Depression
Depression, is a medical condition that causes extreme feelings of sadness and emptiness. People who suffer from depression may lose interest in activities they once enjoyed and experience a constant feeling of hopelessness on a daily basis. Depression, also known as clinical or major depression, may be triggered by certain events or occur along with other illnesses. Severe depression can interfere with a person’s ability to work, sleep, eat, interact with others or enjoy life. With treatment, however, depression can become a manageable condition.
Causes of Depression
The exact cause of depression is unknown. Depression can sometimes be triggered by a traumatic event such as the death of a loved one, divorce, emotional or financial stress, or childhood trauma. Other factors that may contribute to depression include:
- Hormonal changes
- Heredity
- Chemical imbalances or changes within the brain
The use of certain medications such as steroids, or alcohol or drug abuse may contribute to the onset of depression. Patients suffering from serious illnesses such as cancer or other long-term conditions may also develop depression.
Symptoms of Depression
While most people may feels sad or blue every once in a while, clinical depression affects the lives of those afflicted on a daily basis. Symptoms of major depression include:
- Feeling sad or hopeless
- Loss of interest in normal activities
- Crying spells
- Trouble sleeping
- Trouble concentrating
- Irritability
- Change in appetite
- Fatigue
- Unexplained aches and pains
- Suicidal thoughts
Depression is a serious condition that can severely affect individuals and their families. Left untreated, depression may lead to anxiety, isolation, difficulties at work or school, alcohol or substance abuse, and in extreme cases, suicide.
Diagnosing Depression
To diagnose depression, the doctor will conduct a full physical examination and a review of all symptoms. Blood and urine tests may also be performed to rule out any underlying medical conditions that may contribute to the depression. A full psychological evaluation is also performed to make a proper diagnosis and create a treatment plan.
Treatment of Depression
Depression is typically treated with a combination of psychotherapy and antidepressant medication. Antidepressants help to alter the brain chemistry to improve mood. Psychotherapy, in the form of therapy or counseling, aims to treat depression by by teaching the individual new ways of thinking and behaving, and changing habits that may be contributing to the depression.
Individuals with severe depression that does not respond to medication or therapy, may benefit from electroconvulsive therapy, or ECT. With this therapy, electrical currents are passed through the brain, affecting the levels of neurotransmitters, which often results in immediate relief of severe depression.
In extreme cases, hospitalization may be temporarily necessary if the patient cannot properly care for themselves or if they are in danger of harming themselves or others.
Additional Resources
Featured Services
Medication
Management
Psychiatric medications are invaluable in achieving recovery from mental illness and safe treatment of symptoms. Our practice offers comprehensive medication management delivered by board certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners. Our clinicians utilize a holistic approach that incorporates in depth knowledge of how pre-existing medical conditions can influence and trigger psychiatric symptoms. The decision to begin medication management is a combined effort between the Provider and the individual patient.
Therapist
Referrals
Our board certified Nurse Practitioners work with a select group of well experienced Licensed Therapists in the Las Vegas area. Depending on the patient’s symptoms and goals, the patient and the Provider will determine if therapy could offer solutions to the current situation. Therapy can include individual, group or family for adults and children. Finding the right Licensed Therapist for your individual needs is very important. The Therapy referrals available at Mighty Mental Health will ensure that every available tool is being utilized to help reach each patient’s goal.
ADHD Testing and
Treatment
Our office offers both in office and online ADHD Testing for both children and adults. Our board certified Nurse Practitioners are trained to administer the tests and discuss the results with the patients and family. Testing is a great tool for Providers to use to help determine the best treatment plan for all patients. Our office uses the state of the art software created by QbCheck to help diagnose and track our ADHD patients.
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2685 South Rainbow Blvd
Suite 206
Las Vegas, NV 89146
- 702-479-1600
- Fax 702-479-1993
- OFFICE HOURS
- By Appointment Only
- Mon: 8:30am - 6:00pm
- Tues: 8:30am - 6:00pm
- Wed: 8:30am - 6:00pm
- Thurs: 8:30am - 6:00pm
- Fri: 8:30am - 6:00pm
- Sat: 10:00am - 3:00pm
- Sun: Closed