Depression

Up to 21 million Americans suffer from major depression, a condition that saps their energy and causes them to lose interest in activities they once loved. At Holistic Behavioral & TMS Therapy in Aurora, Illinois, board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner Lawrence Abah, MS, MSN, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC, FPA, specializes in diagnosing and treating depression with cutting-edge transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Call Holistic Behavioral and TMS Therapy to schedule treatment for depression, or book your appointment online today.

Could I have depression if I regularly feel sad and unmotivated?

This is a common question, and the likely answer is yes. Depression is a complex condition that affects everyone differently. Even so, it’s characterized by long-term feelings of sadness or disinterest that affect your mood, outlook, and relationships. 

If you often feel sad and can’t seem to snap out of it, seeking treatment is essential. The Holistic Behavioral and TMS Therapy team can order a series of tests to determine the severity of the condition and make treatment recommendations. 

What are the symptoms of depression?

Depression symptoms include the following:

• Difficulty concentrating
• Low energy or fatigue
• Feeling sad, hopeless, or worried
• Losing interest in hobbies or activities that once brought you joy
• Having thoughts of self-harm or suicide

As the condition worsens, you might also experience physical symptoms, such as headaches, back pain, or gastrointestinal problems.

Is it true that depression is caused by brain chemistry?

Depression is a complex condition, and researchers aren’t entirely sure why some people get it, and others don’t. However, several factors are thought to play a role, including brain chemistry, genetics, and chronic medical conditions. 

Your life experiences might also contribute. For example, you’re more likely to have depression if you’ve gone through a life-changing event, like a divorce or the death of a family member.

How is depression diagnosed?

To diagnose depression, the Holistic Behavioral and TMS Therapy team reviews your medical records, asks about your symptoms, and completes a physical and neurological exam. They also have you fill out a questionnaire and compare your responses to the criteria for depression in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). 

If you have at least five of those symptoms every day for at least two weeks, you have depression. 

How is depression treated?

At Holistic Behavioral and TMS Therapy, the team treats depression with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). This noninvasive procedure uses short magnetic pulses to stimulate brain activity. It’s FDA-approved, presents few side effects, and offers promising results. 

During treatment, you sit under a TMS device. The device emits bursts of magnetic energy, activating specific areas of your brain that control mood. A series of in-office treatments stimulate the nerve cells in these areas, reducing feelings of sadness while lifting your mood. 

Call Holistic Behavioral and TMS Therapy today to receive treatment for depression, or book your appointment online.