Depression Treatment in Ann Arbor

Compassionate Care for Major Depressive Disorder and Mood Challenges

Understanding Depression

Feeling sad or down is a part of life—but when these feelings persist, intensify, or interfere with daily functioning, it may be a sign of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). At Family Care Psychiatry, we provide individualized, evidence-based treatment for depression in children, teens, and adults.

You are not alone, and with the right support, healing is possible.

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What Is Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)?

Major depressive disorder is a serious mental health condition marked by prolonged low mood, loss of interest in activities, and physical and emotional symptoms that affect daily life. Unlike short-term sadness, MDD can significantly impair relationships, productivity, and self-worth.

To meet the diagnostic criteria, symptoms must be present for at least two weeks and include a combination of emotional, cognitive, and physical changes.

Symptoms of Depression

  • Common symptoms of MDD include:
  • Persistent sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness
  • Loss of interest or pleasure in previously enjoyed activities
  • Changes in appetite or weight
  • Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
  • Fatigue or low energy
  • Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or self-blame
  • Trouble concentrating or making decisions
  • Thoughts of death, self-harm, or suicide
Not everyone experiences every symptom, and severity can vary widely.
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Who Is Affected by Depression?

Depression affects people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. It is:
  • Most commonly diagnosed in late teens to early adulthood
  • Twice as likely to affect women as men
  • Often seen alongside anxiety, ADHD, or bipolar disorder
  • Frequently misunderstood, leading to stigma and delayed treatment
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Causes and Risk Factors

  • Depression can result from a combination of genetic, biological, psychological, and environmental factors, including:
  • Family history of depression or other mental health conditions
  • Brain chemistry imbalances
  • Hormonal changes (e.g., postpartum, menopause)
  • Past trauma or abuse
  • Chronic illness or pain
  • Major life transitions or stressors
  • Substance use or addiction
  • Lack of social support or isolation
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How Depression Is Diagnosed

At Family Care Psychiatry, we use a comprehensive and compassionate evaluation process. This includes:
  • A psychiatric interview and symptom assessment
  • Review of personal, family, and medical history
  • Use of diagnostic tools aligned with DSM-5 criteria
  • Screening for co-existing disorders or medical conditions
  • Collaboration with primary care and/or current therapists
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Depression Treatment Options

Depression is treatable, and our care model is centered around you—your goals, your values, and your path to wellness.

Medication Management

  • We may recommend antidepressant medications such as:
  • SSRIs (e.g., sertraline, fluoxetine)
  • SNRIs (e.g., venlafaxine, duloxetine)
  • Atypical antidepressants (e.g., bupropion, mirtazapine)

Our approach is conservative and careful—starting low, titrating slowly, and monitoring closely for effectiveness and side effects.

Psychotherapy

  • We offer referrals for and collaboration with therapists who provide:
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)
  • Psychodynamic and trauma-informed therapy
  • Mindfulness-based techniques

Advanced Treatments

  • For individuals with treatment-resistant depression, we may recommend:
  • SPRAVATO® (Esketamine) Nasal Therapy A fast-acting option used alongside oral antidepressants for those who haven’t responded to traditional medications. Administered under medical supervision in our office.
  • Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) A non-invasive treatment using gentle magnetic pulses to stimulate brain activity and improve symptoms of depression.

Whole-Person Support for Depression

  • In addition to therapy and medications, we emphasize:
  • Sleep and nutrition support
  • Movement and activity planning
  • Social connection and community resources
  • Journaling, mindfulness, and gratitude practices
  • Self-compassion and stigma reduction
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Why Choose Family Care Psychiatry for Depression Treatment?

  • 20+ years of experience in treating mood disorders
  • Care for children, teens, and adults
  • Holistic, individualized treatment planning
  • Conservative, thoughtful medication use
  • Multilingual services in Spanish, Urdu, and Hindi
  • Collaboration with therapists and medical providers
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You Deserve to Feel Better

Depression is real—but so is recovery. If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected from life, we’re here to help you take the first step toward healing.

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