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Treatment of depressive disorder is one of the areas of expertise at Expert Clinics. Depression is a mental health disorder. Currently, 350 million people worldwide suffer from depression. It is based on the formation of stable negative patterns due to reduced brain plasticity and its ability to remodel itself. Simply put, a person “learns” to be unhappy, and the brain prevents them from relearning to be happy.
At first glance, such a man or woman may appear to live a perfect life: a loving family, a good job. No one would even guess that every day this person must summon great willpower just to get out of bed. These people are deeply lonely and gradually destroy relationships with friends, relatives, and even themselves.
For many years, scientists searched for the “molecule of happiness.” They assumed that a deficiency of a particular element in the brain caused depression. However, these efforts were unsuccessful. The brain’s functioning depends on millions of nerve cells forming a neural network, in which hundreds of thousands of molecules are involved. A malfunction in any of them can lead to depression.
Causes of Depression
Depression results from a chemical imbalance in the brain. However, this does not mean that medications alone can eliminate it. Depression is far more complex and often arises from a combination of biochemical, psychological, and social factors.
It is commonly classified according to its origin as endogenous or exogenous:
Endogenous depression. It is believed that some people carry a set of genes that increase their susceptibility to stress and events. Such individuals have difficulty adapting to changes or coping even with minor issues. Their innate risk of developing depression is high.
Exogenous (reactive) depression. It develops in response to external events such as the death of a loved one, divorce, or disability. However, depressive symptoms may also appear without any traumatic incident.
In such cases, depression may be triggered by:
Hormonal changes. Common among pregnant women and young mothers, as hormonal fluctuations during and after pregnancy are significant.
Brain tissue aging. Occurs in elderly people, leading to cerebral atherosclerosis and manifesting as unexplained crying and heightened emotionality.
Autonomic nervous system dysfunction. The person experiences physical pain without an identifiable organic cause, along with core symptoms of depression: sleep disturbances, anxiety, intrusive thoughts, social withdrawal, and fatigue.
Injuries. After trauma, even when physical recovery occurs, the organism may fail to adapt psychologically.
Symptoms of Depression
The more symptoms a person experiences, the higher the likelihood of depression. Typical manifestations include:
Persistent low mood for several weeks
Decreased activity and motivation
Loss of interest or pleasure in life
Impaired concentration
Low self-esteem
Excessive guilt
Pessimistic outlook on the future
Suicidal ideation
Sleep disturbances (insomnia or fragmented sleep)
Changes in appetite (overeating or loss of appetite)
Decreased libido
Increased irritability
Social withdrawal
Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness
Self-hatred and harsh self-criticism
Degrees of Depression
Mild. The most common form, typically with 2–3 symptoms. It affects daily life and motivation, but basic activities can still be performed.
Moderate. At least four symptoms are present. The person struggles with routine tasks and experiences a drop in confidence and self-esteem. Mild and moderate depression can become chronic (dysthymia).
Dysthymia. A chronic state of mild depression lasting at least two years, with occasional short periods of normal mood.
Severe. Less common but characterized by persistent and disabling symptoms affecting work, sleep, eating, and emotional life. May include hallucinations, delusions, retardation, or stupor. Without treatment, it lasts about six months.
Atypical. A subtype of severe depression where mood temporarily improves in response to positive events.
Seasonal affective disorder. Triggered by lack of sunlight in autumn and winter; it disappears completely in spring and summer.
Types of Depression
Depression is among the leading causes of mortality, alongside cardiovascular disease, cancer, and road accidents.
Clinical depression. Pronounced symptoms lasting at least 14 days.
Chronic depression. Less intense but prolonged (1–2 years); persistent sadness despite functioning in daily life.
Bipolar depression. Can be hereditary or secondary to other psychiatric disorders; characterized by mood swings and episodes of euphoria.
Masked depression. Hard to diagnose due to physical (somatic) complaints without organ pathology.
Psychotic depression. Genetic predisposition with hallucinations, delusions, or phobias.
Neurotic depression. A combination of neurosis and depression triggered by conflicts; includes headaches, eating disorders, and musculoskeletal pain.
Postpartum depression. May follow childbirth, miscarriage, or stillbirth, associated with hormonal shifts, guilt, and emotional exhaustion.
Difference Between Sadness and Depression
Sadness is a normal, temporary emotional response to adverse life events and usually fades within hours or days.
