Depression

Understanding Depression

We have neurotransmitters in our brain that carry signals from one nerve to the next. The three types of neurotransmitters: Serotonin, Nor epinephrine, and Dopamine.

People with low Serotonin levels can exhibit specific symptoms such as anger out of proportion to a given situation, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and anxiety and/or panic.

People with low Norepinephrine levels may experience extreme fatigue and chronic pain.

People with low Dopamine levels may exhibit more addictive type behaviors (alcoholism, smoking, caffeine, extreme sports, etc).

Medication is used to treat specific symptoms of depression, depending on the chemcial that is low in your body.

How Long Do I Need to Take Medication?

It is really important to stick with a medication that is working for about 8 months. Why 8 months? Studies have shown that people who bail on a treatment plan before 8 months have a 65% chance of relapsing. At the end of the 8 months, we can slowly ween you off the medication and see how you're feeling. At the end of that 8 months if we ween you off the medication and you do relapse, you should likely stay on that medication long term.