Clinical Depression is a serious yet common mental health condition that can have both genetic and environmental contributing factors. People suffering from it must experience depressive symptoms near daily for at least two weeks in order to meet diagnostic criteria. Most of the patients who come to Dr. Raul J. Rodriguez have struggled with major depression for years, sometimes even decades. The condition can vary widely in degree of severity, but is almost always disruptive, affecting how the depressed person thinks, acts, and manages daily activities. There is a distinct difference between true clinical depression and simply feeling down, and if you have been experiencing chronic depressed feelings, it is important that you seek help from a mental health professional. Treatment may be as simple as getting on the right regimen of medications, talking to a counselor, or participating in one of our short term outpatient depression treatments.
There a multiple forms of depression, such as dysthymia, seasonal affective disorder, postpartum depression, even bipolar depression, all of which have differing symptoms and causes. Some of the signs and symptoms that can occur with all different types include:
Depression is not uncommon and is estimated to affect millions of Americans, from adolescents up to older adults. For those battling with the disorder, their quality of life is often compromised, and they are unable to carry out basic day-to-day functions. The good news for most individuals is that their condition is very treatable with the proper medical care and clinical help. Even for those that have been non-responsive to conventional treatments, there are newer forms of innovative therapies now available specifically for people with TRD (treatment-resistant depression).
Raul J. Rodriguez, MD, DABPN, DABAM, MRO has been treating depression in the Boca Raton area for over 20 years, and is considered one of the preeminent authorities in South Florida on severe, treatment-resistant forms of depressive disorders. At his office in East Boca, Dr. Rodriguez provides comprehensive psychiatric evaluations that review previous treatment history and current symptomology in order to determine the best course of treatment for you. Whether this is your first time seeking help, or its something you’ve struggled with your entire life, Dr. Rodriguez can guide you to the proper treatment option that best fits you.