Major Depressive Disorder Treatment in Massachusetts

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Major depressive disorder (MDD) is one of the most common mental health disorders, affecting millions of people in the United States. Here in Massachusetts, 21.6% of adults have been diagnosed with a depressive disorder, ranking us 23 out of 50 states. Treating MDD is a complex process, but there are effective treatments available. The Intensive Outpatient Services (IOS) from East Point Behavioral Health can treat your depression and teach you how to better cope with life’s challenges.

Major Depressive Disorder Treatment in Massachusetts

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Major depressive disorder (MDD) is one of the most common mental health disorders, affecting millions of people in the United States. Here in Massachusetts, 21.6% of adults have been diagnosed with a depressive disorder, ranking us 23 out of 50 states. Treating MDD is a complex process, but there are effective treatments available. The Intensive Outpatient Services (IOS) from East Point Behavioral Health can treat your depression and teach you how to better cope with life’s challenges.

Clinical Depression What Is Major Depressive Disorder?

Major depressive disorder, also known as clinical depression or just depression, is a mood disorder characterized by persistent and intense feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest in activities previously enjoyed. Because it affects how people think, feel, and act, MDD takes a toll on every aspect of life, including relationships, work, and physical health. Even basic tasks like getting out of bed in the mornings and doing laundry can be a challenge.

To be diagnosed with MDD, you must experience various symptoms nearly every day for two weeks, such as depressed mood, sleep disturbances, changes in appetite or weight, and feelings of worthlessness. Because life can be difficult, not everyone recognizes that what they are feeling is actually depression. The lines can be especially blurred if you’re working through a tragedy, such as the loss of a loved one. The good news is that if you do have depression, treatments are out there to help you feel better.

Shot of depressed young woman thinking about her problems while sitting on the sofa at home.
Diverse people in a support group
Female psychologist talking to young man during session.

Do You Qualify for Mental Health Treatment in Massachusetts?

At East Point Behavioral Health, we provide personalized mental health care in Massachusetts for adults aged 18 and older. Our Intensive Outpatient Services (IOS) are ideal for those stepping down from inpatient hospitalization or seeking more structured support than traditional outpatient care. With a focus on immediate intervention and compassionate treatment, we ensure you receive the help you need when you need it most. Contact us today to take the first step toward mental health recovery.

How Intensive Outpatient Services (IOS) Can Support Your Journey

When it comes to treating mood disorders like depression, Intensive Outpatient Services (IOS) are an excellent option. These services are done on an outpatient basis so that you can live at home while receiving excellent care.

At East Point Behavioral Health, you can expect well-coordinated care in a structured setting. Our mental health professionals provide a wide range of treatment options, such as education, medication management, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). We start by conducting a full evaluation to ensure we understand the symptoms you are experiencing and how they have been impacting your life.

After we have made an official diagnosis, our team will put together a customized treatment plan that includes therapy, counseling, and medication management (if needed). The fundamental core of our IOS is group therapy. Group sessions are led by a qualified professional who understands MDD. During these sessions, you’ll learn about your condition, reflect on what you are going through, and share insights and concerns with others. The benefits to IOS for MDD treatment are:

Meets Your Specific Needs

No two people are the same. Instead of receiving a generic treatment plan, our mental health experts take the time to learn about you, your family history, and your unique mindset. These are all important components to your treatment plan that can affect your recovery. Your custom strategy will also be reflected in your individual and group sessions.

Works With Your Schedule

Another element that people appreciate about IOS is its flexibility. It’s difficult to stay overnight at a facility when you’re going through mental health treatment. IOS does not require this. You will visit our treatment center during the day for your therapy sessions, but when they are over, you can return home and be with your family. In fact, many of our clients continue working or going to school while participating in our program.

Treatment Services Within 24-48 Hours

While you won’t heal overnight, you can access depression treatment services quickly with IOS. These programs are actually intended to be short-term, usually conducted over a 10-12 week period, so they are ready to accept clients nearly every day. It takes time to see the full results of therapy and medication, but you will be moving closer to your goal with each passing day.
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MDD and How it Compares to Other Forms of Depression

Major depressive disorder is one of several types of depressive disorders. While all depressive disorders share common symptoms, like persistent sadness, they differ in terms of duration, intensity, and triggers. MDD is characterized by one or more episodes of intense depressive symptoms that last at least two weeks and significantly impair daily functioning. Let’s explore some other types of depression.

Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD)

Also known as dysthymia, PDD is a chronic form of depression, with symptoms being milder but more persistent. People with PDD experience a constant feeling of low mood, lack of energy, and low self-esteem. Symptoms must be present for at least two years in adults to receive a diagnosis.
PMDD is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) characterized by mood swings, irritability, depression, and anxiety that occur 1-2 weeks before menstruation. Symptoms are cyclical, occurring monthly and resolving when menstruation begins. However, symptoms are intense and can disrupt daily functioning.
Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder is a condition that affects children and teens. It’s characterized by severe and chronic irritability, anger, and temper tantrums that are disproportionate to the situation. Symptoms must start before the age of 10.
Seasonal affective disorder is a type of depression that follows a seasonal pattern, often starting in the fall or winter and improving over the spring and summer. It’s believed to be caused by reduced sunlight exposure. SAD symptoms typically occur seasonally for at least two consecutive years and can range from mild to severe.
A group of people sitting in a circle with two therapists and a woman in the center discussing and providing emotional support for her The focus is on the woman but everyone is engaged in conversation

What are the Common Symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder?

Anyone can develop MDD. However, certain risk factors make a person more likely to develop depression, including having a family history of depression, experiencing trauma or abuse, using drugs or alcohol, women, young adults, and those who identify as LGBTQ+.

Common symptoms include:

  • Feelings of hopelessness, worry, and sadness for at least two weeks
  • Change in eating patterns, resulting in weight loss or gain
  • Sleeping too much or having trouble sleeping
  • Feeling easily frustrated or irritable
  • Lower energy levels
  • Trouble concentrating at work or school
  • Self-harm or suicidal ideation
  • Physical problems, such as headaches and muscle tension
  • Not enjoying hobbies that once brought joy
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What Treatment Options are Available for Major Depressive Disorder?

MDD does respond to treatment, though it can take time to find the right combination of therapies that work for you:
Medication

Many people with depression benefit from antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAIs), and tricyclic antidepressants. Medication management monitors for medication type, dosage, and potential interactions with other medications.

Brain Stimulation Therapy
For those struggling with severe depressive symptoms, brain stimulation therapy can be an effective treatment option. This deep brain stimulation takes on various forms, such as vagus nerve stimulation (TNS), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). These treatments are often introduced when other methods haven’t worked. The goal is to change the functioning of specific areas in the brain.
Lifestyle Changes
Making certain lifestyle changes can also help improve your symptoms. Practice stress reduction techniques to manage stressful situations, get enough rest at night, exercise most days of the week, and eat a healthy diet. Also, avoid self-medicating with drugs or alcohol.

What is the Prognosis of Major Depressive Disorder?

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MDD is a treatable condition. This means that while it won’t go away for good, you can successfully manage your symptoms with the right combination of treatments. It can take time to find what works for you, so be patient. It’s also common for symptoms to ebb and flow from time to time, which is why you should continue attending therapy and support groups. If your symptoms do increase, you will have all the tools you need to get back on track.
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Contact Our Massachusetts Depression Treatment Center

Are you ready to start your recovery from major depressive disorder? Get in touch with East Point Behavioral Health to learn more about your options for treatment. Our mental health experts will be with you every step of the way, ensuring you’re properly cared for and seeing the results you expect.