Depression

An estimated 21 million Americans struggle under the weight of depression and have trouble navigating their daily responsibilities. At the office of Melissa Quinn, MD, comprehensive depression screenings are available to confirm your diagnosis, so you can get the help you deserve. Dr. Quinn tailors a treatment plan using cognitive behavioral therapy, medications, and holistic strategies to help you find long-lasting relief for your depression symptoms. Call the office in the Westwood neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, today or book a depression evaluation online.

What is depression?

Depression is a serious mood disorder that causes persistent feelings of sadness, worthlessness, and guilt for two weeks or longer.

These symptoms affect how you think, feel, and act. If left untreated, depression can also increase your risk for thoughts or actions of self-harm and suicide.

While the root cause of depression isn’t well understood, your genetic history, overall health, and environment can play a role. Common risk factors for depression can include:

• Aging
• Trauma
• Persistent stress
• Chronic health issues
• Relationship conflicts
• Family history of depression

If you have anxiety or other mental health conditions, you may be at increased risk for developing depression. Women may also experience postpartum depression after childbirth.

When should I seek medical help for depression?

If you’re depressed and actively thinking about suicide, it’s vital that you seek immediate medical attention by calling 911 or visiting the nearest emergency room.

You should schedule a depression screening at the office of Melissa Quinn, MD if you have persistent symptoms of depression that interfere with your daily life. In addition to persistent sadness, worthlessness, and guilt, depression can cause:

• Irritability
• Hopelessness
• Persistent fatigue
• Sleeping too much
• Difficulties concentrating

Dr. Quinn offers comprehensive depression screenings to better understand your needs. She reviews your situation to determine which treatment strategies will work well for you.

How is depression treated?

Your treatment plan for depression may start with lifestyle and diet changes to improve your overall health and restore your energy levels. Dr. Quinn may also recommend nutraceuticals that contain essential nutrients your body needs to function properly.

Other available depression treatments include:

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

To help you recognize negative thoughts and behaviors, Dr. Quinn offers cognitive behavioral therapy. This treatment also gives you the tools you need to improve your focus and ease persistent feelings of hopelessness and sadness.

Medications

If your depression symptoms persist even with therapy, Dr. Quinn can prescribe medications. Several medications are available that change the chemicals in your brain to improve your mood and enhance your quality of life.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)

TMS is a noninvasive treatment that uses currents of electricity to stimulate areas of your brain that control mood to relieve persistent depression symptoms. 

Ketamine therapy

Ketamine is a surgical anesthesia. In low doses, the medication creates new neural pathways in your brain to quickly relieve symptoms of depression. You may benefit from ketamine infusions if you have severe or treatment-resistant depression.

Don’t ignore symptoms of depression. To schedule a depression screening, call the office of Melissa Quinn, MD, today or book an appointment online.