Depression

An estimated 21 million Americans live with the persistent sadness and hopelessness of depression. If you feel isolated by depression, you can find the high-quality care you deserve at Helix Neuropsychiatric Center in El Segundo, California. In addition to depression screenings, board-certified psychiatrist and developmental neuroscientist Gil Hoftman, MD, PhD, offers therapy, medications, and other resources to relieve depression symptoms. Dr. Hoftman takes a proactive, personalized approach to enhance your sense of well-being and optimize your brain health. Call the office to schedule a depression evaluation, or book a consultation online today. 

What causes depression?

Depression is a serious mood disorder that triggers negative thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. If left untreated, depression can lead to an increased risk of self-harm or suicidal thoughts or actions.

The root cause of depression isn’t well understood, but imbalances in brain chemicals, genetic traits, and hormonal changes can play a role in the condition. You may also be at increased risk for depression if you have a family history of the disorder or because of:

• Trauma
• Anxiety
• Low self-esteem
• Substance abuse
• Chronic illness

Helix Neuropsychiatric Center provides comprehensive care for depression in adults and children, including depression screenings and custom treatment plans.

Dr. Hoftman offers the latest depression treatments and makes educational resources available to help people understand their diagnosis. He works closely with each person to identify what they need to feel better and to prevent depression symptoms from getting worse.

When should I seek medical care for depression?

Depression is a serious disorder that can interfere with your responsibilities and ability to take care of yourself. If you’re thinking about harming yourself or others, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital emergency room for immediate medical attention.

Schedule a diagnostic evaluation at Helix Neuropsychiatric Center if you or your child experience depression symptoms that last for two weeks or longer. These symptoms can include:

• Hopelessness
• Emptiness
• Worthlessness
• Lack of energy
• Intrusive thoughts
• Loss of interest in activities

Dr. Hoftman is an active listener and encourages you to be open about your thoughts and feelings. He assesses your symptoms and the impact they have on your life to design a depression treatment plan.

How is depression treated?

Helix Neuropsychiatric Center offers the latest treatments for depression in adults and children.

Therapy plans focus on improving your brain function and overall health so you can feel like yourself again. Dr. Hoftman typically combines psychotherapy and medications to manage depression symptoms.

Therapy helps you identify negative thoughts and behaviors so you can make necessary changes that support your wellness. Antidepressants and other medications work on your brain chemistry to improve your sense of well-being.

Dr. Hoftman also recommends lifestyle and dietary changes that make depression easier to manage. He also offers educational resources to help people understand their diagnosis so they feel empowered to keep moving forward.

Call Helix Neuropsychiatric Center to schedule an evaluation for depression symptoms, or book a consultation online today.