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Depressive Disorders
Depressive disorders involve persistent feelings of deep sadness and a loss of interest in daily activities. Symptoms can include changes in sleep, appetite, and energy levels, making it difficult to function normally. Examples include major depressive disorder, characterized by severe and acute symptoms, and persistent depressive disorder, marked by long-term, milder depression.
Common Signs/Symptoms
- Ongoing feelings of sadness or emptiness.
- Reduced interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed.
- Insomnia or excessive sleeping.
- Significant weight loss or gain due to changes in appetite.
- Persistent tiredness or lack of energy.
- Trouble focusing, making decisions, or remembering things.
- Persistent feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or self-blame.
- Thoughts of death or suicide, or attempts at self-harm.
- Unexplained aches or pains.
Common Treatments
Common treatments for depressive disorders include:
- Psychotherapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and other forms of talk therapy help individuals address negative thought patterns and develop coping strategies.
- Medication: Antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), can help balance brain chemicals linked to depression.
- Lifestyle Changes: Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and proper sleep are proven to help improve mood and overall well-being.
- Support Groups: Connecting with others who have similar experiences can provide emotional support and reduce feelings of isolation.
- Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Practices like meditation and mindfulness can help manage stress and improve emotional regulation.
How it Affects Your Life
Depressive disorders can significantly impact various aspects of daily life, making routine activities more challenging. For example:
Work and Productivity: Persistent sadness and lack of energy can lead to decreased work performance and difficulty concentrating.
Social Interactions: A loss of interest in activities and social withdrawal can strain relationships and reduce social engagement.
Daily Responsibilities: Struggles with motivation and fatigue can make it hard to manage household tasks and personal responsibilities.
Physical Health: Changes in appetite and sleep patterns can contribute to physical health issues, such as weight fluctuations and chronic fatigue.
The Atara Approach To ADHD Care
Expertise and Specialization
Years of experience and a deep understanding of care
Objective, Data-Driven Treatment
Precise, objective data, ensuring personalized care
Compassionate, Individualized Care
We prioritize empathy and respect
MEET OUR TEAM
Norm Jacobowitz, APRN
Norm’s path to psychiatric care began outside of medicine. After a year volunteering on a suicide hotline while working in IT, he made the decision to pursue full-time mental health work, beginning at a psychiatric hospital and continuing through nursing school. He has been a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner ever since, earning his degree at Marymount University with additional training at George Mason University.
Mary Fisher, APRN
Mary brings 30 years of nursing experience to her work with children, adolescents, and young adults throughout Northern Virginia. She is a Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Specialist and Family Nurse Practitioner, holding a BSN from Radford University and a master’s degree in nursing from the University of Virginia. Her practice focuses on helping young people navigate anxiety, mood concerns, ADHD, and the everyday challenges of growing up, with families closely involved throughout the process.
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CONTACT US
Now Accepting New Patients Ages 10+ in the Northern Virginia and DC Metro Area
12011 Route 50, Suite 410
Fairfax, VA 22033
P | 571-535-2480
E | operations@atarahealth.com