Depression Disorders
At Milton Recovery Centers, we understand that depression is more than just sadness—it’s a weight that can make even the simplest moments feel impossible. But you are not alone.
What are Depression Disorders?
Depressive disorders are a category of mood disorders characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest or pleasure in daily activities. These disorders, which include major depressive disorder (MDD), persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia), and treatment-resistant depression are linked to neurobiological, genetic, environmental, and psychological factors.
Research found that imbalances in neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine play a crucial role in depression. This is because they affect mood regulation and cognitive function. Symptoms can range from fatigue, changes in appetite and sleep patterns, and difficulty concentrating to suicidal ideation in severe cases.
Diagnosis is based on clinical evaluation using standardized criteria like the DSM-5. Treatment options may include psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy (such as SSRIs and SNRIs), lifestyle interventions. In some cases, neuromodulation therapies like transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) or electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for resistant cases.
Types of Depressive Disorders Treated
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) – Characterized by persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, and physical and cognitive impairments lasting at least two weeks.
Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia) – A chronic form of depression lasting for at least two years, with milder but long-term symptoms of low mood and energy.
Bipolar Disorder (Depressive Episodes) – Although primarily classified as a mood disorder, bipolar disorder includes periods of major depression alternating with episodes of mania or hypomania.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) – A form of depression that occurs seasonally, usually in fall and winter, due to changes in sunlight exposure.
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) – A severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) with intense mood disturbances, including depression, irritability, and anxiety, occurring in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle.
Postpartum Depression (PPD) – A severe depressive episode occurring after childbirth, marked by extreme sadness, anxiety, and exhaustion that interferes with daily functioning.
Situational Depression (Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood) – A short-term depressive reaction triggered by a stressful life event, such as loss, trauma, or major life changes.
Atypical Depression – A subtype of major depression where individuals experience mood reactivity (temporary mood improvement in response to positive events) along with increased appetite, sleep disturbances, and a heavy feeling in the limbs.
Psychotic Depression (Major Depressive Disorder with Psychotic Features) – A severe form of MDD that includes hallucinations, delusions, or paranoia alongside depressive symptoms.
Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD) – A form of depression that does not respond to standard treatments like antidepressants or psychotherapy, often requiring advanced therapies such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) or electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).
Treatment for Depressive Disorders
A Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) for depressive disorders provides an intensive, structured treatment environment while allowing patients to return home in the evenings. PHPs serve as a step between inpatient hospitalization and traditional outpatient care, offering a multidisciplinary approach that includes evidence-based psychotherapies, medication management, and holistic interventions.
Patients attend the program five to seven days a week for several hours per day, receiving individual therapy (such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or Dialectical Behavior Therapy), group therapy, and psychoeducation to develop coping skills. Psychiatrists and medical professionals closely monitor medication efficacy, making adjustments as needed to optimize symptom relief.
Additionally, PHPs often incorporate holistic and experiential therapies, such as mindfulness, art therapy, or movement-based therapies, to promote emotional regulation and overall well-being. The goal of a PHP is to stabilize mood, enhance coping strategies, and facilitate a gradual transition to a lower level of care, such as intensive outpatient treatment or standard outpatient therapy, ensuring long-term recovery and relapse prevention.
Following completion of a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), many individuals transition to the Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) as the next level of care. An IOP provides structured, high-level support while allowing for increased flexibility to reintegrate into daily life, such as work, school, or family responsibilities. Patients typically attend therapy sessions three to five days per week for a few hours per day, engaging in individual therapy, group therapy, and medication management as needed.
Treatment in an IOP continues to focus on developing coping strategies, emotional regulation skills, and relapse prevention techniques, reinforcing progress made in PHP. IOPs often emphasize building independence and long-term wellness, helping individuals practice the skills learned in therapy in real-world settings while maintaining regular clinical support. This step-down approach ensures a smooth transition to traditional outpatient therapy, promoting sustained recovery and long-term mental health stability.
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