Best Depression Treatment Hospital in Mumbai

At Jaslok Hospital, we understand the weight that depression places on individuals and their loved ones. Our commitment to providing the best depression treatment in Mumbai stems from our dedication to improving lives and restoring hope. 

Depression is a serious and incapacitating medical illness. MDD is a common condition that is widely frequent in population: community-based surveys conducted in several countries using ICD-10 criteria showed a lifetime prevalence ranging from 6-12%, with an annual prevalence of 3-11%. Current data show that MDD is an incapacitating condition: it is predicted that MDD will be the second cause of incapacitating disease in 2020. In addition, depression is a chronic, recurrent disorder, as nearly 80% of patients relapse after the treatment of an episode. Finally, about one third of patients have treatment-resistant depression (TRD), which is defined as the failure to achieve adequate response of symptoms after two or more antidepressant treatment trials. Various hypotheses propose that MDD is a disorder associated with dysfunction in critical areas related to mood regulation. In fact, two major pathways can be determined here: the cognitive-executive pathway, in which a hypoactive dorso-lateral prefrontal cortex fails to regulate areas related to executive functioning; and the affective-somatic pathway, in which a hyperactive Prefrontal cortex modulates erratically areas related to negative affect and self-awareness. The rationale in using different neurostimulator therapies is based on their mechanisms of inhibiting or enhancing activity in these pathways depending on the area stimulated. The other aspects are biochemical disturbances in certain brain chemicals called neurotransmitters that are thought to be the underlying cause of depressive disorders in general. Major depression is a major psychiatric disorder in which, the prominent symptom is a disturbance of mood which is a constant feeling that is experienced internally and that influences a person’s attitudes, thinking, behaviour and perception.

Depression is a mood disorder that influences the way a person thinks, feels, and handles daily activities. It goes beyond the typical ups and downs of life and becomes a persistent state of sadness, affecting one’s overall well-being. Often accompanied by feelings of worthlessness and guilt, depression can be a profound emotional struggle.

There are several types of depression, each with its unique characteristics and symptoms. It’s essential to note that depression is a complex mental health condition, and individuals may experience a combination of symptoms. Here are some common types of depression:

It’s a heavy burden that crushes the soul, making even the simplest tasks feel impossible to overcome. It’s like being trapped in a suffocating abyss, where hope seems to slip away from your grasp. Each day becomes an unyielding struggle, and the weight on your heart feels unbearable. According to Diagnostic and Statistic Manual of Mental disorder (DSM)-5, MDD is defined as low mood for more than 2 weeks associated with 5 or more depressive symptoms.

A constant shadow follows you everywhere, and PDD feels like an unending rain cloud hanging over your head. It’s like walking through an endless dark tunnel with no glimpse of light ahead. Joy becomes a distant memory, and the world loses its vibrant colors. According to DSM-5, PDD is defined as low mood associated with 2 or more depressive symptoms for more than 2 years. 

With SAD, the changing seasons bring overwhelming sadness. It’s like being locked in a cage of sorrow during the cold and gloomy months. The lack of sunlight dampens your spirit, leaving you feeling hollow and disconnected from the world around you. Therefore, bright light therapy is the first line of treatment for SAD.

This type of depression brings a terrifying twist, where the mind becomes a battleground of delusions and hallucinations. It’s like living in a nightmarish world where the line between reality and fantasy blurs, leaving you isolated and terrified. 

During the depressive phase of bipolar disorder, emotions swing like a pendulum from euphoria to despair. The darkness that engulfs you is suffocating, pulling you down into a state of desolation where hope seems out of reach. Even though depression is present, antidepressant medications are not given in order to avoid making mania worse. They are initially treated with mood stabilizers.

The joy of bringing new life into the world clashes with an overwhelming sense of emptiness and sadness. It’s like drowning in a sea of conflicting emotions, feeling guilty for not experiencing the happiness you think you should. This is more common in younger females and if not treated patient may develop psychotic symptoms.

Typically depression is associated with decrease appetite, weight loss and lack of interest. However, some patient start eating more and gain weight during depression. With atypical depression, you experience hypersensitivity to rejection and a constant state of heaviness in your limbs. It’s like carrying an invisible weight that drags you down at unexpected moments.

It’s a type of depression that is followed by some disturbing events (like death of loved ones or bankruptcy etc.). Sadness to some extent and duration is normal, however, when symptoms exaggerate or persist for longer duration, it may indicate depression. It feels like being stuck in a never-ending storm of despair, with circumstances beyond your control casting a dark cloud over your life.

Depression presents itself in various ways, and recognizing the symptoms is crucial for early intervention and treatment. Common signs include:

• Persistent Sadness

Overwhelming feelings of sadness or emptiness that linger for prolonged periods.

