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Depression Treatment

DEPRESSION TREATMENT IN MICHIGAN AND PENNSYLVANIA

Depression (Major Depressive Disorder and related depressive conditions) is characterized by persistent low mood or loss of interest in activities, lasting at least two weeks and interfering with daily functioning. It can occur as a single episode or recur over time.

Depression is not a personal weakness, a character flaw, or something that can be “snapped out of.” It is a medical and psychological condition influenced by biological, psychological, and social factors.

At our practice, we understand that depression looks different for every person. Our approach focuses on identifying underlying contributors, providing evidence-based treatment, and supporting long-term recovery.

Common Symptoms of Depression

Depression can affect emotional, cognitive, physical, and behavioral functioning. Symptoms may include:

  • Persistent sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness

  • Loss of interest or pleasure in previously enjoyable activities

  • Fatigue or low energy

  • Changes in sleep (insomnia or excessive sleeping)

  • Changes in appetite or weight

  • Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

  • Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or self-criticism

  • Irritability or emotional numbness

  • Physical symptoms such as headaches, GI distress, or chronic pain

  • Thoughts of death or suicide

Not everyone experiences all symptoms, and severity can range from mild to severe.

Depression by the Numbers

Depression is common — and often underdiagnosed.

  • About 8%–10% of U.S. adults experience a major depressive episode in any given year.

  • Lifetime prevalence of depression is estimated at about 20% — meaning about 1 in 5 adults will experience a depressive episode at some point in their life.

  • Women are diagnosed with major depression at nearly twice the rate of men, though depression affects all genders.

  • Depression frequently co-occurs with:

    • Anxiety disorders

    • PTSD

    • ADHD

    • Chronic medical conditions

  • Many adults with depression never receive treatment.

These figures highlight how common depression is — and how important it is to identify and treat it appropriately.

Types of Depressive Disorders We Treat

We evaluate and treat:

  • Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

  • Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)

  • Atypical Depression

  • Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

  • Depression related to medical conditions or hormonal changes

  • Depression with co-occurring anxiety, ADHD, trauma, or other conditions

Accurate diagnosis helps guide the most effective treatment approach.

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Our Approach to Treating Depression

THERAPY AND PSYCHIATRIC CARE

Comprehensive assessment of symptoms and history

  1. Thoughtful medication selection with close monitoring

  2. Adjustments based on response, side effects, and goals

  3. Collaboration with therapy and other providers

Depression treatment may include:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

  • Trauma-informed therapy

  • Interpersonal therapy

  • Supportive and skills-based approaches

Therapy helps identify patterns, build coping strategies, and restore meaning and motivation.

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WHOLE-PERSON CONSIDERATIONS

We also explore contributors such as:

  • Sleep and circadian rhythm

  • Hormonal changes

  • Chronic stress or burnout

  • Inflammation or medical factors

  • Trauma history

  • ADHD symptoms that mimic or overlap depression

Depression does not occur in isolation — and treatment shouldn’t either.

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Our Depression-Experienced Providers

Depression treatment requires clinical expertise, nuance, and empathy.

At Ann Arbor Psych, our providers have extensive experience treating adults with depression — including complex, chronic, or treatment-resistant cases.

Our clinicians bring:

  • Experience with evidence-based psychiatric and therapeutic care

  • Comfort treating co-occurring anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, and trauma

  • A non-judgmental, collaborative approach

  • Attention to patterns, triggers, and context — not just symptoms

You will be treated as a whole person, not a checklist.

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Meet Brian Phillips, NP

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Meet Bruce Burkeen, PA-C

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Meet Roopa Kline, PA-C

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Angela Braun, PA-C

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Anthonia Umelogu, NP

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Austin Powell, PA-C

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Dr. Akash Kumar

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Erin Egan, LMSW

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Sarah J. Kruger, LCSW

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Dr. Aaron Sedlar

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Pamela Aalto, LMSW

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Benjamin Hadden, LLMSW

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Kristen Daniels, LMSW

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Mary Jameson, LMSW

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Rachel Thompson, LLMSW

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Clinically Reviewed By:

Dr. Akash Kumar, MD