Depression Treatment in Chicagoland
Depression is a mental health condition characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest or pleasure in activities. It can affect how you think, feel, and handle daily activities.
Signs & Symptoms of Depression
1. Emotional Symptoms:
- Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood
- Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
- Irritability
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
2. Physical Symptoms:
- Decreased energy or fatigue
- Moving or talking more slowly
- Feeling restless or having trouble sitting still
- Changes in appetite and weight (weight loss or gain)
- Difficulty sleeping, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
- Aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems without a clear physical cause
3. Cognitive Symptoms:
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
- Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts
Treatment Options
Medications:
- Antidepressants (e.g., SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs, tricyclic antidepressants)
- Mood stabilizers
- Antipsychotics (often used in conjunction with other medications)
- SPRAVATO®
Psychotherapy:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Interpersonal therapy (IPT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Psychodynamic therapy
- Group therapy
- Family therapy
Diagnosis
Depression is diagnosed through a comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare professional, involving a clinical interview to assess symptoms, medical and psychosocial history, and a physical examination to rule out other conditions. Diagnostic criteria from the DSM-5 are used, requiring at least five specific symptoms over a two-week period, including depressed mood or loss of interest. Standardized questionnaires like the PHQ-9 may be used to assess severity. Neuropsychological testing provides the most in-depth diagnosis methods, allowing patients to gain a better understanding of their mental health status.
Help Manage Your Depression
With support from our expert providers you can go…
1. From overwhelming sadness to a sense of inner peace:
With therapy and possibly medication, an individual can transition from feeling overwhelmed by persistent sadness and hopelessness to experiencing a greater sense of inner peace and emotional stability.
2. From social isolation to reconnecting with others:
Through therapy and social support, someone can move from isolating themselves from friends and family due to depression to reconnecting with loved ones, building meaningful relationships, and enjoying social activities.
3. From lack of motivation to pursuing personal goals:
With the help of therapy and goal-setting techniques, a person can go from struggling with a lack of motivation and interest in activities to setting and achieving personal goals, whether they are related to work, hobbies, or self-improvement.
4. From disrupted sleep to restful nights:
By incorporating techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) and establishing healthy sleep habits, an individual can transition from experiencing disrupted sleep patterns due to depression to enjoying more restful and rejuvenating nights of sleep.
5. From negative self-talk to self-compassion:
Through cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness practices, someone can move from engaging in negative self-talk and self-criticism to cultivating self-compassion, self-acceptance, and a more positive outlook on themselves and their lives.
How To Get Started
1. Fill in the new patient form
2. Receive your personalized evaluation & treatment plan
3. Experience mental wellness