Mental health problems are often challenging to diagnose. Depression is a very common mental illness that can be related to many brain disorders. Treatment for depression depends on the root cause of the patient’s diagnoses and calls for a thorough examination.
At Amen Clinics, we strive to identify the root cause of depression. Treatment for depression begins with a four-pronged method designed to give you the best possible individualized care. We are unique in using brain SPECT imaging to diagnose all types of depression.
Diagnosis & Treatment for Depression: Find the Root Cause
Most psychiatrists do not look at the organ they treat. This is why Amen Clinics has developed a system of looking at all aspects of a patient’s mental health, revealing many specific brain health problems. Brain SPECT imaging allows health experts to see where abnormalities are occurring in the brain.
Our clinic’s approach includes an advanced four-step assessment:
• We will begin by taking the time to explore your specific biological, psychological, social and spiritual influences.
• Next, we will perform neuropsychological tests to measure various aspects of your brain function.
• Then, we will perform two brain SPECT scans: one at rest and one during concentration.
• Finally, we will order lab tests to rule out nutritional deficiencies, hormone imbalances, toxicity, etc.— if deemed necessary.
Not only does SPECT help identify proper treatment for depression with imaging, it also allows patients to overcome the emotional burden of seeking help for a problem they may not believe is physical.
Natural Treatments for Depression vs Antidepressants
It is our goal to focus on natural treatments for depression. In some cases, antidepressants might be prescribed, but only when deemed necessary. Many people suffering from depression do not find SSRIs to be effective, and Amen Clinics is committed to finding treatments that work for you.
Many of our recommendations include healthy changes to diet, exercise, supplementation, and positive strategies for coping with stress. Treatment options will depend on your unique assessment and include the following options:
• Coaching
• Hormone Replacement Therapy
• Talk Therapy / Psychotherapy
• Neurofeedback
• IV Nutrient Therapy
• Hypnotherapy
• Nutrition Counseling
• Supplements and Medication
Brain reserve is a concept we often talk about when a person has run out of the capacity to cope with stress. When lifestyle changes are not enough, we do not stop to help patients on their path to become better and have many treatment options available.
Depression Symptoms & Causes
Depression is not the same as situational sadness, however, grief can send a person into a deep depression as well. Losing a loved one, suffering a chronic illness, enduring a sudden injury, and taking on immense emotional burdens all cause stress to the body and can cause depression. Treatment for depression depends on the cause.
Anxiety and depression are closely related. Amen Clinics often views these two mental health issues as two sides to the same problem, categorizing them together into 7 types. These are some of the most common symptoms:
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness, hopelessness or pessimism
• Decreased appetite and/or weight loss or overeating and weight gain
• Decreased energy, fatigue or feeling “slowed down”
• Disruption in sleep patterns
• Persistent sad or negative mood
• Loss of interest in usually pleasurable activities
• Restlessness, irritability or excessive crying
• Frequent feelings of nervousness or anxiety
• Excessive fear of being judged or scrutinized by others
• Being easily startled or tendency to freeze in anxiety provoking or intense situation
• Shyness, timidity and getting easily embarrassed
• Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts
Identifying your symptoms of depression and anxiety are the start to finding the root cause. Amen clinics is experienced with a diverse range of causes to depression and prepared to meet you individual needs.
Depression Treatment with Suicidal Depression
Suicidal depression requires immediate help. If you or a loved one suffers from suicidal depression, there are steps to take today to find treatment. Learn to recognize suicidal depression and prevent a tragedy for yourself and a loved one. Some suffering from suicidal depression choose to hide their pain while others show it and must be taken seriously.
The most important aspect to overcoming suicidal depression is to offer help or seek help. Talking about depression is the first step to finding treatment for depression.
Depression Treatment with Mood Disorders
Bipolar disorder treatment is not straightforward. Around 4% of Americans suffer from bipolar disorder, but at Amen Clinics we often find patients have been underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed. Many bipolar disorder patients suffer from ADD/ADHD, brain injury, or other problems which mimic and exacerbate the symptoms of bipolar disorder.
Depression is very common with mood disorders as people experience manic and depressive states. These are serious brain disorders which must be properly diagnosed in order to identify treatment for the root cause of their depression. Following through on treatment for depression in mood disorders is challenging as patients often feel they are cured or never needed treatment once the treatment is effective. Finding professional help and a support network to aid with following through is essential.
Depression Treatment with Brain Injury
One common symptom of a brain injury is depression.
When we are young, we sometimes take a tumble during an important phase of development. When we grow older, we partake in activities such as football and driving, which can lead to a head injury. You might have memories of a head injury prior to a dramatic shift in your personality. Symptoms might be accompanied by:
• Confusion
• Difficulty with concentrating
• Memory problems
• Difficulty with word choice
• Mental or physical fatigue
• Sleep problems
• Moodiness
• Anger outbursts
• Anxiety
• Vision problems
• Balance problems
Depression Treatment with Postpartum Depression
During pregnancy and after childbirth, women are at serious risk of developing postpartum depression. It’s important to view depression as an illness and not as a lack of will to be a good mother. Symptoms include:
• Sadness or hopelessness
• Sudden anger or rage
• Anxiety or difficulty with decision-making
• Feelings of failing to adopt “motherly instincts”
• Self-isolation from friends and family
• Sleeping too little or too much, and out of sync with the baby
• Eating too little or too much
• Difficulty forming an attachment to the baby
• Thoughts of self-harm or harming the baby
Fluctuations in hormones, major life changes, and biological triggers all come into play when diagnosing depression for mothers. Postpartum depression treatment is offered by Amen Clinics to help mothers feel pride in their lives again.
