Depression Treatment Los Angeles

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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.

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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.

Different Types of Depression

Depression is not limited to one form—in fact, there are several unique types of depression. Each of these comes with its own set of challenges and hardships. For some, their depression correlates with circumstances, with others this is not the case. Types of depression include:

Depressive disorder
Psychotic depression
Clinical depression
Chronic depression
Situational depression
Major depression
Persistent depressive disorder
Postpartum depression
Teen depression
Childhood depression

Depression vs. Sadness

Every person will experience feelings and even times of sorrow throughout their lives. It is how persistent, severe, and difficult to overcome these feelings are that determine the difference between sadness and depression. Depression is an often chronic and debilitating condition in which melancholic feelings affect most aspects of a person’s life. Though depression can be situational, it can often be traced back to genetic and biological influences. Sadness, on the other hand, is often fleeting. People without depression are typically more resilient to feelings of sadness, coping with them in a way that does not drastically alter their lifestyle.

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 Statistics 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.

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How Is Depression Treated with 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. 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.

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.

Start Treatment for Depression in Los Angeles Today

All over Los Angeles County, residents are battling depression. The beautiful beach towns in Southern California provide an oasis for those seeking depression treatment in Los Angeles County. With multiple therapies offered—including TMS therapy and ketamine therapy—Neuro Wellness Spa promotes healing in a serene environment. Conveniently located for those in neighboring areas such as Venice, Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades, Culver City, and Malibu, our qualified professionals are ready to offer exceptional treatment.

Stop letting your depression hold you back from a long and fulfilling life. With many valuable treatment options—such as TMS therapy—Neuro Wellness Spa will help you decide on the best course of action. We understand that depression symptoms pose many challenges and are committed to getting you the relief you deserve. To learn more about the services we offer for depression treatment in Los Angeles, contact us today at 1-877-847-3984.

Why wait to get help with Depression Treatment in Los Angeles? Our professional experienced staff can give you additional information on our services, as well provide the first step to getting started with Neuro Wellness Spa..

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Depression Treatment Los Angeles

Depression Treatment in Los Angeles

What Is Depression?