A Word From The Author

Tanveer A. Padder

As the medical director of multiple busy mental health clinics and having worked with thousands of patients amidst a variety of challenging circumstances, I have seen and experienced first-hand the profound difficulties clinicians face in day-to-day use of psychopharmacology. Clinicians often waste too much time needlessly scouring through endless books, journals, and websites attempting to gather all relevant prescribing information—time that could be better spent with patients. In a dynamic field where finding the latest and most accurate information in the quickest amount of time delivers the best patient care, I have carefully constructed this guide to provide clinicians with a comprehensive, easy-to-use, time-saving tool that will revolutionize their practice.

About The Author

Tanveer A. Padder, M.D. is an award-winning psychiatrist certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and American Board of Addiction Medicine and holds additional certification from the American Board of Clinical Psychopharmacology.
He is the author of amazon’s bestseller book in psychopharmacology, “Practical Guide to Psychiatric Medications.”
He is a leading expert in psychopharmacology and has been awarded a Master Psycho-pharmacologist certification by Dr Stahl’s Neuroscience Education Institute.
A highly sought-after psychiatrist, Dr Padder is an expert in Bipolar, Major Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Addiction, ADHD, Panic attacks, schizophrenia, and others.
Dr Padder is currently the chairman of psychiatry & medical director of Time organization in Maryland, where he is actively involved in treating complex patient populations.
He is passionate about teaching and mentors nurse Practioner, medical students, interns, and residents.
He is involved in some cutting-edge psychiatry research which is going to find a cure for various mental health conditions like Depression, PTSD, Bipolar disorder and others.
His compassionate approach to serving mental health patients has garnered him numerous local and national awards, including America’s Top Psychiatrists, by the Consumer Federation of America,0Healthgrades Patients’ Choice Award, -Compassionate Doctor Recognition, Top Doctor Award Maryland, Leading physicians of the world, Health Grades Honor Roll,& Many more
He authored Organized Wisdom Bipolar 101 & 102, which answers the most frequently asked questions about bipolar disorder and has published extensively in national and international medical and psychiatric journals.
Dr Padder has distinguished himself as a very talented psychiatrist, evidenced by his impressive track record, excellent clinical skills, and superb academic achievements.
In his own words, he believes his most significant achievements are “the smiles I have been able to bring, the difference I have been able to make, and the comfort I have been able to provide to the lives of people who have little or no voice and are suffering silently.

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

Major Depressive Disorder

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

Introduction

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), commonly known as depression, is a mental health condition that affects how you feel, think, and handle daily activities. It is not just sadness or a temporary “low mood.” Depression can interfere with your ability to work, sleep, eat, and enjoy life.

Incidence

Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions worldwide, affecting around 5% of the adult population each year. It can occur in anyone but is more frequent in women and those with a family history of depression.

Symptoms

Symptoms of MDD may include:

Persistent sadness or low mood most of the day.
Loss of interest or pleasure in activities you once enjoyed.
Changes in appetite or weight (eating too much or too little).
Trouble sleeping (insomnia) or sleeping too much (hypersomnia).
Fatigue or lack of energy.
Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or hopelessness.
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions.
Physical symptoms such as headaches or stomachaches.
Thoughts of death or suicide.

These symptoms usually last two weeks or more and significantly affect your daily life.

Treatment

MDD is treatable with a combination of the following approaches:

Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps you identify and change negative thought patterns.
- Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): Focuses on improving personal relationships and coping skills.
Medications
- Antidepressants: Such as SSRIs (e.g., fluoxetine, sertraline), SNRIs (e.g., venlafaxine), or others like bupropion or mirtazapine.
- Medications can take 4–6 weeks to show full effects.
Lifestyle Changes
- Regular exercise.
- Balanced diet.
- Good sleep hygiene.
- Stress management techniques.
Other Options (if needed)
- Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT): For severe or treatment-resistant depression.
- TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation): A non-invasive brain stimulation therapy.
- Ketamine or Esketamine (Spravato): For rapid relief in severe cases.