Depression

Depressive disorders are very common mental health conditions. It is estimated that 15% of people would experience depression or what psychiatrists call Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) during their lifetime. Depression is one of the big health contributors to disability and premature death worldwide.

We all feel low at different times of our life but depression is different. Besides feeling low people who are depressed have other symptoms such as inability to enjoy activities, loss of interest in life, sleeping problems, hopelessness, helplessness, guilt feeling, feeling of worthlessness, change in appetite, weight loss, poor concentration, feeling tired easily and loss of sexual drive. Some depressed people have thoughts of ending their lives. People need to be aware that depression can present in the form of physical problems, such as headache, and this can be the main presenting complaint.  It is not uncommon for people who have depression to have other mental health problems, such as anxiety, sleep problems, alcohol problems or drug problems.

We know that this can sound quite scary but the good news is that there are many treatment modalities available for people who suffer with depression and these treatments are usually effective. It crucial for people who suffer with depression to be assessed and treated with clinicians who are experienced in managing depression. This is because of the complexity of the disorder, the different ways in which it can present, the importance of choosing the right treatment option, tailoring treatment to each individual and because almost one third of people who are depressed will show resistance to the first couple of treatments they will be given and more specialized treatment will be needed to get them out of their depression.

The main three evidence-based treatment modalities used in the treatment of depression are:

• Psychopharmacological treatment, such as antidepressants.
• Psychological therapies, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Neuromodulation, such as TMS

 At London TMS Centre we are proud to have a group of expert psychiatrists in the treatment of depression and other mood disorders. This ensures that when we recommend TMS for one of our patients this is done as a part of a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses different aspects of the patient’s difficulties. Our founder and medical Director, Dr Mohamed Abdelghani, led the foundation of the first TMS clinical service in the NHS in London in 2016.

He continues to lead this service in his NHS Trust until the present time besides being a Consultant Psychiatrists at CDAT (Complex Depression, Anxiety and Trauma) Service. Our consultant psychiatrists have extensive experience in diagnosing and treating different mood and depressive disorders. This includes using different treatment modalities and working with colleagues from other disciplines, such as psychologists, to deliver a comprehensive and holistic management plan to their patients.