Depression

Depression is not just sadness, and it is not something a person can decide to push through, no matter how much the people around them might wish it worked that way. It can show up in ways that families do not immediately recognize: exhaustion that sleep does not fix, irritability that seems to come from nowhere, a withdrawal from the things that used to matter. In children and adolescents, it often looks different than it does in adults, presenting as behavior that families sometimes mistake for defiance or a phase rather than a condition that responds to treatment.

What many people do not realize is that depression is one of the most treatable psychiatric conditions we see. Effective treatment can make a meaningful difference in how a person moves through their daily life. A careful evaluation that accounts for the full picture, the right medication when it is warranted, and ongoing monitoring to adjust the plan as needed are all part of what we do. Life is challenging enough at baseline without carrying weight that treatment can lift, and most families are surprised at how much can change once the right support is in place.

Signs and Symptoms

Depression can show up in a number of ways. Common signs include persistent sadness or emptiness, loss of interest in activities that used to matter, and changes in sleep or appetite. It can also present as difficulty concentrating, fatigue that rest does not fix, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, and in some cases, thoughts of death or self-harm.

In children and teenagers, the signs may look different. A child who was doing well in school may start struggling. A teenager who was social may withdraw. Irritability and anger are common presentations in younger patients, and these symptoms are often attributed to age or attitude rather than recognized as part of a treatable condition. Physical complaints like headaches or stomachaches with no clear medical explanation can also be part of the picture.

If several of these symptoms have been present for two weeks or more and are interfering with daily life, a psychiatric evaluation can help determine the cause.

How We Approach Depression Treatment

The evaluation begins with understanding your history or your child's history, the symptoms, what has been tried before, and what is happening in your life right now. Depression does not exist in a vacuum, and a diagnosis only matters to the extent that it helps us help you.

When medication is appropriate, we discuss your options, explain what to expect, and monitor your response carefully. Adjustments are part of the process; finding the right medication and the right dose often takes collaboration over several visits. We coordinate with your therapist or primary care doctor if you have one, because treatment works best when everyone is on the same page.

Depression frequently overlaps with anxiety, ADHD, and other conditions. We evaluate for that overlap rather than treating one diagnosis in isolation. Getting the full picture right matters more than getting a label right.

What to Expect

Your first appointment is an in-office psychiatric evaluation. Dr. Teitelbaum will review your history, ask about your symptoms, and take the time to understand what is going on before recommending a treatment plan. For children and adolescents, a parent or guardian is part of that conversation.

Follow-up visits are scheduled based on your individual needs. When starting or adjusting medication, more frequent check-ins help us monitor your response. Once treatment is stable, visits are typically less frequent.

After your first in-office visit, telehealth appointments are available for patients located in Florida. An in-office visit is required at least every six months.

When to Seek Help

If you or someone in your family has been struggling with persistent sadness, loss of interest, or changes in sleep or appetite, a psychiatric evaluation can help. When these symptoms last two weeks or more and interfere with daily life, that is a signal worth paying attention to. You do not need to have a diagnosis to call. You do not need to be in crisis.

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911 or the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988). For non-emergency questions about scheduling or whether our practice is a good fit, call us at (561) 630-8530.