Depression Treatment
Depression Treatment in North Carolina

Guiding You on Your Path to Wellness

At Apogee Behavioral Medicine, depression treatment is built around you. Whether you are searching for depression treatment near you or a depression psychiatrist who can help when other treatments have fallen short, our team is here to help you feel like yourself again.

What is Depression?

Depression is a mood disorder that may range from mild to severe. Its symptoms affect how a person feels, thinks, and handles daily activities. Its physical component is a chemical imbalance in the brain whereby a patient cannot regulate their mood, but its root may also include genetic vulnerability and stressful life events.

Similar to other mood disorders we treat at Apogee Behavioral Medicine, like anxiety, there are different types that are differentiated by the severity of the symptoms and associated life circumstances. These include major depression, persistent depressive disorder, seasonal affective disorder, and depression with symptoms of psychosis. Depression can also occur as part of bipolar disorder.

Treating Depression: A Provider’s Perspective

“Depression is a condition that affects many lives. Anyone can suffer from depressive episodes during their life. These episodes can be recurring or prolonged, and affect not just the patient, but their friends and family as well. It’s important, when treating depression, to recognize the importance of a balanced approach that includes prevention, active treatment and maintenance.” – Dennis M. Klein, D.O.

Who Can Treat Depression

Depression can be treated by a Physician, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant, Psychologist, and other mental health professionals. Specialized treatment with therapy, medications, and/or Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) may require a coordinated team effort. Apogee Behavioral Medicine has same-day appointments available. If you or someone you love is suffering from depression, please contact us today.

Signs and Symptoms of Depression

Signs and symptoms of depression can be emotional and physical. Emotional symptoms include a persistent sad or empty mood, pessimism, restlessness, guilt, worthlessness, loss of interest in hobbies, difficulty concentrating, and thoughts of death. Physical symptoms can include fatigue, difficulty concentrating or making decisions, oversleeping or difficulty sleeping, changes in weight and appetite, and persistent physical pain. The degree to which a patient experiences these symptoms helps inform their providers of the appropriate treatment plan.

Everyone experiences their own form of depression and not everyone has all the benchmarks or what might be considered “typical” symptoms. Symptoms of depression can interfere severely with day-to-day life and changes in mood have consequences that compound the depression such as failed relationships and professional failures.

Risk Factors for Depression

When you are suffering or a loved one is suffering from depression or has suffered from depression, it is natural to look for answers from the environment to genetics, to past or present trauma experiences. Below are a few commonly recognized risk factors underlying depression.

Genetics

There are genetic markers for depression that run in families.

Brain chemistry

The way your brain processes chemicals, including serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, can contribute to depression.

Environmental

Those who suffer from major or minor trauma, including abuse, neglect, and violence, are at higher risk of suffering from depression.

Who Is Depression Therapy For?

Depression therapy is for individuals whose emotional well-being or ability to manage everyday life is being affected by depression. You don’t need a formal diagnosis or severe symptoms to benefit from professional support. Whether you’re struggling with a recent life change, experiencing recurring periods of depression, or finding it increasingly difficult to keep up with daily responsibilities, therapy can provide a space to work through those challenges.

If symptoms persist for more than two weeks or begin interfering with your quality of life, consider seeking a professional evaluation. Early support can help prevent symptoms from becoming more disruptive and provide a path toward improved mental health.

Treatment Options for Depression

Treatment options for depression vary widely and include medication management, behavioral counseling and therapy, mindfulness, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), and Spravato® (esketamine) nasal spray. For many patients, treatment begins with medication that adjusts brain chemistry to help regulate mood. These medications are often effective and work best when paired with behavioral therapy and guidance on diet, exercise, and other lifestyle factors.

Depression has not always been treated as a serious illness, and research into its causes and treatment historically lagged behind other medical conditions. Recent breakthroughs have expanded the options available to patients, especially those whose symptoms have not improved with conventional treatment. TMS is a non-invasive treatment that is FDA-cleared for major depressive disorder in adults and adolescents ages 15 and older. Spravato® is an FDA-approved nasal spray for adults with treatment-resistant depression, administered in a certified healthcare setting under the supervision of a trained provider. Learn more about TMS for treating depression or contact us to find the right treatment plan for you.

Same Day Appointments Available

Apogee Behavioral Medicine offers same-day appointments and telepsychiatry. We are available when you need us most. Depression can appear suddenly or build slowly over time, and it is not always easy to recognize. We are here to help you make sense of these feelings and symptoms and provide support and relief.

Appointments

Find a Clinic for Depression Treatment

Apogee Behavioral Medicine offers depression treatment through a growing network of clinics, making it easier to access care close to home. Find a depression treatment center near you below, or ask about telepsychiatry if you would prefer to meet with a provider from home.

Find a Provider for Depression Today

Schedule an appointment with a provider near you today.

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FAQs about Depression

What causes depression?

Depression is much more complex than a chemical imbalance in the brain. While it is shown that those suffering do have an imbalance of mood-regulating chemicals in the brain, there are also genetic and life factors that can cause depressive episodes and depression. For these reasons, people experience depression very differently.

At Apogee Behavioral Medicine, we use various diagnostic tools, including behavioral assessment, genetic testing, and medical testing, to get a comprehensive view of a patient and determine the appropriate patient plan. Patients and loved ones need to understand that there are many more medical links to depression than previously thought. In some cases, patients may have vitamin deficiencies or hormonal imbalances that are easily corrected. Contact us to learn more.

Can a psychiatrist help treat depression?

When chemical imbalances exist in the brain and a patient or guardian wants to explore medical interventions and medication options, a psychiatrist is the appropriate doctor. We recommend a full evaluation and consultation to find the right team to treat each case.

Does Apogee Behavioral Medicine have depression doctors?

Apogee Behavioral Medicine has a team of trained psychologists, psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants to treat depression.

What type of doctor is good for depression?

Depending on your unique symptoms, either a psychologist or psychiatrist are the medical professionals who treat depression. At Apogee Behavioral Medicine, we have both who have expertise in a range of demographics.

Can you treat depression without medicine?

Depression can be treated without medicine. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation is one of the best non-medical treatments in the last decade and we see incredible results. This painless treatment addresses the chemical imbalances in the brain to help patients with mood regulation. It stimulates neurons in the brain using magnetic pulses that can reset areas of the brain and improve mood. Learn more about TMS therapy for depression here.

What is treatment-resistant depression?

Treatment-resistant depression occurs when symptoms of major depressive disorder do not improve adequately after trying at least two different antidepressant treatments at appropriate doses and durations. It can be frustrating for patients, but it does not mean depression cannot be treated. Additional options, including Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Spravato® (esketamine), may help individuals who have not responded to traditional treatments.

What are the different types of depression?

Depression can take several forms, each with different symptoms, patterns, and contributing factors. Common types include:

  • Major Depressive Disorder: Characterized by persistent depressive symptoms that interfere with daily life.
  • Persistent Depressive Disorder: A longer-lasting form of depression, with symptoms that may continue for two years or more.
  • Seasonal Affective Disorder: Depression associated with seasonal changes, often occurring during fall and winter.
  • Perinatal Depression: Depression that develops during pregnancy or after childbirth.
  • Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD): A severe form of premenstrual mood disturbance that can include depression, anxiety, and irritability.
  • Depression with Psychotic Features: A severe form of depression accompanied by symptoms such as hallucinations or delusions.

An accurate diagnosis is important because different forms of depression may require different treatment approaches.

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