Major depression is a mood disorder that causes long-lasting symptoms that may get in the way of work, school, or social activities. While there is no known cause, it’s thought to involve brain biology, brain chemistry, hormones, and/or inherited traits.

To diagnose depression, an individual must exhibit five or more of the following symptoms during a two-week period:

• Changes in weight or eating habits
• Fatigue or loss of energy
• Feeling guilty or worthless
• Feeling hopeless or helpless
• Indecisiveness or difficulty concentrating
• Insomnia (difficulty sleeping), or sleeping too much
• Loss of interest in doing things you used to enjoy
• Restlessness
• Thoughts of suicide or death
• Unexplained pain

There are different forms of depression, such as bipolar disorder, post-partum depression (after pregnancy), and adjustment disorder (related to loss or life changes).

It’s normal to feel sad at times, but when sadness affects your relationships and the way you live, it’s time to get help. Call the University of Miami Health System and schedule an appointment with one of our acclaimed psychiatrists at 305-243-0214.

Treatments

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)
ECT uses a small amount of electric current that is believed to reverse symptoms of mental disorders. The current, delivered through sensors (electrodes) on the scalp, causes brief, controlled seizures that change brain chemistry. ECT requires six to 12 treatments, performed in an outpatient setting under general anesthesia.

Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, explores how a health condition affects your thoughts, emotions, behavior, and mood, and how to cope. There are many forms of psychotherapy, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to change your thinking or behavior, and interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) to improve your relationships. Psychotherapy is offered in groups or individually.

Psychopharmacology
Psychopharmacology is the study of the use of medications in treating mental health disorders. Psychiatrists prescribe medications to improve symptoms of mental health disorders. Common medications include one, or a combination of, antidepressants, mood stabilizers, anti-psychotic drugs, anti-anxiety medicines, and stimulants. Our psychiatrists study these medicines to understand how they work and affect the body, and use this knowledge in their daily practice.

Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS)
This non-invasive form of brain stimulation treats depression and anxiety that does not respond well to medicines or psychotherapy (talk therapy). It involves a head coil that delivers magnetic pulses to brain cells. These pulses change specific areas in the brain responsible for mood, memory, addiction, and more. rTMS is performed without anesthesia, in daily outpatient sessions for four to six weeks.

Why Choose UHealth?

Comprehensive care for depression and other mood disorders. We offer comprehensive care for mood disorders, including inpatient (hospital stay) and outpatient (clinic) treatments. You get personal time and space for relaxation, reflection, and recovery.

Advanced therapies for depression. You will receive state-of-the-art treatments all in one place. You have access to the latest brain stimulation therapies for depression, such as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS).

Specialized care for women, children, older adults, and patients with medical illness. We offer special psychiatry services related to women’s reproductive health, children and adolescents, older adults, and patients with co-existing medical conditions, such as HIV/AIDS and cancer. You get expert care from specially trained providers who understand all aspects of your condition.

Researching treatments for patients with memory disorders. As part of the Center on Aging, our psychiatrists are actively researching new and better ways to treat depression in patients with Alzheimer’s and other memory disorders. This means you have access to latest evidence-based treatments for depression.