If you experience persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, and other symptoms such as changes in appetite or sleep patterns for more than two weeks, you may be experiencing depression. Book a consultation with one of our mental health professionals for a proper diagnosis.

How do you get tested for bipolar depression?

Bipolar depression is diagnosed through a detailed evaluation by a mental health professional who may use assessments and mood charting to understand your symptoms and mood episodes over time. Book a consultation for more information.

What is clinical depression?

Clinical depression, also known as major depressive disorder, involves severe depressive symptoms that interfere with daily activities, including work, sleep, and social interactions.

What is major depressive disorder?

Major depressive disorder is a mental health condition characterized by persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest combined with physical symptoms like fatigue and changes in sleep. Major depressive disorder is another term for clinical depression.

Is major depressive disorder a disability?

Major depressive disorder can be considered a disability if it significantly impairs one's ability to function daily at work and other aspects of life, qualifying for protections and accommodations under disability laws.

What are symptoms of depression?

Symptoms of depression include persistent sadness, hopelessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, changes in sleep and appetite, and thoughts of death or suicide.

What are signs of depression?

Signs of depression often involve withdrawal from social activities, noticeable changes in mood, irritability, and changes in weight or appearance due to altered eating and grooming habits.

What is postpartum depression?

Postpartum depression is a type of mood disorder associated with childbirth, causing severe mood swings, exhaustion, and feelings of detachment from the baby.

How common is postpartum depression?

Postpartum depression affects approximately 1 in 7 women. While this mental illness is not normal it is common among women who just gave birth.

How common is depression?

Depression is one of the most common mental illnesses affecting millions worldwide. An estimated 8.4% of adults in the U.S. have experienced a major depression at least once.

Is clinical depression lifelong?

While clinical depression can be a chronic condition, many people experience periods of remission. With effective treatment, individuals can manage symptoms and lead fulfilling lives.

Can people with depression lead a normal life?

Yes, with appropriate treatment such as medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of both, many people with depression can lead normal, productive lives.

What are the common types of depression?

While there are many different types of depression, here are the four most common types of depression: clinical depression, persistent depressive disorder, bipolar disorder (manic depression), and postpartum depression.

Is clinical depression treatable?

Yes, clinical depression is highly treatable through various methods including psychotherapy, medications, lifestyle changes, and support, allowing individuals to improve their quality of life significantly.

Leading Clinical Depression Treatment & Diagnosis Clinic in Chicago

We understand the impact major depression disorder can have on your life, and are dedicated to providing effective treatment solutions. Our psychiatrists and therapists use a combination of advanced diagnostic tools and evidence-based therapeutic approaches to help you navigate your path to recovery. Whether you're struggling with the first signs of depression or seeking ongoing support for managing depression, we are here to offer the help and compassion you need.

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What is Depression?

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), also known as clinical depression, is a mood disorder that is characterized by persistent and intense feelings of sadness, emptiness, or a lack of interest in external stimuli (social activities, events, interactions with others). To be diagnosed with clinical depression, the symptoms must be present for at least two weeks.

Depression is a complex and multifaceted mental health condition that can profoundly affect every aspect of your life. At our mental health clinic, we recognize the deep impact clinical depression can have on your mental, emotional, and physical well-being.

Our treatment approach is grounded in empathy and compassion, providing a safe and non-judgmental environment where you can openly explore your feelings. We are dedicated to offering the most effective depression treatments, tailored to meet your individual needs.

Depression Symptoms and Signs

Here are the main symptoms and signs of depression according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), a reference manual used by health care professionals as the authoritative guide to the diagnosis of mental disorders.

Persistent Depressed Mood: Experiencing a depressed or low mood for most of the day, nearly every day, lasting at least two weeks.
Loss of Interest: Exhibiting little to no interest in all or most activities or tasks that were previously enjoyed.
Changes in Appetite and Weight: Experiencing a significant decrease in appetite and/or noticeable weight loss or gain.
Sleep Disturbances: Facing difficulties with sleeping, either struggling with insomnia or sleeping excessively.
Fatigue: Feeling a pervasive lack of energy and constant tiredness.
Feelings of Worthlessness: Suffering from intense feelings of low self-worth or undue guilt.
Lack of Concentration: Having trouble concentrating, making decisions, or remaining focused.
Suicidal Thoughts: Experiencing recurrent thoughts of death or suicide, including specific plans or previous attempts.