However, if hopelessness and despair persist for an extended period, professional evaluation is necessary.
Possible Complications
The most dangerous complication is suicidal ideation, which can lead to attempts. Unlike a temporary low mood, depression cannot be overcome by willpower alone — it requires medical treatment.
Diagnosis and Medical Evaluation
According to global statistics, 50% of patients are unaware of their diagnosis. There are no specific laboratory tests for depression. Furthermore, 50% discontinue medication early, and 30–40% do not respond to antidepressants. Thus, identifying the correct form is essential for proper therapy.
During evaluation, psychiatrists — not psychologists or neurologists — establish the final diagnosis and treatment plan based on a detailed consultation (about one hour), patient history, and diagnostic tests. If necessary, laboratory studies, biochemical analyses, or brain MRI are performed to rule out somatic diseases.
Treatment of Depression
Treatment is usually outpatient, involving psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy. Antidepressants typically take about two months to show improvement. Modern medications are safe and effective when properly prescribed.
In addition to antidepressants, patients may receive hormonal or adjunctive therapies. Complementary non-drug approaches — aromatherapy, hypnosis, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), biofeedback, massage, and exercise — can also be effective.
Psychotherapy (individual or group) plays a central role, helping patients understand emotions, change negative patterns, and rebuild relationships. Family and couples therapy are often included.
In severe cases, inpatient treatment ensures round-the-clock supervision in comfortable conditions.
Post-treatment Prevention
To prevent relapse, patients should:
Follow medical advice and take prescribed medications
Avoid psychoactive substances and alcohol
Minimize stress, fatigue, and conflict
Seek help at the first sign of recurrence
Advantages of Treatment at Expert Clinics (Moscow)
Individualized approach. Personalized evaluation and care for each patient.
Comprehensive management. Multidisciplinary team of anti-aging medicine specialists identifies and addresses root causes.
Confidentiality. Complete anonymity; data are not recorded or disclosed.
Certified, safe therapies under constant medical supervision.
Affordable cost, calculated individually.
Expert Clinics guarantees accurate diagnosis and effective recovery. Our specialists help patients eliminate negative emotions, regain positivity, and rediscover joy in life.
If you or someone close to you has symptoms of depression, do not delay — book a consultation with an Expert Clinics physician today. Fill out the feedback form, and we will call you back at your convenience.
At first glance, such a man or woman may appear to live a perfect life: a loving family, a good job. No one would even guess that every day this person must summon great willpower just to get out of bed. These people are deeply lonely and gradually destroy relationships with friends, relatives, and even themselves.
For many years, scientists searched for the “molecule of happiness.” They assumed that a deficiency of a particular element in the brain caused depression. However, these efforts were unsuccessful. The brain’s functioning depends on millions of nerve cells forming a neural network, in which hundreds of thousands of molecules are involved. A malfunction in any of them can lead to depression.
Causes of Depression
Depression results from a chemical imbalance in the brain. However, this does not mean that medications alone can eliminate it. Depression is far more complex and often arises from a combination of biochemical, psychological, and social factors.
It is commonly classified according to its origin as endogenous or exogenous:
Endogenous depression. It is believed that some people carry a set of genes that increase their susceptibility to stress and events. Such individuals have difficulty adapting to changes or coping even with minor issues. Their innate risk of developing depression is high.
Exogenous (reactive) depression. It develops in response to external events such as the death of a loved one, divorce, or disability. However, depressive symptoms may also appear without any traumatic incident.
In such cases, depression may be triggered by:
Hormonal changes. Common among pregnant women and young mothers, as hormonal fluctuations during and after pregnancy are significant.
Brain tissue aging. Occurs in elderly people, leading to cerebral atherosclerosis and manifesting as unexplained crying and heightened emotionality.
Autonomic nervous system dysfunction. The person experiences physical pain without an identifiable organic cause, along with core symptoms of depression: sleep disturbances, anxiety, intrusive thoughts, social withdrawal, and fatigue.
Injuries. After trauma, even when physical recovery occurs, the organism may fail to adapt psychologically.
Symptoms of Depression
The more symptoms a person experiences, the higher the likelihood of depression. Typical manifestations include:
Persistent low mood for several weeks
Decreased activity and motivation
Loss of interest or pleasure in life
Impaired concentration
Low self-esteem
Excessive guilt
Pessimistic outlook on the future
Suicidal ideation
Sleep disturbances (insomnia or fragmented sleep)
Changes in appetite (overeating or loss of appetite)
Decreased libido
Increased irritability
Social withdrawal
Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness
Self-hatred and harsh self-criticism
Degrees of Depression
Mild. The most common form, typically with 2–3 symptoms. It affects daily life and motivation, but basic activities can still be performed.
