Depression Treatment Specialist in Los Angeles, Burbank, and Las Vegas

Depression, a prevalent and serious mood disorder, also referred to as major depressive disorder or clinical depression, can manifest with significant symptoms that disrupt your emotions, thoughts, and everyday activities, such as sleep, eating, and work.

If you are living with depression and seeking assistance from a mental health expert, please reach out to us at Psychiatric Unplugged in Los Angeles, CA. Our compassionate and dedicated professional, Dr. Soroya Bacchus, MD, is here to provide treatment for symptoms such as sadness, anxiety, feelings of guilt, or loss of interest.

Our accessible locations serve patients from throughout California and Nevada including Los Angeles, Burbank, Glendale, Torrance, South Bay, San Diego, Las Vegas, Reno, Laughlin, and North Las Vegas. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact us via phone or book online.

Understanding Depression: Mental health holds immense significance because it underpins our ability to appreciate physical well-being and all aspects of life, including our social relationships. Regrettably, many individuals erroneously perceive their mental health symptoms as normal, leading to a significant number of untreated and undiagnosed conditions.

Any mental health symptoms should be approached with care and vigilance. If they persist for an extended period, causing disruptions in daily life, it is essential to seek assistance from a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist.

Defining Depression

Depression, also known as depressive disorder or major depressive disorder (MDD), is a severe condition that alters an individual’s emotions, behavior, and thought patterns. It is characterized by:

• Persistent feelings of sadness throughout most days.
• Loss of interest or pleasure in previously enjoyable activities.
• Observable changes in behavior.
• Fatigue and lethargy.
• In children and adolescents, symptoms may include irritability, anger, and alterations in sleep patterns. Alongside these manifestations, individuals with major depressive disorder may experience changes in appetite, weight, and sleep habits, such as oversleeping, insomnia, overeating, or loss of appetite. Depression can manifest with a broad spectrum of symptoms, ranging from mild to severe, and can affect individuals of any age, in any location, at any time.

Prevalence of Depression

Depression is an incredibly widespread condition, impacting millions of people worldwide. Research indicates that adolescents and young adults are the age group most prone to experiencing major depressive episodes, with nearly 75 percent of them experiencing symptoms severe enough to hinder their daily activities.

Within this demographic, specific groups, such as girls and young women, Native American or Native Alaskan individuals, multiracial individuals, gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender individuals, are more susceptible to depression and depressive disorders.

The Seriousness of Depression

Indeed, depression is a grave condition. Left untreated, it can deteriorate, eventually leading to suicidal thoughts or suicide attempts. Thoughts of self-harm should be treated with utmost seriousness and approached with sensitivity, as suicide ranks as the second leading cause of death among adolescents and young adults.

When to Seek Professional Help for Depression

Consulting a healthcare provider for depression is essential when symptoms disrupt daily functioning, involve self-harming thoughts, or include self-harm attempts. These symptoms are highly serious and require a delicate and empathetic approach.

Treatment Approaches for Depression

Several treatment options for depression exist, as it affects individuals differently. These treatment options encompass:

• Medication: Antidepressants are commonly employed in depression treatment, although some individuals may experience adverse side effects affecting their efficacy. Other treatments that address the condition itself, rather than masking symptoms, are also used.
• Psychotherapy: Also known as talk therapy, psychotherapy approaches depression from a psychological perspective, often proving highly effective for mild to severe depression, especially when combined with ketamine therapy.
• Ketamine: With a history of use in veterinary medicine, ketamine has shown positive effects in depression treatment. Administered under the close supervision of a mental health professional, ketamine has demonstrated remarkable effectiveness in addressing depression.