Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

Do you think you might be depressed? Please take it seriously; as persistent and unmanageable depression can lead to severe consequences. Here’s the help you need to get rid of the debilitating effects of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) on your mood, body, behavior, and mind.

About Major Depressive Disorder (MDD):

Often referred to as clinical depression, MDD is a mood disorder characterized by persistent and intense feelings of sadness for extended periods of time. This significant medical condition affects the individual’s mood and behavior, interferes with their ability to function day-to-day, and makes it challenging for them to fulfill their family, social and professional responsibilities. MDD can occur for a number of reasons, and vary in its intensity from mild to debilitating. If ignored or left untreated, continuous depression leads to debilitating consequences, such as physical harm, suicide, mental instability, social isolation, and other health conditions.

While situations involving emotional highs and lows can’t be avoided, there are effective treatments available that can help manage depression and prevent developing further complications. At American Hospital Dubai’s Psychiatry and Behavioral department, our approach to treating depression, anxiety, bipolar disorders, and related conditions is based on ‘creating a hope” for individuals suffering from these illnesses. After all, MDD is treatable and all it requires is a bit of courage to seek help from a skilled clinician.

Causes of Major Depressive Disorder:

The exact cause of MDD might not be known, but continuous research has identified several factors that trigger this condition. Some of them are:

• Abusive childhood
• Excessive consumption of alcohol or drugs
• Certain medical conditions, such as cancer or hypothyroidism, post-traumatic stress disorder, OCD, brain injuries, bipolar disorder, and certain neurological conditions
• Also certain medicines, such as steroids

Symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD):

Here are some of the signs of depression to look for – if they last for more than two weeks, seek immediate help:

• Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and restlessness
• Irritated
• Loss of appetite
• Sudden change in weight (loss or gain)
• Self-loathing
• Suicidal or self-harming thoughts
• Inability to concentrate
• Indecisiveness
• Little or no interest in activities that were enjoyable earlier
• Over-thinking and zoning out
• Lack of energy to perform even small tasks
• Change in sleeping patterns (trouble falling asleep or oversleeping)
• Unexplained aches and pains (headaches, stomach pain, etc.)

If you, or a person close to you, have at least 5 of the above-listed symptoms for over two weeks, it is important to evaluate yourself for MDD by an experienced medical or mental health professional.

Finding Help for Depressive Disorders:

The first step is to decide on seeking medical help to get out of your depressive state.
Schedule a consultation with a Psychotherapist or a mental health professional
Get your symptoms evaluated, for a proper diagnosis of your mental condition
Based on the evaluation of symptoms or diagnosis, your doctor will devise a treatment plan, which may include therapy, medication, lifestyle adjustments, or in a combination of two or more treatments

If you’re interested in addressing depression effectively, we invite you to book a consultation with our Psychiatry and Behavioral Health Experts at American Hospital Dubai.
Role of Psychiatrist in the Management of Depression:
You may need to see a Psychiatrist if you’re struggling with depression. A Psychiatrist is a medical doctor with expertise in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions, such as depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, and substance abuse. Here’s what a Psychiatrist can do for you:

• Assess all of your mental and physical health symptoms
• Make a diagnosis, and work out a way to manage depression
• Provide psychological treatments and prescribe medications
• Educate people around you on the management of your condition
• Keep track of the effectiveness of a treatment plan and the progress of your health
• Refer you to other mental health professionals, including psychologists

Our Approach to Major Depressive Disorders (MDD):

At American Hospital Dubai, we offer personalized assessment and treatment of depression and other mood disorders. Our clinicians boast a wealth of experience treating complex patients often regarded as “treatment-resistant”. We also have specialized expertise in the management of co-occurring conditions, including anxiety disorders, trauma, and substance abuse. The primary goal of our mental health services is to relieve symptoms and enable the patient to break free from depression with confidence and optimism so they can live a more comfortable life.
Our MDD treatment includes medications, psychotherapies, and often the combination of both, depending upon symptoms and severity of a condition. The anti-depression medication works by balancing chemicals in the brain that help:

• Uplift mood and emotions
• Improve sleep
• Increase appetite
• Enhance focus and concentration

Our Psychiatry and Behavioral Health teams include licensed clinical psychologists, board-certified psychiatrists, psychiatry nurses, physicians, therapists, and counselors with expertise in the care of people with depression.

Schedule an Appointment:

For more information on the major depressive disorder treatment options or our psychiatry and behavioral health services, we invite you to schedule a consultation with our mental care specialists by filling out our secure online form.