Depressão: sintomas, causas e tratamento em Lisboa

DEPRESSION - Treatment in Lisbon

Specialised assessment and advanced treatment for Depression in Lisbon

WHAT IS DEPRESSION?

Avaliação psiquiátrica e neuromodulação da depressão — NeuroPsyque Lisboa

Much more than a passing sadness

Depression is a complex mental and neurobiological disorder that affects the way a person feels, thinks and acts. It results from an interaction between genetic, biological, environmental and psychological factors. It is not a sign of weakness, but a complex clinical condition with the capacity to alter the entire brain structure, which requires careful treatment.

Most common manifestations

  • Emotional Symptoms
    Persistent sadness, apathy, a feeling of emptiness and loss of interest or pleasure (anhedonia).
  • Cognitive symptoms
    Difficulty concentrating, constant thoughts of guilt, loss of hope (pessimism) and a complete lack of motivation or ability to make day-to-day decisions.
  • Physical symptoms
    Extreme fatigue, lack of energy, unexplained pain and significant changes in weight or appetite.
  • Sleep disturbance
    Persistent insomnia or, on the contrary, hypersomnia (too much sleep and difficulty getting out of bed).

MAIN TYPES OF DEPRESSION

Major Depression

Intense episodes of deep sadness, apathy and loss of function, deeply interfering with work, sleep and eating.

Acute / Severe

Dysthymia (Persistent Depressive Disorder)

A form of chronic depression, mild to moderate in intensity, which can last for years or decades, causing a constant feeling of despondency.

Chronicle

Perinatal and Postpartum Depression

It occurs during pregnancy or after the birth of the baby, encompassing symptoms of deep exhaustion, sadness and severe anxiety.

Situational / Hormonal

Treatment-Resistant Depression

When depression does not respond satisfactorily to multiple attempts with antidepressant drugs, requiring more muscular interventions.

Refractory
Estudo do cérebro e desequilíbrio de neurotransmissores na depressão

The spectrum also includes seasonal depression and depressive episodes associated with Bipolar Disorder.

EFFECTIVENESS IN TREATMENT
DEPRESSION

Solid clinical results with advanced neuromodulation protocols and multidisciplinary intervention

>50%
of patients with resistant depression respond to transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS)
greater likelihood of response or remission with rTMS compared to passive treatments (meta-analyses on TRD)
greater efficacy when integrating psychiatry, neuromodulation and psychotherapy (OR 3.3 in controlled trials)
60%
achieve complete remission with optimised multimodal treatment (psychopharmacology + psychotherapy)

* Data aligned with international clinical guidelines for the treatment of depression. Individual results may vary.

Sources: clinical data, Berlin MT et al. (2014), Psychol Med - meta-analysis of rTMS in TRD (24 studies, 1092 patients; PubMed PMID 24058976); Rimer J et al. (2012), Cochrane Library - rTMS for depression; NIH/PubMed - Trivedi MH et al, STAR*D: remission with combined multimodal treatment.

TECHNOLOGY AND THE THERAPEUTIC ENVIRONMENT

Neuroimagem na depressão
Estimulação Magnética Transcraniana
tDCS no tratamento da depressão
Abordagens Complementares
tDCS - Estimulação Eléctrica Transcraniana
qEEG Mapeamento Cerebral
Clínica Lisboa
Ondas Cerebrais
Fisiologia
Sala de Tratamento
Espaço Bem-Estar

THE IMPORTANCE OF SEEKING HELP

Depression is a treatable illness, but stigma and isolation often delay diagnosis. A specialised psychiatric assessment is vital to determine the severity of the condition, understand how you really feel, identify any comorbidities (such as anxiety) and establish a therapeutic plan that goes beyond simple medication, acting on the neurobiological and psychological roots of the problem.

💡 Early intervention is the key. The longer depression remains untreated, the greater the risk of it becoming treatment-resistant and chronic.

At NeuroPsyque, we offer an approach that is centred on the person and never closed in on the symptoms they present. We combine psychotherapy and pharmacology with the most advanced neuromodulation technology (such as Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation - TMS), internationally approved for resistant depression. Our aim is for you to regain not only functionality, but the genuine desire to wake up every day and enjoy your time.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ's about Depression

What is the difference between normal sadness and depression?
Sadness is an emotion, a natural reaction to difficult events, and is usually short-lived. Depression is a persistent and generalised state of depressed mood and apathy, lasting at least two weeks, accompanied by physical and cognitive symptoms that prevent the person from functioning normally on a daily basis. Depression is characterised by a lack of interest and motivation. Former sources of inspiration or energy cease to be.
Can depression be cured?
Yes, depression is highly treatable. Most patients, when monitored correctly and in a multidisciplinary manner, manage to achieve total remission of symptoms. In some more chronic (persistent) cases, the goal is strict control to prevent relapses and ensure a good quality of life.
Does neuromodulation (EMT) help with resistant depression?
A Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (EMT/TMS) is currently one of the most effective and internationally recommended treatments for Resistant Depression. It works by reactivating specific areas of the brain responsible for mood regulation that are "dormant", without the adverse and unwanted systemic side effects of medication.
What should I expect at the first appointment?
The initial consultation consists of an in-depth clinical assessment, where the psychiatrist will understand your life history, the severity of your current symptoms, the treatments you have already undergone, if any, and screen for other medical illnesses. The therapeutic plan will be based on these pillars.
Will I have to take antidepressants for the rest of my life?
In most cases, medication is temporary (usually maintained for a few months after improvement to avoid relapse) and then gradually reduced under supervision. For recurrent depression, maintenance treatment can be longer. Weaning should never be done abruptly or without medical advice.
How does psychotherapy work in depression?
A Psychotherapy acts on the mind. It enables cognitive restructuring by breaking cycles of negative and self-destructive thoughts. It offers strategies for emotional regulation and problem-solving, which promotes behavioural changes that activate the person and help them to recover their purpose in life.
Do I need a medical referral to book an appointment at NeuroPsyque?
No, no prior referral is necessary. If you feel you may be suffering from depression, you can contact us directly to book an assessment appointment, in the speciality of Psychiatry. Contact us..