Chronic Depression Treatment NYC, NJ, FL | Dysthymia Therapy

Chronic depression is not a character flaw, but a recognized illness that responds well to treatment with medication and the appropriate talk therapy. If you’re unable or unwilling to attend in-person visits, take advantage of the latest technology, telepsychiatry, where an expert medical doctor can treat you remotely in the comfort of your own home. Online Psychiatrists serves New York, New Jersey and Florida adults between the ages of 19 and 65 with the most up-to-date therapies to treat chronic depression and other forms of mental illness. Don’t suffer in silence when a compassionate, skilled therapist is ready to help. Call today for treatment that will help.

What is a Chronic Depression?

Chronic depression, or dysthymia, represents a type of depressive condition marked by extended periods of persistent low mood lasting over two years. This enduring form of depression can severely affect an individual's daily life, hindering their ability to engage in work, pursue education, foster relationships, and manage daily responsibilities Moreover, it heightens their susceptibility to various other health issues, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity.

How Do I Know If I Have Chronic Depression?

You may have chronic depression if you’ve felt depressed on most days for more than two years. If you suffer from chronic depression, you’ve probably felt sad or hopeless for a long time — and these feelings hardly ever go away. While everyone feels blue from time to time, chronic depression goes beyond that. It’s a serious medical condition that requires expert mental health treatment.

Chronic depression adversely affects how you think and behave. And since the negative feelings last for years, the impact can shatter your life. Fortunately, experienced medical doctors are more than capable of treating this condition. If you live in New York, New Jersey or Florida, consult Online Psychiatrists for the latest therapies for chronic depression.

As your chronic depression evolves, your symptoms may temporarily subside, but they’re never far away. And they can return when you’re least prepared. If the symptoms of persistent depression are mild, it’s known as dysthymia. When dysthymia is followed by an episode of major depression, it’s known as double depression.

What Are the Risk Factors and Complications of Chronic Depression?

The risk of developing a persistent depressive disorder increases if one of your close relatives has had major depression or similar disorder. Experiencing major stress — such as from a job loss or death of a loved one — can lead to ongoing, persistent and chronic depression. While grief isn’t the same as depression, it can be a triggering factor in some. Environmental factors such as continual exposure to poverty, abuse or violence are also risk factors.

Other traumatic events that can lead to a spiral of chronic depression include:

• Postpartum depression
• Male postpartum depression
• Depression after a miscarriage
• Seasonal depression

Additionally, other psychological problems may accompany chronic depression. Mental health disorders — such as personality disorders, panic attacks or ADHD — are examples of co-occurring conditions. Left untreated, long-term depression can lead to substance abuse, Alcohol Addiction Treatment or anxiety disorders. Physical aches and pains or chronic fatigue may also trigger or accompany chronic depression.

How Is Chronic Depression Diagnosed?

A diagnosis of chronic depression requires a thorough evaluation by a medical doctor or psychiatrist, such as Dr. Zlatin Ivanov of Online Psychiatrists. Lab tests, questionnaires and a physical examination rule out possible physical causes of your symptoms.

Dr. Ivanov may look for other biological causes of your chronic depression, such as:

• Misfiring neurotransmitters in your brain
• Altered brain chemistry
• Reaction to medication
• Low serotonin levels
• High blood pressure due to restricted blood flow
• High cortisol levels

Before a final diagnosis can be reached, your psychiatrist needs to rule out related conditions such as manic depression and other mood disorders as the cause of your symptoms. Following the evaluation and assessment of your symptoms, your psychiatrist determines a diagnosis based on your symptoms’ intensity and duration.

What Kinds of Chronic Depression Treatment Work?

Untreated depression adversely affects your quality of life. It makes simple tasks extraordinarily difficult. The sooner you can get an accurate diagnosis, the quicker your treatment for chronic fatigue and depression can begin. Then you can start feeling better.

Treatment usually involves a combination of:

• Psychotherapy, commonly referred to as talk therapy
• Medication management

Talk therapy may take the form of individual therapy, group therapy or family therapy. Medication management describes how your doctor ensures you have the right type of medicine at the right dosage. Such drugs may include antidepressants and mood stabilizers. Additionally, your doctor can supply both your medication and talk therapy remotely through their new telepsychiatry service.

Find a full spectrum of diagnostic and treatment services for chronic depression in NYC, NJ or FL and other mental health conditions at Online Psychiatrists. Contact Dr. Ivanov today to start feeling better soon.