Depression

OPA Behavioral Health

Psychiatrists located in Orlando, FL, Kissimmee FL, Lake Mary, FL, Ocoee, FL, & Lakeland, FL

Depression is a serious mental health condition that affects how you think, feel, and behave, and it affects nearly 8% of Americans ages 12 and up. When you’re struggling with depression, you may find it hard to imagine feeling better. But depression is treatable, even if your symptoms are severe. The experienced and compassionate team at OPA Behavioral Health specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of depression in people of all ages. To schedule an appointment, contact one of the offices in Lake Mary, Kissimmee, Ocoee, Lakeland, or Orlando, Florida, by phone or book online today.

Depression Q & A

What is depression?

Depression, also called major depression and clinical depression, is a common, but serious mood disorder. Depression symptoms are severe and interfere with how you feel and think, and may affect your daily routine and relationships.

There are many types of depression that develop under many circumstances and may cause different symptoms.

Some types of depression include:

Postpartum depression
Pervasive depressive disorder
Seasonal affective disorder
Psychotic depression

Bipolar disorder is also considered a type of depression because it causes mood swings that fluctuate between episodes of elation (mania) and depression.

What are the symptoms of depression?

Depression causes a range of symptoms. Common symptoms include:

Feelings of hopelessness or despair
Persistent sadness
Emptiness
Irritability
Anxiety
Guilt
Fatigue
Change in appetite
Weight loss or weight gain
Body aches and pains
Thoughts of death or suicide

You don’t have to experience all of the symptoms to suffer from depression.

How is depression diagnosed?

The team of psychiatrists at OPA Behavioral Health takes an integrative approach to care and conducts comprehensive psychiatric evaluations to diagnose depression. During your evaluation, the team asks detailed questions about your symptoms, mental health history, and medical and family history.

The team may also conduct psychiatric testing to further evaluate your mental and emotional health. If lab work hasn’t been done already, the psychiatrists may request tests to rule out an underlying medical condition that might explain your symptoms.

To be diagnosed with depression, you must be experiencing symptoms of depression daily for two or more weeks.

How is depression treated?

The experienced psychiatrists develop individualized treatment plans for depression based on age, severity of symptoms, and overall physical and mental health needs. Your treatment plan may include counseling and medication.

To help patients of all ages, OPA Behavioral Health offers both individual and family treatment plans for the management of depression.

For adults with treatment-resistant depression, the doctors offer transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). This noninvasive procedure stimulates the areas of your brain responsible for your mood and may help alleviate symptoms. The team only recommends TMS for depression if you’ve failed to get relief from your depression symptoms using medication and therapy.

For comprehensive care for your depression, call OPA Behavioral Health or request an appointment online today.