Depressive Disorder

Depression, also known as major depressive disorder, is a prevalent mood disorder that can significantly disrupt your cognitive processes, emotions, and daily routines. It can manifest through a variety of challenging symptoms, such as:

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o  Physical and mental fatigue

o  Changes in sleep patterns and appetite

o  Feelings of guilt, shame, or hopelessness

o  Self-deprecation or a sense of worthlessness

o  Loss of interest or enjoyment in previously pleasurable activities

o  Suicidal thoughts or self-harm tendencies

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Additionally, you might experience irritability, unexplained bouts of crying, or a sense of detachment from life's experiences.

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If you are struggling with depression, remember that you are not alone. Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders in the United States and is highly treatable. At Collaborative Care Psychiatry, we offer individualized and empathetic care for individuals dealing with depression.

If you are contemplating suicide or self-harm, please call 911 or visit your local emergency center immediately. Access to a list of both emergency and non-emergency resources is also available to provide immediate support and intervention.

At Collaborative Care Psychiatry, our dedicated providers specialize in addressing a wide range of depressive disorders and related conditions, which can manifest in various forms. Our comprehensive approach includes treating:

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o  Major depressive disorder

o  Persistent depressive disorder, lasting for a minimum of two years

o  Postpartum depression, commonly occurring in women following childbirth

o  Bipolar disorders, distinct conditions that may encompass depressive episodes

o  Adjustment disorders, leading to emotional or behavioral responses to life changes or stressful situations

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Furthermore, individuals with depression may also contend with concurrent mental health issues like anxiety. Additionally, some individuals may grapple with Treatment Resistant Depression, a form of depression that does not adequately respond to traditional oral antidepressant treatments alone.

While depression and grief share many similar feelings, it's common for individuals going through a loss to equate their experience with depression. However, it's important to note that grieving and depression are distinct processes.

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Grief is a natural and individualized journey characterized by waves of painful emotions intertwined with positive memories. Conversely, depression typically involves a persistent low mood throughout most of the day, lasting for a minimum of two weeks.

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Although grief and depression differ, they can exist simultaneously. Events like the loss of a loved one, job loss, a significant catastrophe, or trauma can trigger depression. At Collaborative Care Psychiatry, we are dedicated to helping you discover the happiness and peace you deserve, regardless of your particular circumstances.

Collaborative Care Psychiatry takes the time to understand you as a whole person and collaborates with you as a partner in your mental health journey. Our comprehensive approach begins with a thorough psychiatric evaluation, potentially including cognitive assessments to identify specific areas of concern. From there, we develop a personalized treatment plan that may incorporate medication management, psychotherapy, bibliotherapy, and lifestyle adjustments such as nutrition, vitamin supplementation, exercise, yoga, and sleep routines. Additionally, we utilize in-office Genomind® pharmacogenetic testing to guide medication selection when appropriate. For individuals with treatment-resistant depression, we provide Spravato treatments in-office.

If you are struggling with depression, don't hesitate to reach out for support. Contact Collaborative Care Psychiatry today or schedule an appointment online.

Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD) represents a severe type of depression that affects around one-third of individuals diagnosed with major depressive disorder. These individuals fail to show improvement with standard antidepressant medications or therapy, resulting in persistent symptoms that can severely impact their quality of life. The exact causes of TRD remain unclear, although genetic predisposition, chronic stress, and other medical conditions are believed to play a role in its onset.

Diagnosing TRD involves mental health professionals assessing various criteria to determine if a patient's depression meets the criteria for treatment resistance. Typically, TRD is diagnosed in patients who have not benefited from at least two different courses of antidepressant medication, each prescribed at a sufficient dosage for an appropriate duration.

​Spravato, a recently approved medication for Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD), has demonstrated substantial promise in clinical trials. It is administered as a nasal spray and contains esketamine, a compound that specifically targets the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor in the brain. This receptor is pivotal in mood and emotion regulation, and Spravato's mode of action aims to rebalance neurotransmitters that are disturbed in TRD.

At Collaborative Care Psychiatry, we incorporate Spravato into a holistic treatment regimen, complemented by therapy and supplementary medications as required. Our experienced clinicians closely oversee each patient's reaction to the medication, tailoring dosages to meet their unique requirements. Administered exclusively in a clinical environment, Spravato is provided in a fully equipped office ensuring safe and comfortable delivery.

One of the limited clinics in Portland, OR area offering Spravato treatments, we take pride in providing this advanced therapy for Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD). If TRD is impacting you, we welcome you to book an appointment with us today to discover how we can support your well-being. Inquire about Spravato during your upcoming visit.