Treating Depression

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) also known as Depression can range in severity from mild to extreme. Depending on the severity and type, a number of treatment methods can be implemented.

I use Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as well as Coordination of Care with other providers (as needed) to achieve the best results. Once differential diagnosis has screened out other possible diagnoses, and confounding medical conditions have also been addressed (such as hypothyroidism), then a treatment plan can be established. Systems-focused analysis include assessment of the patient’s habits, environmental considerations, symptom cycles, and any other aspect of the patient’s life that could be important.

Once these things are known then we develop a mutually agreed-upon Depression Treatment plan that could include, but not be limited to, the following: Cognitive processing of past events, if the depression is of the reactive type; Use of light therapy if the depression is the Seasonal Type; Modification of activity level; diet changes, if appropriate; Integration of Family Relationship Therapy, if called for; coordination of care with the patient’s PCP for medication management, if needed; Additional coordination services, when necessary.