Depression in the Sacramento Region
Depression is a serious medical illness affecting more than 14 million American adults every year. One in twenty Americans age 12 and older experience depression during any 2-week period. Major Depressive Disorder is the leading cause of disability in the United States for people aged 15-44.
- 84,000 Sacramento County Residents will suffer from an episode of clinical depression in the next year
- In the six-county region of Sacramento (El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento, Sutter, Yolo and Yuba) 120,000 will suffer an episode of depression in the next year
- In El Dorado County 10,500 residents will suffer an episode of clinical depression in the next year.
Major Depression results in a persistent state of sadness that may interfere with an individual’s thoughts, behavior, mood, and physical health.
Learn more about Dr.Bermudes’ psychiatry practice, Mindful Health Solutions >
Symptoms of depression may include:
- Lack of interest in or pleasure from activities typically enjoyed
- Difficulty thinking or concentrating
- Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, helplessness, or guilt
- Changes in sleep habits and energy levels
- Significant weight gain or weight loss
The Costs of Depression
Depression affects many aspects of a person’s life: social, physical, professional, and financial. The costs of depression are far reaching and can include:
- Diminished personal relationships with family, friends, and co-workers
- Physical health problems
- Side effects from medications
- Inability to participate in hobbies and activities
- Limited motivation and inhibited desire to accomplish one’s goals
- Diminished ability to perform at work, missed promotions and career opportunities
- Loss of income from missed work
- Financial burden from missed work, doctors’ appointments, and depression treatments
Sacramento TMS Therapy for Depression
While the exact cause of depression is not known, the leading scientific theory is that depression is caused by an imbalance of the brain’s neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that send signals between brain cells. Depression is most often treated with antidepressant medications. It is believed that antidepressant medications work by increasing the levels of these neurotransmitters.
Although antidepressants can be effective for many patients, they do not work for everybody. Additionally, since antidepressant medications are typically taken by mouth, they circulate in the bloodstream throughout the body, often resulting in unwanted side effects such as weight gain, sexual problems, upset stomach, sleepiness, and dry mouth. More than 4 million patients do not receive adequate benefit from antidepressants and/or cannot tolerate the side effects caused by them.
Despite advances in the treatment of Major Depression, over 50% of patients do not have an adequate response to antidepressant medication. For these patients, Sacramento TMS offers the new way back from depression and its treatment side effects.
Learn more about TMS Therapy >
Read TMS patient testimonials at The Depression Hope Center >