Private Depression Treatment at Home

Types of Depression

The most common form of depression is Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). It can cause significant distress, making it difficult for people to form relationships, enjoy social activities, and productively function at work.

MDD is diagnosed when five or more symptoms occur within a two-week period. At least one symptom must be a loss of interest or a depressed mood.

Other types of depression include:

Atypical Depression

Have you ever felt stuck in a deep hole, and everything around you is bleak and joyless?

That’s how individuals experiencing atypical depression may feel.

However, atypical depression is a unique form of depression where positive life events may briefly improve your mood.

Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD)

Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD), otherwise known as dysthymia, is a more chronic, form of depression, ranging from mild, moderate, to severe.

To be diagnosed with PDD, symptoms must be present for over 2 years.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Seasonal Affective Disorder, commonly known as SAD is a form of depression that occurs at a specific time of the year, typically during winter. It then disappears at other times of the year, usually during the summer months.

The main signs of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) include depressed mood, low energy levels, changes in appetite, sleep disturbances, and social withdrawal, amongst others.

According to previous estimates, it is believed that around 3% to 8% of people in the UK experience Seasonal Affective Disorder to some degree. The condition is more common in countries that experience longer winters and colder, darker weather conditions, including the United Kingdom, with many requiring home depression treatment to improve their mental wellbeing.

Postpartum Depression

Some women tend to develop depression after giving birth (postpartum). These physical and hormonal changes can lead to what is known as postpartum depression, or more commonly known as the ‘baby blues.’ It generally lasts around two weeks, but if it continues for longer. It can also develop during pregnancy; this is known as Peripartum Onset Depression.

According to a research undertaken by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in the United Kingdom, postpartum depression affects 10% to 15% of new mums. This figure indicates a considerable number of women, emphasising the significance of discussing, supporting, and treating this illness.

Psychotic Depression

Psychotic depression is a condition that can have extreme consequences on daily life, causing individuals to experience a deep sense of detachment from reality.

Unlike common forms of depression, this condition is characterised by delusions, hallucinations, and other psychotic symptoms that can be incredibly distressing for the individuals affected.

Short Duration Depressive Episode

This typically lasts for less than two weeks and are often related to specific triggers or stressors, such as the loss of a loved one, relationship problems, or significant life events. While these episodes are shorter in duration compared to major depressive episodes, they can still cause distress and impairment in functioning. It is important to note that if the symptoms persist beyond the short duration period, a diagnosis of major depressive disorder may be more appropriate.

Recurrent Brief Episode

This form of depression involves frequent, short-lasting, severe depressive episodes. Duration is usually no more than a few days.

Depressive Episode with Insufficient Symptoms

This form of does not meet the specific criteria for any of the above disorders.

Causes of Depression

Although there is no clear reason why someone may develop depression, professionals believe it is due to a chemical imbalance in the brain. However, various factors can contribute to an individual developing depression, such as physical, environmental, and genetic factors.

Women are twice as likely to develop depression; this is thought to be due to hormonal changes in the body. This can include premenstrual syndrome (PMS), changes in the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, miscarriage, perimenopause, and menopause. Other stressors can include single parenthood, ageing parents, and juggling both work and home life.

Genetic Causes of Depression

People can inherit a combination of genes from their parents, and certain combinations can heighten their risk of developing a mental health disorder, such as depression. If there is a history of depression in the family, particularly with immediate family members such as parents or grandparents, the risk of developing the condition will be three times more likely.

Biological Causes of Depression

These can include:

• Low levels dopamine
• Serotonin deficiency
• Low levels of nor-epinephrine
• Tryptophan deficiency (used to produce serotonin)

Environmental Causes of Depression

These can include:

• Financial difficulty
• Ending a relationship
• Losing a job
• Sexual, physical, or psychological abuse
• Traumatic childhood experience
• A poor lifestyle

Symptoms of Depression

Major depression, or Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is diagnosed when five or more of the below symptoms occur within a two-week period. At least one symptom must be a loss of interest or a depressed mood.

• A loss of interest in day-to-day activities
• A depressed and empty mood, i.e., feeling sad or anxious
• Changes in appetite or weight due to eating too much or too little
• A lack of energy and feelings of lethargy
• Feelings of self-worth
• Disturbed sleep patterns, including insomnia, fitful sleep, early waking, and sleeping too much
• Moving more slowly or making meaningless movements due to anxiety
• A lack of concentration or trouble making decisions
• Suicidal ideation

Other common symptoms include:

• Increased restlessness and irritability
• Feelings of inappropriate guilt or shame
• Lasting feelings of hopelessness
• Chronic pain that doesn’t improve with treatment
• Digestive problems
• Recurring headaches

You should seek immediate help if:

• You are engaging in self-harming behaviours
• You are thinking about suicide and have plans to take your own life
• You are unable to care for yourself
• Your symptoms or behaviour is putting others at risk

Receive Private Depression Treatment

If you or a loved one are being held back by depression, Orchestrate Health’s team are here to help.  

We deliver rapid assessments carried out at home by one of our psychiatric professionals, followed by a uniquely tailored care plan that best suits your needs.

Contact us today for a free depression assessment and start living the first days of your new life. 

Orchestrate Health is a private pay service and works outside of the NHS. We are committed to ensuring patients receive the highest standards of care available.

To get in touch about our private depression treatment at home, please call us on 0800 193 3277 or email us here.