Treatments

At Axon Health Associates, we make every effort to ensure the proper balance of psychotherapy and medications will be used to deliver the best possible results. We are firm believers in presenting our patients with the evidence behind various options in order for our patients to pick the best treatment option for them. It is our goal to provide the best possible care. Let Axon Health Associates help you live your life to the fullest!

Evaluation

The initial appointment involves obtaining information about the presenting problem, in addition to reviewing psychological, social, and medical histories. If you have records of previous medical or mental health treatment, including educational or psychological testing, they will be reviewed during this appointment. If the patient is a minor, they will need to be accompanied by a legal guardian. The evaluation typically lasts 60 – 75 minutes. On rare occasions, the evaluation may need to be completed on a follow-up date. Treatment options will be discussed after the evaluation is completed.

Medication Management

Medications can also be used when determined felt to be beneficial. I will present to you the medication options, including evidence behind their use as well as their potential side effects. Only the safest and most effective medications will be considered first.

Psychotherapy

Many psychiatrists do not provide psychotherapy as a treatment option, but research has shown that for many diagnoses, psychotherapy can be as effective as medications, while combining the two provides the greatest benefit. Psychotherapy can involve the individual, parents, or the entire family. It can be performed on an individual basis or in a group setting. There are also many therapeutic philosophies that can be used depending on your individual needs.

Treatment Resistant Depression (TRD)

If you’ve been treated for depression but your symptoms haven’t improved, you may have treatment-resistant depression, TRD. Taking an antidepressant or going to psychological counseling (psychotherapy) eases depression symptoms for most people. But with treatment-resistant depression, standard treatments aren’t enough. They may not help much at all, or your symptoms may improve, only to keep coming back.

If your primary care doctor prescribed antidepressants and your depression symptoms continue despite treatment, ask your doctor if he or she can recommend a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions (psychiatrist).

The psychiatrist reviews your medical history and may:

• Ask about life situations that might be contributing to your depression
  • Consider your response to treatment, including medications, psychotherapy or other treatments you’ve tried
  • Review all of the medications you’re taking, including nonprescription drugs and herbal supplements
  • Discuss whether you’re taking your medications as prescribed and following other treatment steps
  • Consider physical health conditions that can sometimes cause or worsen depression, such as thyroid disorders, chronic pain or heart problems
  • Consider a diagnosis of another mental health condition, such as bipolar disorder, which can cause or worsen depression and may require different treatment; dysthymia, a mild but long-term (chronic) form of depression; or a personality disorder that contributes to the depression not getting better

Treatment-resistant depression symptoms can range from mild to severe and may require trying a number of approaches to identify what helps.

Schedule an appointment with us so we can help you find the best solution for treatment-resistant depression