- Do I have depression?
- If you have experienced persistent low mood, loss of interest, fatigue, sleep changes, or difficulty concentrating for more than two weeks, a professional evaluation can help determine whether depression is present and what treatment approach might help.
- Do I need a psychiatric provider for depression?
- A provider is appropriate when depression is moderate to severe, when therapy alone has not been sufficient, when you want to explore medication, or when your symptoms are significantly affecting your daily functioning. Psychiatric providers specialize in the medical management of depression.
- What medications are used for depression?
- First-line medications for depression include SSRIs (such as sertraline, escitalopram, and fluoxetine) and SNRIs (such as venlafaxine and duloxetine). Your provider will recommend a medication based on your specific presentation, side effect profile, and treatment history.
- How long does depression treatment take?
- Most antidepressant medications take 4-6 weeks to reach full therapeutic effect. Many people continue treatment for 6-12 months after symptoms resolve to reduce the risk of recurrence. Your provider will discuss the recommended timeline for your specific situation.
- Can online psychiatry treat depression?
- Yes. Telehealth psychiatry for depression has been extensively studied and shows equivalent outcomes to in-person care for medication management. Feel August provides all appointments via secure video throughout California.