Find Treatment for Your Depression
Those with depression experience similar symptoms to each other, but depression has many root causes. To find the right treatment for depression, it is essential to diagnose the problem. Amen Clinics is prepared to help you on your unique journey.
Make an appointment by calling 888-288-9834 today or scheduling online, and review our locations to find the nearest clinic to your home.
I was diagnosed with Parkinsons in December 2009!
The disease has progressed and is extremely frustrating!
What is your cost to help me ?
Thank you!
Comment by Teresa — January 23, 2019 @ 3:16 AM
Concerned for my daughter
Comment by Mardy — January 23, 2019 @ 4:16 AM
Runs in family and I suffer panic attacks at times driving. I’m 74. But mine horrible accidents but I keep up on mental. Bipolar in family. Cousins. Thankyu.
Comment by Patricia marn — January 23, 2019 @ 4:19 AM
How do I help someone that has gone off there meds. And not thinking clearly and won’t let me help them..She has depression has bipolar.She hears people talking to her..Not able to get her to a doctor.
Comment by Katherine Thompson — January 23, 2019 @ 6:35 AM
Where are you located? And do you except Medicaid
Comment by Toni M Cortese — January 23, 2019 @ 9:43 AM
I’ve suffered from depression for 30 years or so. Both my parents were alcoholics, and my father was abuse both physically and emotionally. I’m a recovering alcoholic now with 37 years of sobriety but still suffer greatly from depression. I have been on just about every type of anti-depressant for depression, but my depression still persists.
I would love to seek treatment at your clinic, but feel frustrated that the cost for treatment is so expensive that it seems mainly people of wealth can afford it. I’m a senior citizen and work part-time as a nanny, which I love doing. However, while I’m grateful for what I have, I live only on my social security and my part-time work.
Feel disappointed that unless you have lots of money, chances of treatment are close to none.
Comment by Linda — January 23, 2019 @ 9:58 AM
I am reaching out for my daughter and son in law. Both have been diagnosed as alcoholics. Both have been through multiple trips of 30 day rehab. It only works for a very short time after the 30 days are over. When they get out they do the AA meetings for awhile and have a sponsor but it all falls apart after 30 days or so after they get out. I know that my daughter though an alcoholic has symptoms of bi polar and or schizophrenia. A part of her says it is ok to purchase and drink alcohol. My son in law has been diagnosed with anxiety and depression but has yet to determine a correct course of action. Can you help or not?
Comment by Spike OKeeffe — January 23, 2019 @ 11:53 AM
I lost my daughter four yrs ago.I was sad at first cried a lot but I got through it.But now I have gotten worse the things I used to do don’t interest me .I don’t clean house. I stay in my night close all day I don’t get dressed.I don’t go out unless I have to. I’m just not myself an I don’t sleep much.an all i think about is dying I’m 71 an I tell myself what’s the use it’s like my life is over.I just wait to die.My husband told my Doctor about how I’ve been.He gave me pills for Depression Liapro I take 5 mgs. It seems to help a little I sleep a little more.An some times I get Dressed.But I still don’t want to go out much.Im still not myself I used to be do full of life.I tell myself maybe it’s my age.But I never thought I would get like this.
Comment by Yvette hall — February 13, 2019 @ 4:12 AM
ABOUT what does it cost for a diagnosis and treatment plan from the Amen Clinic? What are the steps for securing an appointment? Do you accept any insurance plans?
Thank you!
Comment by Kathryn K Dodrill — March 11, 2019 @ 3:26 AM
Hello Toni, we have 8 locations across the U.S.: https://amenclinics.com/locations/. We are a fee for service clinic and do not accept Medicaid. For more information on insurance, treatment options and financing options please call us at 888-288-9834 or fill out this form on our website: https://amenclinics.com/schedule-visit/.
Comment by Amen Clinics — March 20, 2019 @ 7:27 AM
I am diagnosed with Parkinson and the only thing bothers me is my fatigue and getting too slow, is there anyway you can help me overcome my all time tiredness?
Comment by Fali — May 13, 2019 @ 10:13 AM
Nice words
Thanks for sharing
Comment by 1health1book — January 25, 2022 @ 2:44 AM
For people who live outside of the USA Do you have a way to evaluate a case via zoom to decide if that person needs to travel to see you for a complete evaluation ?
Comment by Richard Z — October 23, 2023 @ 7:22 AM
I suffered from Major Depressive Disorder most of my life, perhaps from teens on. I am now 78 yo and am in complete remission. What do I attribute this to? I had a loving childhood with no abuse or addictions in the family. When I discovered The Bredesen Protocol at 74, I worked with a functional medicine doctor to rid my body of mold and mycotoxins. I also re-started bio identical hormone replacement therapy. It all worked! I noticed my sleep improved at first, and that was always the worst thing. My life was difficult job-wise due to the depressions, but in the end I am happy that it turned out to be a physical problem. Wish the science of detox had come in earlier in my life.
Comment by Lois Dorn — October 23, 2023 @ 7:31 AM
One natural treatment for depression that many people around the world are following is cold water swimming. In just 3 minutes you can feel the positive effect. See the Thermalist Journal for studies into this. You must go swimming with someone as hypothermia is never far away and have a good exit plan. Ideally, it helps if you swim in the summer and continue as the water gets colder. Check with a doctor. This is not for people with arythmia.
Comment by Eleanor Nesling — October 23, 2023 @ 9:03 AM
I have been depressed for a long time. What is the cost I don't have much money
Comment by Marsha — October 23, 2023 @ 2:17 PM