Depression Specialist

What is Depression?

Depression is a medical concern which affects how the production of chemicals and neurotransmitters in the brain. This serious illness, which affects at least 10% of Americans, is caused by changes in brain chemistry which interfere with its ability to send and receive chemicals and neurotransmitters used in emotional responses. Many factors can influence whether or not a person will develop depression such as difficult circumstances, heredity, stress, changes in hormone levels, medical conditions, and grief. Many individuals can struggle with it for years, however when the condition is dealt with quickly and correctly depression symptoms can be quite manageable. Depression is often accompanied by anxiety, one of the most common mental-emotional disorders in the United States today.

How Does Dr. Varese Help Patients With Depression?

Dr. Varese begins by running blood tests to measure thyroid hormone levels, saliva testing to evaluate adrenal hormone levels, and urine tests to gather neurotransmitter information. Dr. Varese believes that conditions like depression often manifest following imbalances and inflammation in the body that cause physical symptoms of depression as well as emotional. Any hormonal imbalances are addressed with bio-identical hormone treatment and the prescription of nutritional, herbal, and amino acid formulas to restore the body to optimal functionality. Dr. Varese works closely with her patients to encourage healthy lifestyle choices to support treatment including diet, exercise, and sleep.

What are Symptoms of Depression?

A person’s emotions, thought patterns, and behavior are all affected when he or she has depression. Symptoms often present together and can range in severity. If you experience any of the following symptoms, make an appointment with Dr. Varese. She will evaluate your total body health and wellness to identify the root cause of your symptoms and provide an integrated treatment plan to restore your body to optimal wellness. Symptoms of depression include:

• Angry Outbursts
• Trouble making decisions
• Unexplained aches and pains
• Memory issues
• Sadness and hopelessness
• Weight gain or loss
• Changes in sleep habits
• Tiredness or lack of energy
• No appetite and sexual problems
• Substance abuse issues
• Missing work or social activities
• Difficulty concentrating
• Loss of interest in activities and people
• Thoughts of or attempts to harm self

For more information, Dr. Varese recommends checking out Sanesco: Health in Balance