Depression Treatment

Depression Treatment

According to the Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), depression affects one in every 10 Americans.  And while the CDC’s data on depression shows that citizens residing in the Commonwealth of Virginia fall slightly below the national average, many children, adolescents and adults in our area suffer from depressive disorders.

While the exact cause(s) of depression is not entirely known, research has identified a number of factors that are believed to contribute to the development of formal depression including:  genetics and biology, early life and family of origin struggles and conflicts, abuse and/or neglect, death and loss, severe physical illness and pain, substance abuse and alcoholism, and major life events (e.g., divorce, moving, bullying, financial struggles).  Moreover, those suffering from depression experience higher rates of anxiety, substance abuse, alcoholism and health or medical and mental health conditions, as well as a host of other problems including work absenteeism and relationship struggles.  Severe depression, if left untreated, can become very dangerous for the depressed individual and those in his or her life, at times leading to delusional thinking and great unsafety (e.g., suicide).

We have all experienced the occasional emotional blues, but a depressive disorder is diagnosed when the symptoms altogether negatively impact one’s life in very significant ways socially, emotionally and behaviorally.

The main depressive disorders are:

Major Depressive Disorder
Dysthymic Disorder
Postpartum Depression
Situational Depression
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Bipolar Disorder

Research has shown that cognitive-Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Interpersonal Therapy (IT) are considered to be the most effective therapies in treating depression.  Depending on one’s circumstances and needs, family therapy or couple’s therapy may also prove to be helpful in reducing depressive symptomatology and bringing about improved personal wellbeing.  Mental health research studies have also repeatedly shown psychiatric medication to be very successful in the treatment of depression, especially for severe range depression.  Many mental health professionals agree that a combination of medication and therapy together brings about the most meaningful and lasting changes for depression.

The doctors and clinicians who practice at Ashburn Psychological and Psychiatric Services successfully assess and treat depression.  If you are depressed and are in need of assistance, we invite you to call us at: (703) 723-2999 to schedule a consultation.  Good assessment informs and directs good care and treatment, and while depressive symptoms may look alike across individuals, mature and well-trained doctors and clinicians know that each individual and situation is unique.  To learn more about the doctors and clinicians that practice at Ashburn Psychological and Psychiatric Services we also invite you to visit the professional biographies located on our website.