Depression Treatment
Depression Treatment in Los Angeles
For those living with depression, everyday tasks can feel draining. To make matters worse, many people are unable to get symptom relief from traditional modes of treatment such as antidepressants and talk therapy. With the growing popularity of TMS therapy and ketamine therapy, various forms of depression treatment in Los Angeles are available and convenient. In fact, Neuro Wellness Spa is one of the leading providers of TMS therapy in California. Our Medical Director and Founder, Dr. Martha Koo, M.D., is a pioneer in the development and application of TMS therapy. With over 20 years of experience working in private practice psychiatry, she is dedicated to helping her patients with depression.
What Is Depression?
Depression is an extremely common mental illness. In fact, studies have shown that 1 in 6 people will be diagnosed with depression in their lifetime. Depression is most common among women; 1 in 3 women will have a major depression episode at least once in their lifetime. However, many men suffer from this illness as well. Irrespective of gender, depression most often appears in young adulthood, specifically in the late teens and early ’20s. Depression can co-occur with other mental disorders and has various underlying factors. These include:
- Genetics. Depression, like many other mental health disorders, runs in families. People with blood relatives that have had depression are more likely to have it themselves.
- Biochemistry. Chemical imbalances in the brain have long been thought to contribute to depression and are the target of many medication treatment options.
- Environment. Exposure to hormones triggered by very stressful situations like violence, abuse, neglect, and poverty is thought to contribute to depression.
Signs and Symptoms of Depression
Depression manifests itself in a variety of different ways. Symptoms and intensity levels vary from person to person. Some people experience many symptoms while others only experience a few. The most common symptoms include:
- Severe sadness
- Loss of interest
- Persistent tiredness
- Inconsistent sleep patterns
- Changes in appetite
- Slowed speech and movements
- Very low self-esteem
- Feelings of constant guilt
- Difficulty thinking or concentrating
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
Though some individuals exhibit signs of depression, this is not always the case. In fact, those struggling with depression can become very good at hiding it; making it hard for their loved ones to know they need help.
How Do I Know if I Have Depression
If you are experiencing any characteristic symptoms of depression, consult a medical provider. They will talk through how you are feeling in order to determine a proper diagnosis. If you are diagnosed with depression, they will discuss treatment options with you. These options include antidepressants and talk therapies. However, there are new and innovative treatments that you are probably less familiar with. These include TMS therapy and ketamine therapy. Both of which use cutting-edge techniques to provide unique and long-lasting benefits. Additionally, these therapies can be used in conjunction with traditional modes of treatment.
Depression in Los Angeles
People living in Los Angeles County are deeply affected by depression. From environmental influences to social factors, mental illness is very common in this area. In fact, a 2015 Los Angeles County Department of Public Health survey, reported that 9% of Los Angeles County residents have been diagnosed with some form of depression. Two years later, there were 891 suicides reported in Los Angeles county. Therefore, it is imperative that those struggling seek depression treatment in Los Angeles.
How Depression is Treated in Los Angeles
Given the depression rate and amount of suicides, there are many therapy options for depression treatment in Los Angeles. Alternative treatments such as TMS therapy and ketamine therapy are giving those with treatment-resistant depression or those looking to combine therapy types, the resources they need to manage their symptoms. Administered by medical professionals in a clean and comfortable environment, these treatments have a high success rate amongst depression patients.
What Is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Therapy?
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a safe and effective type of depression treatment in Los Angeles that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate different areas of the brain. TMS is non-invasive (does not require surgery), non-systemic (does not affect the entire body), and well-tolerated. TMS therapy can be used alone or in conjunction with other treatment modalities including behavioral therapies and medication. During a TMS therapy session, a TMS device is placed over a patient’s head. This device stimulates parts of the brain that are typically underactive in those with depression or other mental health disorders. The session is painless, medication-free, and completely outpatient. People are cleared to resume their daily routine immediately after treatment. Common mental health disorders that TMS therapy treats include:
- Various forms of depression
- OCD
- Anxiety
- PTSD
How Is Depression Treated with TMS?
For those struggling with depression, the inability to find relief—even after trying conventional treatment methods—can be discouraging. Thankfully, alternative treatment options are making it possible to address treatment-resistant depression. TMS therapy is indicated and FDA-cleared for the treatment of depression. In sessions, TMS pulses are directed towards the specific areas of the brain that are associated with depressive symptoms. In patients with depression, the prefrontal cortex—which is responsible for mood regulation— is commonly dormant. However, TMS has been shown to change the neuron activity in the prefrontal cortex in order to improve symptoms.
During TMS treatment, patients are kept comfortable while remaining awake and alert. Once they are reclined in a treatment chair, a TMS magnet is positioned over the patient’s head. Patients report that the pulses generated by the device feel like taps on the scalp. These sessions last about 30 minutes and continue for up to 8 weeks with patients experiencing a positive response after 2 weeks of treatment.
What Is Ketamine Therapy?
Ketamine therapy is a quick and effective way to treat depression amongst other mental health disorders. IV ketamine is administered through intravenous blood transfusions. The dose of IV ketamine depends on the patient’s body weight and is administered at a slow and controlled pace. Feelings of dissociation may occur during treatment. However, many patients report this allows them to step back from their negative emotions and view their experiences from a clear perspective. Although some people may experience sensitivity to light and/or sound and disorientation, these feelings subside quickly when the treatment is finished. In addition, “S-ketamine” or Spravato is another form of ketamine therapy and is administered in the form of a nasal spray.
How Is Depression Treated With Ketamine Therapy?
Studies have shown that ketamine stimulates brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and the growth of neurons in the brain. Researchers have observed increased synaptic connections in patients treated with IV ketamine therapy. Ketamine also improves neural activation or communication between brain cells. This in turn helps improve mood and thought patterns. This neuronal growth and increased neuronal interconnectivity relieve symptoms of depression. Additionally, this type of depression treatment in Los Angeles has proven to effectively treat many other mental health disorders as well as depression. These include:
- PTSD
- Anxiety
- Bipolar disorder
- Chronic pain conditions
- Acute suicidality
- OCD
Most patients feel relief from their symptoms during their first IV ketamine treatment. This improvement wanes over the subsequent 24-48 hours, but as the IV ketamine protocol continues, the symptom relief becomes increasingly sustained.
For more information about the services we offer, contact us today.
What Our Patients Are Saying
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Wish I Had Been Aware of This Years Ago
It’s been over 3 months since my treatments ended and the symptoms have not returned.
M.W. -
I Feel Like I Have Come Alive Again
TMS allowed me to get over the initial hump to make the life changes necessary to live with and manage my depression.
A.B. -
TMS Helped My Depression
After about ten treatments, people started asking me what changed and why I seemed so much happier.
C.B.
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