What are Depression symptoms?

Introduction: Why Depression Needs a New Approach

Depression is more than just feeling sad—it’s a pervasive public health challenge affecting millions. At Patients Medical in New York City, we transcend standard symptom management. Our integrative care model bridges conventional psychiatry with functional, holistic, and lifestyle-focused therapies to explore the root causes of your depression—and help you heal naturally. We treat the whole person—not just neurotransmitters.

What Is Depression?

Depression is a mood disorder that causes persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in daily activities. It affects how you think, feel, and function.

There are many types:

  • Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): Characterized by a deep, ongoing sadness and low energy that lasts at least two weeks.
  • Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia): A chronic, low-grade depression that lasts for two years or more.
  • Postpartum Depression: Affects women after childbirth due to hormonal shifts and emotional stress.
  • Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Depression triggered by seasonal changes, typically in winter.
  • Bipolar Depression: Alternating episodes of depression and mania.

 

Common Symptoms of Depression

Everyone experiences depression differently. Some common signs include:

Root Causes: Why Are You Depressed?

Our functional medicine paradigm dives deeper to identify the “why” behind depression:

  • Neurochemical imbalances: Low serotonin, dopamine, GABA, or glutamate dysfunction
  • Chronic inflammation: Gut permeability, systemic inflammation affecting the brain
  • Hormonal dysregulation: Thyroid, adrenal (cortisol), reproductive hormones
  • Chronic stress & trauma: Dysregulated HPA axis
  • Nutrient deficiencies: B vitamins, vitamin D, magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids
  • Toxin exposure: Heavy metals, endocrine disruptors
  • Gut–brain axis imbalance: Dysbiosis, low microbial diversity
  • Poor sleep: Sleep apnea or disrupted circadian rhythms
  • Lifestyle factors: Sedentary behavior, poor diet, social isolation

Diagnostic Testing We Use

Our advanced lab panels help uncover drivers of depression:

Hormone panels: cortisol (diurnal), thyroid, sex hormones

Micronutrient testing (B12, magnesium, omega-3s, etc.)

Inflammatory markers (CRP, homocysteine)

Gut microbiome and leaky gut testing

Heavy metal and toxin screening

Genetic testing (MTHFR, COMT, etc.)

Functional brain mapping (in select cases)

Integrative Treatments for Depression

Personalized Nutrition Plans

We customize anti-inflammatory, brain-supportive diets that may include:

  • Whole-food based Mediterranean or Paleo plans
  • Elimination diets to identify food sensitivities
  • Omega-3 fatty acid-rich meals
  • Gut-healing foods and probiotics

 

IV Nutrient Therapy

Targeted IV infusions support neurotransmitter production and mitochondrial health. Ingredients may include:

  • B-complex vitamins (especially B6, B12)
  • Magnesium
  • Vitamin C
  • Amino acids like tryptophan and tyrosine

 

Herbal & Nutraceutical Support

We prescribe evidence-based supplements for brain chemistry and mood balance:

  • SAM-e
  • St. John’s Wort (where appropriate)
  • 5-HTP
  • Rhodiola rosea
  • Omega-3 fish oil
  • Vitamin D3

 

Mind-Body Therapies

We offer holistic stress relief through:

  • Acupuncture
  • Guided meditation and mindfulness
  • Adaptogenic herbs (Ashwagandha, Holy Basil)
  • Biofeedback and neurofeedback (where indicated)

Hormone Balancing

We identify and treat imbalances in:

  • Thyroid hormones
  • Estrogen and progesterone
  • Cortisol and DHEA
  • Testosterone (for men and women)

Gut Restoration

Healing the gut helps regulate mood by improving neurotransmitter production and reducing inflammation. We use:

  • Probiotics and prebiotics
  • Gut-repairing nutrients like glutamine and zinc
  • Stool analysis-guided protocols

Case Study: Elaine’s Transformation

Elaine, 38, struggled with persistent fatigue, insomnia, and feelings of hopelessness despite antidepressants. Her cortisol was elevated, with low vitamin D and an imbalanced gut microbiome.

Our integrative plan included: gut protocol + probiotics, vitamin D and B-complex supplements, adrenal adaptogens, CBT, daily walks, and sleep-hygiene coaching.

After 12 weeks: her mood stabilized, insomnia resolved, energy returned—and she tapered off medication under supervision, in collaboration with her psychiatrist.

Testimonials

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Yes—by addressing root causes (inflammation, hormones, sleep, etc.), many patients experience full remission or major improvement.

Functional medicine focuses on identifying the root causes of depression, such as inflammation, nutrient deficiencies, or hormonal imbalances, rather than simply suppressing symptoms with antidepressants.

No. We work alongside your current treatment and collaborate with your psychiatrist. If desired, we can help you safely taper medication—under medical supervision—when your body is ready.

We use advanced diagnostic tools, including neurotransmitter panels, hormone testing, gut microbiome analysis, micronutrient testing, inflammatory markers, and genetic testing (like MTHFR).

Absolutely. Over 90% of serotonin is produced in the gut. An imbalanced gut microbiome or “leaky gut” can directly contribute to mood disorders and depressive symptoms.

Yes, when prescribed by a physician. We use clinically studied herbs and nutraceuticals like omega-3s, SAM-e, B-complex, and adaptogens, customized for your unique biochemistry.

Many patients begin noticing improvement in energy, mood, and sleep within a few weeks. However, deeper healing can take several months, depending on the complexity of underlying issues.

Yes, every plan is tailored to your lab results, symptoms, medical history, and goals. No two treatment protocols are alike.

Hormonal imbalances—especially thyroid, cortisol, estrogen, and testosterone—can significantly influence mood and brain function. We test and treat these to restore mental wellness.

We are an out-of-network provider but provide superbills to help with insurance reimbursement. Many lab tests may be partially covered depending on your plan.

Begin Your Journey with Patients Medical

Patients Medical specializes in gently helping the patient identify the root cause of their medical issues and then assist them to recover from their problems to help them move forward to good health.

Request your consultation today!

To schedule an in person on Tele-medicine appointment, please call our office at (212) 794-8800 or email us at info@PatientsMedical.com We look forward to hearing from you

Our medical center in New York City.

Patients Medical PC
1148 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1B New York, NY 10128

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