Depression Medication Management

Types of Depression

Major Depression

Characterized by an all-consuming dark mood and a loss of interest in activities, major depressive disorder (MDD) symptoms include trouble sleeping, loss of appetite, changes in weight, low energy, and a general feeling of despair.

Persistent Depressive Disorder

A low mood that lasts for at least 2 years but doesn’t match the intensity of major depression indicates a persistent depressive disorder. Many people with this type of depression can function day to day but feel low or joyless much of the time.

Bipolar Depression

Part of bipolar disorder, this condition involves episodes of extremely low moods that meet the criteria for major depression. People diagnosed with bipolar disorder also go through periods of unusually high energy or activity, which can appear to be the opposite of depression symptoms.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

This type of depression emerges as days get shorter in the fall and winter. The mood change may result from alterations in the body’s natural daily rhythms, the eyes’ sensitivity to light, or how chemical messengers like serotonin and melatonin function. 

Symptoms of Depression

The range of depression symptoms is extensive, and your experience may be very different from someone else’s. Additionally, the severity of the symptoms can vary from person to person. You may be diagnosed with depression if you exhibit 5 or more of these symptoms:

• Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood
• Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
• Irritability
• Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities
• Decreased energy or fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
• Sleep disturbances (insomnia or oversleeping)
• Appetite and weight changes
• Thoughts of death or suicide

In addition to these symptoms, depression can also be accompanied by physical aches or pains caused by stressful feelings.

Medications for Depression at Washington Nutrition & Counseling Group

At Washington Nutrition and Counseling Group, our psychiatric specialists prescribe evidence-based medications to help you feel better. Our providers work closely with you to find the right medication plan and adjust it as needed for the best results. Experiencing depression without knowing why can also lead to anxiety.  

Depression medications we prescribe:

Because everyone responds differently to medication, we’ll monitor your progress closely and make adjustments as needed to reduce side effects and optimize results.

Therapy Treatments for Depression at Washington Nutrition & Counseling Group

Depression is treatable, and many effective options are available. Psychological treatment can help relieve depression symptoms and lower the risk of becoming depressed again by helping you more effectively deal with negative thoughts or challenges. 

Treatment options include:

What Causes Depression?

Stressful or sad events can trigger depression. These typically include the death of a loved one, the loss of a job, or the end of a relationship. Grieving these events is normal, but feelings that linger for more than a few weeks can be a sign of depression. A mental health professional can give you the tools to work through your feelings. 

Biological factors 

Brain chemistry imbalances or hormonal changes may be responsible for depression when there is no apparent cause. It’s unclear to researchers why these imbalances occur, but certain medications can effectively treat the condition. 

Psychological factors 

Low self-esteem, negative thought patterns, and certain personality traits may increase vulnerability to depression. 

Medical conditions 

Certain untreated illnesses, such as thyroid or autoimmune diseases, can increase the risk of developing depression. 

How We Can Help

Our experienced providers offer depression medication management for children, teens, and adults. We serve clients at our offices in Washington, DC, Alexandria and Ashburn, VA, and Rockville, MD, and also offer virtual appointments using secure telehealth services. All services are covered by insurance, making quality mental health care more accessible than ever.

Personalized Treatment

Our goal is to make getting help for depression as comfortable and convenient as possible. Whether you prefer in-person visits or telehealth, you’ll receive the same level of attentive, personalized care. We can also coordinate with our in-house therapists and nutrition experts, offering a comprehensive approach when needed. 

Whether you’re experiencing persistent low moods, fatigue, loss of interest, or difficulty concentrating, we’re here to help you feel better, step by step.