Depression and Mood Disorders
Symptoms
Depression can present in many forms:
- Withdrawn;
- Feeling sad or empty;
- Feeling tired or restless
- Difficulty in concentrating
- Lack of pleasure in most activities;
- Feelings of worthlessness;
- Thoughts of feeling a failure;
- Disturbed sleep;
- Over reliance on alcohol or drugs.
Assessment & Treatment
At The Hobart Clinic, we treat a a number of different types of depression and other mood disorders with a combination of medication, individual and group therapy, including:
Major depression, where the person has lost all interest in their normal activities of daily living. Sometimes associated with a major event, grief or loss.
Melancholia depression has a biological basis and common symptoms can be weight loss or loss of appetite, early morning awakening, or excessive guilt.
Psychotic depression where the person has lost touch with reality. Feelings of paranoia can be common.
Bipolar disorder often has a hereditary component and can be triggered by stress. The person may suffer severe bouts of depression and conversely mania.
Seasonal affective disorder where the person’s depression has a seasonal pattern and depression is more prevalent in winter.
Clinic Stays
Sometimes it may be necessary to have a short stay in hospital to undergo a comprehensive assessment and commence a treatment plan.
In addition to medication therapy, nursing and allied health staff will work with the patient to understand more about their condition and change negative patterns of thinking.
We utilise Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness as well as art therapy, exercise classes and relaxation.
Post Clinic Care
Post Clinic Care is an important part of the recovery journey.
Mind Hub Courses & Programs are conducted at The Hobart Clinic on the eastern shore and in the city centre, delivered by our team of psychologists. They focus on understanding depression and developing new ways of managing stress and positive thinking.
Mind Hub Courses & Programs
Some people with depression or a mood disorder may not require a hospital stay and a Mind Hub course or program can be a good alternative. Group programs aim to help in the management of depression and mood disorders and prevent relapse.