Our therapists provide depression counseling in Conroe, TX

What Are the Types of Depression?

Depression comes in a few different forms, and depending on what type a person is diagnosed with, treatments can vary. For example: 

• Bipolar affective disorder or manic depression, which is often treated by a psychiatric NP with medication 
• Major (clinical), moderate, and mild depression, which is treated with medication and/or psychotherapy
• Persistent depressive disorder (PDD) or dysthymia (depression that lasts longer than two years), which is treated with medication and/or psychotherapy
• Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which occurs during the months with shorter daylight hours and can be treated with light therapy
• Postpartum depression, which can be treated with psychotherapy and medication like hormonal treatments

A depression counselor or a psychiatric NP at Thriveworks in Conroe, TX will perform a full evaluation to diagnose a client and determine what kind of treatment will be most effective. But treatments can always be modified depending on client feedback and results. For example, if a Thriveworks psychiatric NP prescribes an antidepressant or another medication to a depressed client, that doctor will want to follow up frequently, at least at first, to manage the medication’s dose and make sure there are no adverse side effects. 

When Should I Seek Professional Help for Depression?

Though there are different varieties of depression, they share certain symptoms in common. A person with depression may experience any of the following:

• A depressed mood (feeling sad and/or negative) that endures longer than two weeks
• Anhedonia (loss of interest or pleasure in activities you used to enjoy)
• Overwhelming feelings of worthlessness or guilt
• Physical and/or mental fatigue and exhaustion
• Slowed-down thoughts and actions (psychomotor retardation)
• Sped-up thoughts and actions (psychomotor agitation)
• Sleep changes like insomnia or sleeping too much
• Changes in sex drive (libido)
• Irritability (usually a symptom in men more than women)
• Changes in appetite, which can lead to unintentional weight loss or gain
• Self-isolation

It’s always best to intervene early, at the first signs of depression, to get the most effective treatment and prevent further depression symptoms.

What Medications Are Prescribed for Depression?

Licensed psychiatric NPs at Thriveworks in Conroe, TX may consider any of the following pharmaceutical treatments for depression:

• Serotonin selective reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
• Selective serotonin & norepinephrine inhibitors (SNRIs)
• Tetracyclic antidepressants
• Serotonergic antidepressants
• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
• N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) Receptor Antagonists
• Bupropion

Not everyone who suffers from depression will require a long-term prescription for a psychotropic drug. Other therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and even mindfulness therapy have been shown to help with depression symptoms. 

Get Help from a Depression Counselor at Thriveworks in Conroe, TX

No one deserves to suffer from enduring feelings of depression—especially when expert, affordable help exists near them. Let us help you feel better. Schedule with a top-rated Thriveworks depression counselor today by giving us a call or booking online to get started.