Depression

Nearly 10% of Americans will experience depression symptoms today, but traditional treatments aren’t effective for many. At Rise TMS in Westlake Village, California, esteemed board-certified psychiatrist Priya Parmar, MD, and her team provide innovative alternative mental health treatments, including transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and ketamine. These approaches help people struggling with depression move forward and enjoy their lives. Call Rise TMS today or book your appointment using online scheduling.

What is depression?

Major depressive disorder (MDD), or depression, is a mood disorder that causes deep feelings of sadness and hopelessness. Depression can interfere with your work, relationships, and ability to function day to day.

What are the symptoms of depression?

Depression symptoms frequently include:

• Fatigue
• Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
• Sleeping too much or too little
• Appetite changes
• Difficulty making decisions
• Poor focus and concentration
• Losing or gaining a lot of weight in a short time
• Frequent thoughts of death
• Thoughts of ending your life (suicidal ideation)

Depression differs for each person, so you might also have other disruptive symptoms. Most people experience several of these symptoms, although the intensity can vary.

What causes depression?

Depression is a complex disorder with many contributing factors. Environment, genetics, physical health, and other things come into play.

With many mental and behavioral disorders, including depression, the salience network (a group of regions in the brain that manages mood) often plays a significant role. Disconnected neural pathways in the salience network can cause negative changes in thought, mood, and behavior.

How is depression treated?

Antidepressants are the standard depression treatment, but almost one-third of people with depression don’t respond to them. About 40% of people taking antidepressants experience disruptive side effects like weight gain, insomnia, and sexual dysfunction.

Rise TMS uses innovative approaches in a therapeutic environment, including:

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)

TMS is an FDA-approved treatment for depression. In this treatment, a state-of-the-art Apollo TMS Therapy System™ delivers painless magnetic pulses to the salience network.

TMS strengthens the salience network, helping rebuild brain connections and, ultimately, relieving depression symptoms. The therapy is delivered in a comfortable ergonomic chair, creating a relaxing treatment environment.

Ketamine

Ketamine is a fast-acting treatment available in low-dose infusions and FDA-approved nasal spray (Spravato®). Similar to TMS, ketamine works by rewiring your brain for lasting change and healing.

Ketamine takes effect far faster than antidepressants, often in minutes instead of weeks or months. It can be highly effective for even severe treatment-resistant depression and suicidal ideation.

The Rise TMS team recommends psychotherapy to help you maintain the positive changes you’ll experience with TMS or ketamine therapy.

If your depression isn’t improving with antidepressants or your side effects are intolerable, Rise TMS can help you explore effective alternative treatments. Call the office today or click the online scheduler to learn more.

*Spravato users must take an antidepressant during their treatment.

*Infusion ketamine is an off-label treatment that’s not yet FDA-approved. Results may vary.