• Fatigue and Low Energy

A constant lack of energy, leading to persistent fatigue even after adequate rest.

• Changes in Sleep Patterns

Insomnia or excessive sleeping are typical indicators of depression.

• Loss of Interest

Disinterest or withdrawal from once-enjoyable activities or hobbies.

• Appetite and Weight Changes

Drastic shifts in appetite, leading to noticeable weight loss or gain.

• Difficulty Concentrating

Struggling to focus, make decisions, or recall details.

• Feelings of Guilt or Worthlessness

Persistent self-blame and feelings of inadequacy.

• Suicidal Thoughts

In severe cases, individuals may experience thoughts of self-harm.

Depression is a complicated disorder that is influenced by a variety of factors, including:

• Biological Factors

Imbalances in brain neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine can contribute to the incidence of depressive episodes.

• Genetic Predisposition

Having a family history of depression can increase one’s vulnerability to the disorder.

• Environmental Triggers

Traumatic occurrences, the death of a loved one, or continuous stress can all function as depression triggers.

• Personality Traits

Certain personality types may be predisposed to depression.

• Chronic Illness or Pain

Dealing with long-term health concerns can trigger depression.

Identifying the underlying causes is an essential step in tailoring effective treatment plans.

Our experienced team of best depression specialist doctors in Mumbai employs a comprehensive approach to diagnosing depression. Through detailed assessments and discussions with patients, we thoroughly understand their emotional and mental state. We use evidence-based tools and techniques to accurately diagnose depression, enabling us to create personalized treatment paths for each individual.

At Jaslok Hospital, we offer a range of cutting-edge and proven therapies to address depression effectively. Some of our prominent treatment options include:

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a procedure, done under general anesthesia, in which electric stimuli are used to induce seizures. ECT appears to cause changes in the brain that can quickly reverse symptoms of certain mental health conditions.

Several guidelines suggest the role of ECT as a first-line treatment of severe major depressive disorder, especially in psychotic and/or suicidal patients, or those with catatonia or treatment-resistant depression. Many people notice an improvement in their symptoms after about a few sessions with electroconvulsive therapy. No one knows for sure how ECT assist treating severe depression and other mental illnesses. However, it is known that many electrophysiological aspects of brain function are changed during and after seizure activity.

TMS uses the principle of electromagnetic induction to stimulate the neurons in the brain. Multiple sessions are required to get therapeutic benefit. It has proved its efficiency in various clinical trials on depression. Recent meta-analyses published in 2007 and 2008 showed that rTMS had the same efficacy of pharmacological drugs for MDD with also similar rates of response and remission rates for TRD (25% and 17%), respectively, which is similar to the STAR*D results of 19% and 13%. Therefore, TMS is rapidly getting approval as a mode of treatment for depression. Currently, rTMS has been approved for use in Brazil, Canada, Israel and some European countries and also in the US.

Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS)

Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is helpful for treatment-resistant depression. It may be used when medicines, psychotherapy and ECT haven’t been effective for depression. It is an FDA approved treatment for such a resistant patient. Despite the short term studies failing to reflect effectiveness, beneficial effects of VNS at long-term in a large number of patients, together with its low number of unwanted side effects, make this method an attractive treatment for patients suffering from MDD.

One of the innovative treatments we offer is Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS). This groundbreaking procedure involves implanting a small device in the brain, which delivers carefully controlled electrical impulses. DBS has shown promising results in alleviating depression symptoms, especially in cases that have been resistant to other forms of treatment.

We believe that ongoing support is integral to the recovery journey. Our dedicated team of experienced counsellors and support staff are here to lend a listening ear and offer guidance throughout the treatment process. Regular follow-up sessions and progress evaluations ensure that each patient receives continuous care and assistance.

Jaslok Hospital stands at the forefront when it comes to depression treatment in Mumbai, with a team of dedicated professionals who prioritize patients’ well-being. Our commitment to providing personalized care and utilizing cutting-edge treatments ensures the best possible outcomes for those seeking relief from depression’s grasp.

Our state-of-the-art facilities, coupled with a team of compassionate and skilled professionals, have earned us the reputation as the best depression treatment clinic in Mumbai. We take immense pride in our patient-centric approach, focusing on individual needs and crafting personalized treatment plans.

Our team of depression treatment specialists comprises esteemed doctors including neurologists, neurosurgeons, psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists.
The team is led by the best neurologist in India, Dr Paresh K Doshi. Their expertise, combined with their genuine empathy, ensures that you receive world-class care and support during your treatment at Jaslok Hospital.