Delray Beach, FL Depression Treatment Center

Depression is a potentially severe mental health disorder that comes in several different forms and manifests in various ways. Symptoms range from mild to severe, and typically include a consistently low mood and feelings of hopelessness. Persistent depression can significantly affect a person’s relationships, work, activities, and overall daily functioning. If you are experiencing symptoms of depression, it’s important to seek the help of a behavioral health professional who can provide you with a diagnosis and begin treating your condition.

At Bishop Health, we employ an experienced team of behavioral health specialists who understand the unique needs of individuals experiencing depression and work to ensure they are provided with the care and support they need to begin the healing process.

Common Causes of Depression

Depression is a common mental health condition believed to be triggered by a complex interplay of causes, including psychological, biological, and environmental factors. While it’s not usually possible to identify every single cause, a holistic approach to healing using various therapies can be effective at helping individuals manage symptoms long-term.

Causes of Depression May Include:

Psychological factors, including individual personality traits, negative thought patterns, and exposure to stressful life events.
Biological factors, which include variances in genetics, imbalances in brain chemistry, and hormonal changes.
Environmental factors, such as tendencies toward social isolation, high levels of daily stress, and dysfunctional family dynamics.
Substance use, which can worsen or even cause depression in some cases.

Types of Depression & Symptoms

Depression can manifest in different forms, which include distinct characteristics, symptoms, and duration and severity of effects. Some of the most common depression-related conditions include major depressive disorder, persistent depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and seasonal affective disorder. (1)

Depression-Related Conditions Include:

Major depressive disorder
Persistent depressive disorder
Bipolar disorders
Seasonal affective disorders
Psychotic depression
Postpartum depression
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder

How Depression Works in the Brain

There are three specific neurotransmitters in the brain implicated in depression that are responsible for feelings of pleasure and reward, among other functions. (2) These are known as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that send and receive electrical signals between nerve cells throughout the body’s central nervous system.

Dopamine produces positive feelings associated with reward or reinforcement that motivate us to continue engaging in an activity. Serotonin, or the “feel good” chemical, plays a significant role in mood regulation, and low levels have been associated with adverse feelings and depression.

Norepinephrine is both a neurotransmitter and a hormone and is responsible for the body’s “fight or flight response,” along with epinephrine, more commonly known as adrenaline. Low levels of one or both of these have been associated with physical and mental symptoms, such as depression and anxiety.

Depression Disorders We Treat at Our Delray Beach, FL Mental Health Clinic

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

Major depressive disorder (MDD), also known as clinical depression, is a serious mental health disorder marked by perpetual feelings of sadness, despair, loss of energy, and a lack of interest in formerly enjoyed activities. It is a common condition that adversely affects a person’s daily functioning, relationships, and overall well-being. Treatment for MDD typically includes a combination of behavioral therapy, medication (e.g., antidepressants), and ongoing support from behavioral health professionals.

Severe or Mild Depression

Depression is often used as an umbrella term that covers several symptoms that can vary in intensity as well as duration. As a result, its impact on daily functioning also varies, and it can do so even from day to day. It also includes many other official disorders (aside from MDD), such as persistent depressive disorder and seasonal affective disorder. Treatment includes behavioral therapy, medication, and other forms of support from behavioral health providers.

Our Evaluation & Diagnosis of Depressive Disorders

A behavioral health specialist begins their evaluation of the individual’s mental health by performing a thorough assessment, including a clinical interview, During this process, they gather information about the nature and duration of their depressive symptoms, a history of medical and psychiatric conditions or issues, any impairments in daily functioning, family history, and other pertinent details.

Next, the clinician will use standard screening tools and reference formal diagnostic criteria, typically those outlined in the Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders (DSM-5). (3) This is a clinical classification system of mental health disorders that includes a set of criteria for different depressive conditions, such as MDD. Once the clinician has gathered the necessary information, they can properly diagnose the individual’s condition.

Delray Beach, FL Intensive Outpatient Depression Treatment

Our intensive outpatient program (IOP) in Delray Beach, Florida, is a structured program consisting of psychiatric services and therapeutic care offered on an outpatient basis. IOP can be used as an alternative to a residential program or serve as a step-down level of care once inpatient treatment is completed.

IOP sessions are held during the day and do not require overnight stays, making it an ideal option for those looking for a flexible treatment schedule. IOP provides most of the benefits of inpatient treatment, including individual, family, and group therapy and medication management.

Depression Treatment Options Include:

Ketamine Treatment

Ketamine, an anesthetic, is now being used to treat individuals with treatment-resistant depression, which is believed to affect approximately 30% of those with major depression. (4) While current first-line treatments for depression can take weeks to months to yield results, ketamine treatment can produce positive effects in just a few days. We offer ketamine Spravato and infusion therapy for those suffering from depression and a wide range of other mood disorders.

Therapy & Counseling

Individual therapy is considered an invaluable component of mental health recovery. In individual therapy sessions, individuals work one-on-one with a licensed therapeutic professional, discussing a range of topics. These span from their personal history of mental health symptoms to the development and maintenance of healthy coping mechanisms. As they progress in their recovery, their therapist will help them navigate any challenges they face and help them stay accountable and on the path to healing.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is an innovative technique used to address depression and other mood disorders. TMS has been proven to be safe and effective long-term. The technique works by using a targeted magnetic field to stimulate areas of the brain that regulate mood, which are believed to be underactive in those suffering from depression or anxiety. The magnetic pulses are administered rapidly, producing long-lasting changes in brain activity.

Contact Us for Delray Beach Depression Treatment

At our Delray Beach location, we provide intensive treatment for various forms of depression, other mood disorders, and mental health conditions. We offer comprehensive programs designed to address each person’s unique needs, preferences, and goals, which include a variety of evidence-based therapies and services.