Depression in Children

Children and teens can also be diagnosed with major depressive disorder, often displaying many of the same symptoms as adults. However, in younger individuals, depression may manifest differently, with additional depression symptoms such as heightened anger and irritability. These emotional responses can be more pronounced and are key indicators of depression in younger age groups.

Depression Testing and Diagnosis

A diagnosis for major depressive disorder or other depressive disorders requires an evaluation by a licensed clinician such as a psychiatrist or psychologist who specializes in depressive disorders.

At Clarity Clinic, our psychiatrists and therapists specialize in depression treatment and assessments for individuals of all ages–from children and teens to adults. Our comprehensive approach includes evaluating the severity, duration, and frequency of depression symptoms.

We also focus on ruling out differential diagnoses to ensure that we tailor the most effective treatment plan for each patient.

Depression Treatment and Therapy

Effective depression treatment often involves a combination of medication and psychotherapy. Our mental health clinic has experienced therapists and psychiatrists that specialize in managing clinical depression (major depressive disorders) by guiding clients toward the most appropriate treatments.

Our comprehensive approach includes both pharmacological interventions and non-pharmacological methods, tailored to reduce depression symptoms and improve overall well-being. Each treatment plan is customized to meet the unique needs of our clients, ensuring they receive the best possible care in their journey toward recovery.

Personalized Depression Treatment Plan

Just as each individual is unique, so everyone's journey through depression. Our experienced depression therapists work closely with you to develop a personalized depression treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and goals:

Understanding Your Triggers: Together, we identify the triggers that contribute to your depression and develop strategies to manage and cope with them.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT helps you identify and challenge negative thought patterns, fostering healthier ways of thinking and responding to stressors.
Mindfulness and Stress Reduction: Learn mindfulness techniques to ground yourself in the present moment and manage stress, promoting emotional well-being.
Emotion Regulation: Develop skills to manage and regulate intense emotions, empowering you to navigate challenges with resilience.

Comprehensive Therapy for Depression

Our therapy for depression integrates a range of therapeutic approaches proven to alleviate depression symptoms and promote overall well-being:

Individual Therapy: One-on-one depression therapy sessions provide a confidential and supportive space to explore the underlying causes of your depression and develop coping strategies.
Group Therapy: Group therapy allows you to connect with peers who understand your experience in a group setting, sharing insights, learning from each other, and building a sense of community.

Medication Management for Depression Treatment

Our psychiatrists are committed to providing a precise diagnosis and specialized medication management for clients undergoing pharmacological treatment for clinical depression (depressive disorders). By carefully selecting and adjusting medications, we address the unique needs of each individual to enhance the effectiveness of their treatment.

Combining medication management with psychotherapy (talk therapy) has consistently shown to be highly effective in reducing depression symptoms and improving overall functioning.

Get Treated For Clinical Depression in Chicago

Discover the best psychiatrists and therapists near you for depression at Clarity Clinic. With multiple convenient locations throughout Chicago (Loop, River North, Arlington Heights, Lakeview Belmont, Lakeview Broadway, Mokena, and Evanston), we specialize in both depression treatment and diagnostic testing.

Our team of highly qualified mental health professionals is dedicated to providing personalized care tailored to each client’s unique needs. Our mental health clinic uses a comprehensive approach that combines the latest in medical treatments with evidence-based therapeutic techniques to help you manage your depression symptoms and reclaim your life.

Whether you're seeking initial diagnosis or ongoing support, our clinics are equipped to assist you every step of the way on your journey toward recovery. We provide TMS for depression, PHP and IOP programs for depression, talk therapy, group therapy, and even child and adolescent therapy for depression.

If you’ve noticed signs of depression, book a consultation with Clarity Clinic, and start your path to healing today!

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Commonly Asked Questions: Depression