Depression Treatment by Psychiatrist in Kolhapur

Depression is a medical mood disorder characterized by persistent sadness, reduced interest or pleasure, low energy, and impaired functioning. Clinically, it is diagnosed as a depressive disorder such as Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) or Persistent Depressive Disorder based on standardized criteria (DSM-5/ICD-10). Depression affects thoughts, emotions, sleep, appetite, motivation, and daily activities, and can occur with anxiety, medical illnesses, or substance-use conditions. Evidence-based treatment from a qualified psychiatrist significantly improves outcomes and reduces relapse risk.

Common symptoms of depression and presenting complaints:

Symptoms of depression arise across 4 domains of life: 

• Primary symptoms:

  • Persistent sadness or low mood

  • Loss of interest or pleasure in activities (anhedonia)

  • Fatigue or low energy

  • Sleep disturbances (insomnia or hypersomnia)

  • Appetite or weight changes

  • Poor concentration or slowed thinking

  • Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or hopelessness

  • Irritability or agitation

  • Reduced motivation and social withdrawal

  • Thoughts of self-harm or suicide (in severe cases)

• Cognitive symptoms​                                                           Depression affects cognitive functioning and   decision-       making:

  • Impaired attention and focus

  • Slowed processing speed

  • Poor memory and recall

  • Negative cognitive bias (persistent negative thoughts)

  • Difficulty making decisions

• Physical or somatic symptoms                                              These symptoms often lead patients to seek non-psychiatric   help for depression. 

  • Body aches or unexplained pain

  • Headaches

  • Digestive issues

  • Reduced sexual interest

  • Changes in menstrual cycles (in women)

• Emotional symptoms

  • Persistent sadness or tearfulness

  • Loss of pleasure or enjoyment

  • Withdrawal from social interactions

  • Reduced productivity or absenteeism

  • Avoidance behaviors

Diagnosis and assessments for depression:

Our comprehensive approach to depression usually involves: 

• Detailed clinical interview by a psychiatrist. 

• DSM-5 or ICD-10 diagnostic criteria

• Standardized screening tools and scales.  (e.g., PHQ-9, HAM-D, MADRS)

• Assessment of comorbid anxiety or bipolar disorder

• Review of medications and substance-use history

• Family history and psychosocial context

• Medical evaluation for thyroid disorders, anemia, vitamin deficiencies, neurological conditions, etc. when indicated

• Psychometric assessments if needed to evaluate personality, coping styles etc. 

Evidence based treatments for Depression available at Kolhapur:

Our treatments are aligned with guidelines issued by NICE, APA and IPS and include: ​

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Depression is highly treatable with evidence-based psychiatric care. Treatment plans are individualized based on severity, subtype, comorbidities and patient preference.

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• Psychotherapy

    Psychological treatments improve thoughts, behaviors and coping skills. Common therapies include:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

• Behavioural Activation

• Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)

• Supportive therapy

• Family psychoeducation (when appropriate)

   Psychotherapy takes time to show results and needs internal motivation. Moderate to severe depression often     presents with hopelessness and anhedonia, making psychotherapy counterproductive as the first choice. 

• Medication Management

    Antidepressant medications target biological components of depression:

• SSRIs (e.g., Sertraline, Escitalopram, Fluoxetine)

• SNRIs (e.g., Venlafaxine, Duloxetine)

• NaSSAs

• Atypical antidepressants

• Mood stabilizers for bipolar depressive episodes

• Augmentation strategies for treatment-resistant cases

    Medication selection considers side-effects, medical conditions and response history. Please note:               antidepressants should be taken only after a valid prescription from your psychiatrist with routine follow up visits     to get the best results and avoid any side effects. 

• Brain Stimulation Therapies

      For moderate to severe or treatment-resistant depression:​

• Modified Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

  • Performed with general anaesthesia and muscle relaxation for painless and safe administration.

  • for severe or suicidal depression with strong efficacy evidence

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• Ketamine therapy

  • Ketamine therapy for depression is a novel, advanced therapy for depression and associated disorders. ​

  • Non-invasive. Can be administered on daycare outpatient basis. 

  • Rapid symptom relief. 

• Lifestyle & Adjunctive Measures

  • Sleep normalization

  • Physical activity interventions

  • Nutritional support

  • Stress reduction skills

  • Social and occupational functioning support

• Follow-Up & Relapse Prevention

     Regular follow-ups monitor progress, adjust treatment and reduce relapse risk. Combined therapy and                 medication often yield the best long-term outcomes.