|
|
Dr. Ulla Kristiina Laakso, Psychiatrist, Psychopharmacologist |
Depression Treatment in New York City
Depression is a mental illness that affects the interconnected health of mind and body, encompassing thoughts and mood, as well as eating and sleeping habits. Depression is a disorder that often needs to be treated medically, with treatment often taking months or years. Dr. Laakso has years of experience treating patients for depression, and understands the unique nature of every case.
Please review the information on this page regarding depression for a better understanding of the medical condition. For information about scheduling an appointment for a consultation, please call Dr. Laakso’s NYC office, conveniently located on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. Symptoms of DepressionDepression symptoms vary from patient to patient; and depending on the unique case of the disorder and level of severity, certain symptoms may or may not be present. Depression causes changes in feelings, thinking, behavior, and physical wellbeing, lasting for weeks, months, or years.Common indicators of depression include recurring feelings of sadness, loss of interest in things that where previously pleasurable, decreased energy, and erratic appetite. Depression affects a patient’s home, social, and work relationships. Additional symptoms of depression include:
Understanding the Causes of DepressionOver the centuries, the understanding of depression’s causes has evolved, as more is learned about both the condition and human cognition. Proposed risk factors, including hereditary, evolutionary, biological, and psychological factors, can all individually or in combination cause depression.Most biological theories focus on the monoamine chemicals in the brain: serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine, as well as many other neurotransmitters. These are all naturally present in the brain and assist in communication between nerve cells. Psychological research into the causes of depression focuses on theories regarding personality, interpersonal communication, and learning habits. Many depression treatments are based on these factors. Major Depressive DisorderMajor Depressive Disorder (MDD) is also more commonly known as clinical depression, major depression, unipolar depression, or recurrent depressive disorder. MDD is characterized by low self-esteem, loss of interest in normally enjoyable activities, and an ever-present saddened mood. Utilizing the knowledge of a patient’s self-reported feelings and behaviors, MDD is diagnosed through psychotherapy, counseling, and a psychiatrist-executed mental status evaluation. According to the DSM, diagnosis requires a patient experience applicable symptoms for at least two weeks prior to diagnosis.Depression TreatmentIn the majority of cases, depression is a treatable illness. Upward of 90% of depressed patients respond positively to treatment methods, including psychotherapy or counseling. A wide array of medications exist that have proven to be effective for treating depression, as well. For many patients, the initial depression treatment will work well enough to effectively correct the chemical imbalance. For some others, a second or even a third treatment trial is required to find the most effective depression treatment for the individual patient. Typically, patients are treated with a regimen involving both antidepressant medications, as well as psychotherapy or counseling.Effective Depression Treatment in New York CityOver her career as a psychiatrist and psychopharmacologist, Dr. Ulla Kristiina Laakso has effectively treated countless patients for major depressive disorder, becoming one of the best known psychiatrists in New York City. Dr. Laakso is an internationally recognized speaker, lecturing at scientific meetings and symposia, and is considered a thought leader regarding current trends in psychopharmacology. For a consultation, please schedule an appointment at Dr. Laakso’s New York City office. |
