Major depressive disorder can be an intimidating name for a common mental health condition that most people refer to simply as “depression.” The clinical term major depressive disorder (MDD) refers to a mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness. People who struggle with MDD might find it hard to engage in daily activities, experience changes in appetite or sleep patterns, and have difficulty concentrating. It can impact every facet of your life, from relationships to work.

Treatment can make a difference in the lives of those with MDD. Therapy and medication are the most common approaches to MDD treatment, but not everyone responds to the same methods. Northeast Health Services provides transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy, as well as the Spravato® treatment program for people with MDD who are resistant to other treatments. These treatment options have proven to be effective in reducing or relieving depression symptoms.

Call 508.794.8711 today to get started.

The Top Signs of Major Depressive Disorder

While feeling sad or hopeless occasionally is a normal part of life, experiencing prolonged periods of these feelings is not. If you or a loved one is struggling with MDD, here are some common signs and symptoms to look for:

• Persistent sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness – Do you feel down most of the time, even without a specific reason?
• Loss of interest in activities – Do things that used to bring you joy no longer hold the same appeal?
• Changes in appetite or weight – Have you noticed an increase or decrease in your appetite and weight?
• Difficulty sleeping or excessive sleeping – Are you having trouble falling or staying asleep? Or do you find yourself sleeping much more than usual?
• Fatigue or energy loss – Do you constantly feel tired or lack the energy to complete daily tasks?
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt – Do you have persistent negative thoughts about yourself and your abilities?
• Difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or remembering things – Are you having trouble focusing on tasks or recalling recent events?
• Suicidal thoughts or behaviors – Do you have thoughts of death or suicide, or have you engaged in self-harming behaviors?

If you are experiencing several of these symptoms for at least two weeks, it may be a sign that you are struggling with MDD. Working with a mental health professional for a diagnosis and treatment plan is the first step in finding relief.

TMS Therapy for Major Depressive Disorder

Transcranial magnetic stimulation is a non-invasive treatment option for MDD that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. It is effective in reducing symptoms of depression when other treatments have failed. TMS therapy is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and involves daily sessions over several weeks, each lasting about 20 minutes. Many patients find TMS therapy a comfortable and effective option for treating MDD.

Spravato® for Major Depressive Disorder

Spravato® is a medication that the FDA recently approved for the treatment of MDD in adults who have not responded well to other medications. It is a nasal spray containing esketamine, a derivative of ketamine. It works by resetting neural pathways in the brain and upping norepinephrine and serotonin levels. This helps improve mood and reduce depressive symptoms.

Spravato® treatment is administered in a clinical setting under the supervision of a healthcare provider. In contrast to traditional antidepressants, which can take weeks or even months to have an effect, many people have reported feeling relief from their depression symptoms after just one Spravato® treatment session.

Reach Out to Northeast Health Services for Depression Treatment Today

If you or a loved one is struggling with MDD and traditional treatments have been unsuccessful, TMS therapy or Spravato® treatment at Northeast Health Services may be the solution for you. We offer assessments, comprehensive treatment planning, and evidence-based therapies to help you find relief from your symptoms and improve your overall quality of life.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your mental health journey, click here to reach out to our team of empathetic mental health care experts. For existing clients, please click here and find your office location to contact your office directly.