Moderate. At least four symptoms are present. The person struggles with routine tasks and experiences a drop in confidence and self-esteem. Mild and moderate depression can become chronic (dysthymia).
Dysthymia. A chronic state of mild depression lasting at least two years, with occasional short periods of normal mood.
Severe. Less common but characterized by persistent and disabling symptoms affecting work, sleep, eating, and emotional life. May include hallucinations, delusions, retardation, or stupor. Without treatment, it lasts about six months.
Atypical. A subtype of severe depression where mood temporarily improves in response to positive events.
Seasonal affective disorder. Triggered by lack of sunlight in autumn and winter; it disappears completely in spring and summer.
Types of Depression
Depression is among the leading causes of mortality, alongside cardiovascular disease, cancer, and road accidents.
Clinical depression. Pronounced symptoms lasting at least 14 days.
Chronic depression. Less intense but prolonged (1–2 years); persistent sadness despite functioning in daily life.
Bipolar depression. Can be hereditary or secondary to other psychiatric disorders; characterized by mood swings and episodes of euphoria.
Masked depression. Hard to diagnose due to physical (somatic) complaints without organ pathology.
Psychotic depression. Genetic predisposition with hallucinations, delusions, or phobias.
Neurotic depression. A combination of neurosis and depression triggered by conflicts; includes headaches, eating disorders, and musculoskeletal pain.
Postpartum depression. May follow childbirth, miscarriage, or stillbirth, associated with hormonal shifts, guilt, and emotional exhaustion.
Difference Between Sadness and Depression
Sadness is a normal, temporary emotional response to adverse life events and usually fades within hours or days.
However, if hopelessness and despair persist for an extended period, professional evaluation is necessary.
Possible Complications
The most dangerous complication is suicidal ideation, which can lead to attempts. Unlike a temporary low mood, depression cannot be overcome by willpower alone — it requires medical treatment.
Diagnosis and Medical Evaluation
According to global statistics, 50% of patients are unaware of their diagnosis. There are no specific laboratory tests for depression. Furthermore, 50% discontinue medication early, and 30–40% do not respond to antidepressants. Thus, identifying the correct form is essential for proper therapy.
During evaluation, psychiatrists — not psychologists or neurologists — establish the final diagnosis and treatment plan based on a detailed consultation (about one hour), patient history, and diagnostic tests. If necessary, laboratory studies, biochemical analyses, or brain MRI are performed to rule out somatic diseases.
Treatment of Depression
Treatment is usually outpatient, involving psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy. Antidepressants typically take about two months to show improvement. Modern medications are safe and effective when properly prescribed.
In addition to antidepressants, patients may receive hormonal or adjunctive therapies. Complementary non-drug approaches — aromatherapy, hypnosis, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), biofeedback, massage, and exercise — can also be effective.
Psychotherapy (individual or group) plays a central role, helping patients understand emotions, change negative patterns, and rebuild relationships. Family and couples therapy are often included.
In severe cases, inpatient treatment ensures round-the-clock supervision in comfortable conditions.
Post-treatment Prevention
To prevent relapse, patients should:
Follow medical advice and take prescribed medications
Avoid psychoactive substances and alcohol
Minimize stress, fatigue, and conflict
Seek help at the first sign of recurrence
Advantages of Treatment at Expert Clinics (Moscow)
Individualized approach. Personalized evaluation and care for each patient.
Comprehensive management. Multidisciplinary team of anti-aging medicine specialists identifies and addresses root causes.
Confidentiality. Complete anonymity; data are not recorded or disclosed.
Certified, safe therapies under constant medical supervision.
Affordable cost, calculated individually.
Expert Clinics guarantees accurate diagnosis and effective recovery. Our specialists help patients eliminate negative emotions, regain positivity, and rediscover joy in life.
If you or someone close to you has symptoms of depression, do not delay — book a consultation with an Expert Clinics physician today. Fill out the feedback form, and we will call you back at your convenience.
+7 (495) 154-21-44 
admin@expertclinics.ru 
Moscow, Starovolynskaya st., 12 bld. 1