Depression

Approximately 17.3 American adults are living with depression. If you’re experiencing feelings of hopelessness and struggling to find joy in your life, you’re not alone. David Kalkstien, MD, PhD, and the expert providers at David Kalkstein & Associates provide compassionate depression treatment at locations in Rehoboth Beach and Wilmington, Delaware, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Whether you’re interested in medication, therapy, or innovative brain stimulation treatments, call the friendly staff today or use the convenient online booking tool.

What is depression?

Depression, or major depressive disorder, is a chronic mental health condition that can last several weeks to many years. The disorder leaves you sad, empty, and unmotivated making it difficult to find happiness.

If these feelings of sadness are uncontrollable and last longer than two weeks, you may be living with depression. 

A traumatic life event can spark your depression and cause it to spiral into more severe symptoms. 

Depression can begin at any age and often operates in cycles during your lifetime — improving but then returning. Some women experience depression during their pregnancy or after giving birth.

What are the symptoms of depression? 

Mental and physical signs of depression include: 

• Persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness 
• Anxiety  
• Loss of interest or motivation in work, relationships, or hobbies
• Feeling worthless or guilty 
• Lack of sex drive 
• Sleep loss or oversleeping 
• Changes in appetite
• Trouble concentrating 
• Muscle aches and pains 

It’s vital to dial 911 if you or a family member has thoughts of self-harm or suicide.

What are my depression treatment options? 

Although there is no cure for depression, 80%-90% of people eventually respond successfully to treatment.  

Your David Kalkstein & Associates provider may run blood tests to identify any underlying health conditions like bipolar or eating disorders, cancer, stroke, or HIV.

Medications 

Antidepressants like  Zoloft®, Lexapro®, Desyrel®, and Oleptro™ work by altering how your brain uses or produces the chemicals that affect your mood and stress levels. For more severe or treatment-resistant depression, you may be prescribed Spravato®, an effective nasal spray, in conjunction with your antidepressant. 

You can try multiple medications before deciding which works for you. Antidepressants can take 4-6 weeks to work, so it’s vital to stay in communication with your provider before stopping or changing your medication. 

Psychotherapy 

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT) help equip you with daily meditative techniques, new patterns of behavior, and tools to handle your symptoms.  

Brain stimulation 

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a neuromodulation technique that delivers magnetic pulses into your brain that alter nerve cell activity in areas that regulate mood. 

Effective electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) uses quick, controlled electrical pulses to cause a seizure in your brain that lasts for one minute. You’re under anesthesia during the procedure. 

Your provider explains the benefits and risks of these therapies before moving forward with treatment.

For depression care, call David Kalkstein & Associates to book a consultation today or use the online scheduling tool.