Everyone feels sad from time-to-time, but if your down mood is affecting the quality of your life or interfering with your daily routine, it could be a symptom of depression. At Dr. Sambunaris & Associates in Alpharetta, Georgia, psychiatrist Angelo Sambunaris, MD, regularly diagnoses and treats men and women with depression. To learn more about relieving depression through advanced pharmacology or wellness, call or use the online booking tool to make an appointment today.
Depression is a serious mood disorder that affects the way you think, feel, and act. Scientists and researchers aren’t entirely sure what causes depression, but it’s thought to be a combination of things that include:
Situations also contribute to depression. For example, an athlete who suffers a season-ending injury can become depressed.
Depression affects everyone differently, but the telltale symptoms to watch out for include:
The symptoms of depression vary and range from mild to severe. In extreme instances, patients experience suicidal thoughts.
Anyone who experiences these kinds of feelings for two or more weeks should seek professional medical help.
Depression is also associated with other issues, including anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and attention deficit disorder (ADD) — things that increase the challenge of treatment.
Dr. Sambunaris knows that depression affects every aspect of your health, including your sex drive, energy levels, and sleep patterns. Following a thorough exam, a review of your medical history, and a discussion about your symptoms, he develops a treatment plan to relieve your symptoms and improve the quality of your life.
Dr. Sambunaris offers a variety of treatments of depression, including neuropharmacology, ketamine therapy, healthy lifestyle changes, and counseling.
Ketamine is an FDA-approved anesthetic that’s also used to treat depression. Unlike many traditional antidepressants, ketamine works almost differently. Many men and women see an improvement in their symptoms within the first week of treatment.
Dr. Sambunaris and his team also use a holistic, alternative approach to treat symptoms of depression. After a one-on-one consultation and evaluation of your medical history, Dr. Sambunaris will recommend an exercise program and/or diet plan that encourages mental clarity and overall well-being.
Sometimes, exercise, improved nutrition, and ketamine therapy aren’t enough to improve a patient’s quality of life. If alternative methods of care aren’t able to improve your symptoms, Dr. Sambunaris will refer you to a counselor for talk therapy.
Living with depression isn’t easy, but studies show 80% of individuals who seek treatment see an improvement in the quality of their lives. Call or use the online booking tool to request an appointment at Dr. Sambunaris & Associates today.