About Major Depressive Disorder

Major Depressive Disorder is a serious condition marked by a low mood and low self-esteem and an inability to find interest or pleasure from normally enjoyed activities. 

Major Depressive Disorder can be so severe as to be disabling, affecting all areas of life negatively.  The diagnosis of major depression is primarily based on the patient’s self-reported experiences, or behavior reported by relatives or friends, and a mental status evaluation. Though depression is not diagnosed by medical testing, it is not common for a treating doctor to request tests to reveal physical conditions that may be the cause of the symptoms of depression.  As with other disorders, if depressive disorder is not detected and treated in its early stages, the result may be a slower recovery which can also affect or worsen the person’s physical health.

Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder typically involves the use of antidepressant medication and, in many cases, psychotherapy or counseling.  Many question the effectiveness of medication for mild or moderate cases.  In situations that involve extreme self neglect or a high risk of harm to self or others, hospitalization may be necessary.  Though not common today, a minority may receive electro-convulsive therapy (ECT), under general anesthetic.  Because major depressive episodes can last weeks or even months, the course of treatment tends to be lengthy.  In general depressed individuals have shorter life expectancies, and face a higher risk of serious medical illnesses or suicide.

Though teenagers are not frequently diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder, when it does arise in adolescents early treatment is critical.  Parents may see symptoms that appear to be more irritability than depression, but these can arise from the same root cause.  Depressive tendencies are especially dangerous to teens, as they are often more prone to suicidal thoughts and attempts than adults.

Not all therapeutic boarding schools and therapeutic residential programs for teenagers are alike! Treatments vary greatly. We can provide you with free information about the ones that would be perfect for your budget, designed to help your child with Major Depressive Disorder

We’re a free placement assistance service. We talk to hundreds of parents daily, matching them up with therapeutic boarding schools that can best help their teenager. We visit these therapeutic programs and we know the people there. We also get regular reports from parents who have enrolled their child in these programs, so we are in a unique position to provide you with that feedback.

There is never a fee for our complimentary service and our help does not affect any therapeutic program’s tuition. Just fill in the inquiry form on this site or call (888) 940-6278 (we answer calls 24/7) and we’ll provide the best possible options for your child, including everything you need to know about the various therapeutic residential programs and their costs.