Depression Specialist

What is depression?

Clinically referred to as major depression, depression is a serious mental health condition that has a negative impact on your feelings, thoughts, and actions. Depression is different than normal emotion of sadness or grief.  Fortunately, with professional treatment and support, depression is manageable.

While many factors contribute to depression, medical researchers and psychiatrists understand that imbalances in your brain chemistry add to your depressed mood and interfere with your thoughts and behaviors. Other factors that contribute to depression include your hormones and family medical history. While life stressors can contribute to depression, you can get depression without any stressors in life.

What are the symptoms of depression?

Depression causes a wide range of symptoms that can severely impact your well-being and overall quality of life. Some of the most common signs of the condition include:

• Depressed or irritable mood
• Loss of interest and pleasure in previously enjoyed activities
• Feeling hopeless, worthless, or guilty
• Difficulty in concentrating
• Problems thinking and making decisions
• Changes in appetite
• Sleeping too much or too little
• Fatigue and lack of energy
• Thoughts of death and suicide

How is depression treated?

At Allied Psychiatry & Mental Health, the initial evaluation process begins with a thorough assessment by Dr. Estakhri. He talks to you about your current symptoms and lifestyle as well as your personal and family medical history. During this time he identifies if you meet the criteria for a major depression.  

If a diagnosis of depression is made, Dr. Estakhri discusses evidence-based treatment options with you. In collaboration with you, he creates a customized treatment plan to relieve your symptoms and restore your quality of life. If necessary, Dr. Estakhri prescribes medication to regulate your brain chemistry and your mood. As your depression symptoms subside, you have more mental clarity and space to focus on exploring and resolving any underlying issues that contribute to your depression in therapy.

If you’re concerned about depression, call Allied Psychiatry & Mental Health or make an appointment online today.