Depression Specialist
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Florida Behavioral Medicine of Tampa
Richard A Smith, DO
Psychiatry located in Tampa, FL
Depression can be debilitating or even dangerous in some cases, as it’s the leading cause of disability in the United States for some population groups. If constant sadness or worthlessness is taking over your life, help is within reach at Florida Behavioral Medicine of Tampa in Tampa, Florida. Psychiatrist Richard Smith, DO, uses advanced, evidence-based solutions to treat depression and restore your mental health. Schedule an appointment with Florida Behavioral Medicine of Tampa over the phone or online today.
Depression Q&A
What is depression?
Depression is a common mental health disorder that causes persistent sadness or loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed. It affects the way you think and feel and may interfere with normal everyday activities, your job, and interpersonal relationships. Simple depression treatments can restore your quality of life.
What are the symptoms of depression?
The following signs and symptoms may indicate you have depression.
- Loss of interest in once pleasurable activities
- Constant sadness, emptiness, hopelessness, or tearfulness
- Physical aches and pains
- Mood swings and angry outbursts
- Fatigue or sleeping problems
- Changes in appetite or body weight
- Agitation, anxiety, and restlessness
- Problems concentrating
- Feeling worthless
- Thoughts of suicide
Sometimes depression is situational and goes away on its own over time. But if constant sadness is long-lasting or severe, visit Florida Behavioral Medicine of Tampa for an evaluation.
What are the risk factors for depression?
The following factors increase your risk of developing depression.
- Changes in brain chemistry
- Hormone fluctuations
- Family history of depression
- Low self-esteem
- Traumatic life events
- Chronic or severe stress
- History of mental health disorders
- Alcohol or drug abuse
- Chronic or serious physical health problems
- Taking certain medications
Complications associated with depression might include social isolation, problems at work or school, relationship problems, anxiety, eating disorders, or physical health issues.
How is depression diagnosed?
To diagnose depression and other mental health disorders, Florida Behavioral Medicine of Tampa reviews your symptoms and medical history. Your psychiatrist completes a physical exam and psychological evaluation to make a diagnosis and might use blood tests to rule out additional medical problems.
What is the treatment for depression?
Your evidence-based, personalized depression treatment plan might include:
Spravato™
Spravato nasal spray is FDA-approved and often combined with other depression medicines if you have treatment-resistant depression. It’s administered under doctor supervision, and you must remain in the office for two hours afterward for observation. Not many doctors offer this innovative esketamine treatment, but it’s available at Florida Behavioral Medicine of Tampa.
Oral medicines
Medications can reduce depression symptoms and restore your quality of life, so you can get back to enjoying your favorite activities. Florida Behavioral Medicine of Tampa uses pharmacogenetics to find a medication regimen that’s best for your genetic makeup.
Psychotherapy
Talk therapy, or psychotherapy, allows you to talk about emotional subjects and learn coping strategies that help you thrive.
TMS
TMS, or transcranial magnetic stimulation, uses magnetic pulses to stimulate nerve cells in the brain responsible for mood regulation.
Don’t live with constant, debilitating sadness when you don’t have to. Schedule a depression evaluation with Florida Behavioral Medicine of Tampa over the phone or online today.
