Care for Major Depressive Disorder

Many people experience brief periods of feeling “down” or “blue” during their lives, but these normal, short-lived emotional states are different from clinical depression. Feelings of sadness or losing interest in activities happen to many individuals without meeting the criteria for a diagnosable depressive disorder. What sets clinical depression apart is the severity, persistence, and the significant negative impact these symptoms have on daily life.

Unlike occasional sadness, clinical depressive disorders are longer-lasting, more intense, and can disrupt a person’s work, relationships, physical health, and overall functioning. When these symptoms interfere to such a degree, consulting with mental health professionals—especially major depressive disorder specialists—can be a critical step toward recovery.

What Are The Symptoms of Depression?

The core symptoms of depression include: 1) feeling depressed most of the day, nearly every day, or 2) losing interest or pleasure in almost all activities for most of the day, nearly every day. Additional symptoms often include:

• Noticeable weight changes or appetite fluctuations
• Sleep disturbances, such as insomnia or excessive sleeping (hypersomnia)
• Slowed physical movements or speech
• Persistent fatigue or low energy
• Feelings of worthlessness, excessive guilt, or shame
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Recurrent thoughts of death, suicide, or self-harm

If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, immediate help is available by calling 988 or visiting the nearest emergency room.

Types of Depression & Depressive Disorders

• Major Depressive Disorder: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), commonly called major depression, is diagnosed when an individual experiences a depressed mood and/or loss of interest in nearly all activities for at least two weeks. Symptoms also include disruptions in sleep, energy, concentration, self-worth, or suicidal thoughts, significantly impacting daily life. Major depressive disorder specialists emphasize that these symptoms must interfere with functioning to qualify for diagnosis and treatment.
• Persistent Depressive Disorder: Also known as dysthymia, Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD) is a more chronic, less severe form of depression lasting at least two years. Symptoms include low mood, appetite and sleep changes, low energy, low self-esteem, concentration difficulties, and feelings of hopelessness—all of which impair daily life.
• Postpartum Depression: Peri-partum or postpartum depression affects individuals during pregnancy or shortly after childbirth, with symptoms of major depression that go beyond the typical “baby blues,” including profound mood disruption and loss of interest in usual activities.
• Seasonal Affective Disorder: Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) involves depressive episodes tied to seasonal changes, often worsening in fall and winter and improving in spring and summer.
• Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder: PMDD is a severe form of PMS marked by intense mood swings, irritability, depression, and anxiety, which improve after menstruation begins.
• Perimenopausal Depression: Some individuals experience depression during perimenopause, especially those with prior depression history, which may require assessment by mental health professionals.
• Depression in Children: Depression is often underdiagnosed in children and adolescents, who may struggle to express their feelings clearly. Early evaluation by major depressive disorder specialists can help identify and treat mood disorders in youth, improving long-term outcomes.

How Does Fine Tune Psychiatry Treat Depression?

Your First Visit for Depression

During your initial visit, major depressive disorder specialists at Fine Tune Psychiatry will review your symptoms, mental health and medical history, and personal goals to provide an accurate diagnosis. Based on this evaluation, they will recommend an individualized treatment plan—which may include medication, therapy, or a combination of both.

Therapy

Our clinicians can incorporate psychotherapy into their sessions as needed. This includes using Supportive therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Exposure Therapy and Accountability for healthy behaviors and routines (diet, exercise, and avoidance of problematic behaviors).

If a patient requires more intensive or focused therapy, our psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners will make recommendations for psychologists and therapists in your area, and will collaborate with them to provide coordinated care.

Medication Management

For moderate to severe depression, combining medication with therapy often delivers the best outcomes. Major depressive disorder specialists carefully select medications like SSRIs, SNRIs, and others. This will tailored to each patient’s history and needs, monitoring progress regularly.

Choosing a Depression Treatment Provider

Finding the right specialist is essential. Consider asking your primary doctor for referrals to major depressive disorder specialists, contacting local hospitals, checking with your insurance provider, or seeking recommendations from trusted sources. National mental health resources are also available to help guide your search.

Start Your Depression Treatment with Fine Tune Psychiatry Today

• Most appointments are available within 2 to 3 weeks.
• Skilled specialists trained at top medical centers such as Johns Hopkins Hospital, University of Pennsylvania, and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP).
• Many clinicians are active in academia, serving as educators and authors in respected peer-reviewed medical journals.
• Holistic, comprehensive care that addresses the whole person rather than focusing solely on a single diagnosis.
• Collaboration and communication with your existing psychologists and healthcare providers to ensure coordinated treatment.
• Most major Insurance plans accepted.
• Initial appointments lasting 60 minutes and 20 to 30 minute follow-up sessions.