapy “talk therapy”
• Neuroplasticity labs. This looks at around 50 variables determined by laboratory evaluation which can affect brain health. We develop an approach to address each abnormal lab value.
• Genetic testing
• We also offer coaching in holistic practices including:

  – Exercise
  – Eating healthy
  – Improving sleep
  -Meditation/ breathing exercises
  – Healthy relationships

Our providers are experienced and passionate about helping patients with treatment resistant depression. We can provide a well-rounded approach to help you finally get the relief you need.

Is Your Depression Treatment Working?

If psychotherapy and traditional antidepressant medications aren’t enough, we help you get your life back. Our specialty depression clinic will go beyond standard approaches to help you feel your best.

At Advanced Brain + Body Clinic, we understand the importance of finding a treatment plan that suits your individual needs. That’s why our dedicated team will work closely with you to create a personalized plan that takes into account your preferences and insurance coverage. We are committed to helping even the most severe cases of depression find relief.

Lets Get Started!

If you’re ready to take the first step towards a brighter future, we invite you to join our clinic as a new patient. Scheduling your first appointment is quick and easy – simply give us a call or send us a message using the form below. We understand the urgency of your situation, which is why we offer appointments within just two weeks.

At Advanced Brain + Body Clinic Ketamine TMS, we are dedicated to helping you find the relief you deserve. Don’t wait any longer – let’s get started on your journey towards a happier, healthier life.