Depression

Depression services offered in Vienna, Fairfax, and Sterling, VA

Approximately 14.8 million men and women in the United States suffer from major depressive disorder (roughly 30%). Our team at Inspire Behavioral Health offers evidence-based treatments for depression, including medication management and psychotherapy, to help decrease symptoms of depression and help individuals  regain control of their lives. To learn more about treatment for depression, or to schedule a confidential consultation, call us today or make an appointment online. 

What causes depression?

Depression, also known as major depressive disorder, is a mental health condition characterized by overwhelming feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, sadness, or other negative emotions that occur for most of the day, on a daily basis, and do not go away after two weeks. Depression can interfere with  job performance and an individual’s personal life and may cause physical symptoms like headaches, backaches, or digestive issues.

There usually is not a single cause of depression. Instead, a combination of life circumstances, brain chemistry, physical health, and other factors can lead to the development of major depressive disorder.

Individuals who have experienced the following may be at an increased risk for depression:

• Substance abuse
• Economic hardship
• Another mental health disorder
• Chronic pain
• Chronic or severe illness

Genetics may also contribute to  risk for depression, as well as brain biochemistry (lower levels of certain neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine have been associated with increased risk for depression). Women are more likely than men to experience depression, as are younger adults. . Depression affects people of all ethnicities and socioeconomic backgrounds and can occur at any time in someone’s life.

What are the symptoms of depression?

Symptoms of depression can vary from mild to severe and may not always present the same for each person.  

Some of the most common  symptoms of depression include:

• Feeling sad, hopeless, or worthless
• Loss of interest in once pleasurable activities
• Significant weight loss or weight gain or change in appetite
• Sleep disturbances
• Agitation, irritability, or restlessness
• Feeling excessively guilty
• Fatigue or lack of energy
• Difficulty concentrating
• Trouble making decisions

Depression may also cause thoughts of suicide or death, suicidal ideation, or suicide attempts. Individuals may also have  recurrent thoughts of self-harm.

How is depression treated?

At Inspire Behavioral Health, our team designs personalized treatment plans to reduce the symptoms of depression so individuals can regain their ability to take pleasure in daily life and relationships.

Depression is commonly treated using a combination of antidepressant medication and psychotherapy and many individuals see significant improvement in symptoms through these treatment options.

While medication can be effective for many people, some individuals do not respond to medication or cannot tolerate the associated side effects. In these instances, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) can be a safe and effective  alternative to medication. It is FDA-approved to treat major depressive disorder and is particularly helpful for treatment-resistant depression. Alternatively, Spravato (Esketamine nasal spray) can also be helpful for those with treatment-resistant depression.

In order to ensure that clients are prescribed the best medication for their individual needs, Inspire Behavioral Health also offers genetic testing. This helps our team identify which medications are likely to be the most effective based on an individual’s genetic make-up, thus allowing us to optimize medication types and dosages.

If you’re suffering from depression, don’t wait to schedule a consultation. Call Inspire Behavioral Health today, or make an appointment online.

Inspire Behavioral Health offers genetic testing, which helps Dr. Goyal and the team provide the best possible treatment for your unique needs. Spravato (Esketamine nasal spray) therapy, a fast-acting treatment for depression, is also available.

At Inspire Behavioral Health we offer services such as MEDICATION MANAGEMENT, PSYCHOTHERAPY, ADHD TESTING, TMS, SPRAVATO, PRIMARY CARE, MEDICAL WEIGHT LOSS, PSYCHIATRIC GENETIC TESTING plus treatments for ADHD, ANXIETY, DEPRESSION, TRAUMA, BIPOLAR and PANIC DISORDER.