Dr. Robert D. Mullen received his undergraduate degree from Washington Lee University. Afterward, he attended medical school at Georgetown University. After completing his residency in psychiatry at Columbia University, he officially became a medical psychiatrist. In 2010, he added TMS BrainCare to his practice. Today, he practices psychopharmacology in New York City where he specializes in the treatment of disorders like persistent depressive disorder. He has over 30 years of experience in this field.
What is Persistent Depressive Disorder?
PDD can be described as a chronic mild depression; it was previously referred to as dysthymia. Therefore, PDD is consistently affecting those suffering from it. It becomes their way of life or their normal. Biological causes are the reason for this disorder and therefore, it can be treated with pharmaceutical medicine.
Symptoms include:
- Irregular sleep cycles
- Decreased daily enjoyment of life
- Poor concentration
- Low levels of enthusiasm
Taking a Rounded Approach to Treating PDD Effectively
Individuals suffering from this disorder experience consistent unhappiness, so learning how to refrain from a negative outlook is an excellent start to alleviating some of their discontentment. Dr. Mullen advises that individuals living with PDD should visit a cognitive behavioral therapist. Therapists who use this approach in their practice are equipped with special techniques to help clients change their everyday perspective. The person will learn how to change their outlook regarding their circumstances. However, merely changing the way a person interprets their life is not always enough to lift the person out of a depressed state. Ultimately, PDD treatment must be supplemented with medication.
Loneliness is a major contributor to depressed moods. Individuals experiencing symptoms associated with depressed moods should get out of the house and spend time with friends. People who are isolated should make an effort to establish more meaningful relationships. In addition, exercise is another way to successfully elevate your mood. Even when done alone, exercise makes people feel happier. However, exercising can also create an excellent opportunity to socialize with other people at places like the yoga studio, gym, or tennis court.
Supplementing Treatment with Medication
A proper treatment plan will incorporate both lifestyle changes and medication. Exercising and socializing are great mood elevators, but cannot cure persistent depressive disorder alone.
In the late 1980s, the use of antidepressants for treating mild depression started to increase in popularity. Specifically, journalists who were they themselves using the medication wrote about Prozac. As the word got out, more people sought out pharmaceutical treatment for mild depression.
Treating clients living with mild depression with antidepressants has been substantially successful. Prozac and other common anti-depressants have only one receptor, which targets the cause of depressed moods. Some other medications had multiple receptors, which led to an increase in side effects amongst users.
Consulting with your psychiatrist about finding an effective antidepressant treatment plan is crucial to getting back to feeling normal. Fifty percent of clients experienced little to no side effects at all. People prescribed to lower dosages, especially, experienced fewer side effects. Their peers even saw a noticeable difference in their behavior, causing a continued increase in the conversation supporting anti-depressant use. By taking anti-depressants, a person can feel more satisfied throughout their day and entertain a positive attitude more easily.
The Cycle of Depression
Some people experience major depressive periods throughout the year. These individuals are cycling into a deeper depression, which heightens their already existent symptoms. The worsening of these symptoms can get in the way of daily life and shouldn’t be taken lightly. Coping with severe symptoms calls for anti-depressant medication.
Individuals who experience the worsening of their mood should seek treatment from a psychiatrist immediately. Generally, these cases need more than therapy in order to be treated effectively. Antidepressants are strongly advised for people experiencing this double dose of depression. Even if the person eventually cycles out of this deeper state of depressed feelings, eventually the person will also cycle back into the state. So, simply waiting for it to pass is not enough.
Robert D. McMullen can help you if you’re experiencing a persistent depressive disorder. Interested clients in New York City, USA should call 212 362-9635 to schedule an appointment and get the treatment that will help them get back to enjoying their lives. If you found this video informative, please press like and share with your friends!
