Many people have experienced symptoms of depression. Some of the common symptoms are low energy, sadness, crying, poor concentration, and changes in appetite. People suffering from depression often don’t feel like getting out of bed. They typically are not getting ordinary enjoyment out of life anymore.

Various events in life can trigger depression—such as death of a loved one, divorce, and job changes. But depression can also be caused by low levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin. Medications such as Prozac treat depression by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain.

But low serotonin levels are not the only neurological causes of depression. There are two other neurotransmitters that are often responsible for depression. When a person is simply not able to enjoy life anymore, the causes is often due to low levels of dopamine. The other key neurotransmitter is norepinephrine. Low levels of this neurotransmitter can affect energy levels and cause other symptoms of depression.

My approach to the treatment of depression is highly tailored to an individual patient’s unique symptoms. We have medications that can selectively boost the levels of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine in a controlled manner.

My goal is to identify and match symptoms to deficiencies in serotonin, norepinephrine, or dopamine—either alone or in combination. I can then target medications to the cause of each person’s unique symptoms. This results in a greater chance of reduction or remission of depression. Individually tailored and targeted medication routines can also result in a lower medication burden and lower side effects.

In addition to medication, I also try to understand the unique life circumstances and stressors that are affecting each patient. Sometimes medication alone is not the only answer. When that is the case, I will refer patients for psychotherapy as well.

Depression Denver Psychiatry

My approach to the treatment of depression is highly tailored to an individual patient’s unique symptoms. We have medications that can selectively boost the levels of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine in a controlled manner.

My goal is to identify and match symptoms to deficiencies in serotonin, norepinephrine, or dopamine—either alone or in combination. I can then target medications to the cause of each person’s unique symptoms. This results in a greater chance of reduction or remission of depression. Individually tailored and targeted medication routines can also result in a lower medication burden and lower side effects.

In addition to medication, I also try to understand the unique life circumstances and stressors that are affecting each patient. Sometimes medication alone is not the only answer. When that is the case, I will refer patients for psychotherapy as well.