Depression
Depression is more than sadness. It is a medical condition that affects mood, thinking, behavior, and daily functioning. Many people experience low energy, reduced motivation, and changes in sleep or appetite that interfere with work, relationships, and overall quality of life.
The two primary forms of depression include:
- Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): Symptoms are more severe and persist for at least two weeks.
- Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia): Chronic, milder symptoms lasting two years or longer.
At The Medical Group of New Jersey, our psychiatrists provide compassionate, evidence-based care to help patients understand their symptoms, access effective treatment, and regain a sense of stability, balance, and hope.
Symptom Onset and Initial Evaluation
Depression may develop gradually or begin after a stressful life event. Symptoms can vary in severity and duration and may include:
- Feeling sad, empty, or irritable most of the day
- Loss of interest in activities, hobbies, or relationships
- Low energy or persistent fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Changes in sleep, appetite, or weight
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or hopelessness
During your initial visit, your provider will discuss your symptoms, daily functioning, medical history, and recent stressors. Standardized screening tools, such as the PHQ-9, may be used to assess symptom severity and track progress over time.
Diagnosis
Depression is diagnosed through a comprehensive clinical evaluation and discussion with your provider. In some cases, basic laboratory testing may be recommended to rule out medical conditions that can mimic depressive symptoms, including:
- Thyroid disorders
- Vitamin deficiencies
- Anemia
- Hormonal imbalances
If additional mental health concerns such as anxiety, PTSD, or ADHD are present, these conditions are incorporated into your treatment plan to ensure whole-person, coordinated care.
Treatment Options
Most people with depression improve with a personalized, evidence-based treatment plan tailored to their needs. Treatment may include:
Therapy
Psychotherapy approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or interpersonal therapy help identify negative thought patterns, improve coping skills, and support emotional resilience.
Medication
Antidepressant medications, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), may be prescribed to help regulate brain chemistry that affects mood.
Lifestyle Support
Regular physical activity, healthy sleep habits, stress management, and mindfulness practices can enhance treatment effectiveness and support long-term recovery.
Collaborative Care
Your psychiatrist works closely with primary care providers and psychology or counseling services to address both mental and physical health needs.
Treatment for Severe or Treatment-Resistant Depression
For depression that does not respond to initial therapy or medication, advanced treatment options may be considered. These can include combined treatment approaches or specialized therapies such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), or ketamine or esketamine therapy.
With consistent treatment, many patients begin to experience improvement within several weeks.
Ongoing Management and Follow-Up
Your psychiatrist will schedule follow-up visits to monitor progress, adjust medications if needed, and reinforce therapy goals. Long-term care focuses on maintaining recovery, recognizing early signs of relapse, and helping patients return to daily activities with confidence and stability.