What is Depression?

Introduction: Why Depression Needs a New Approach

Depression has become one of the most common yet misunderstood conditions in modern health care. At Patients Medical in New York City, we take a radically different approach. We combine conventional psychiatry with holistic, functional medicine to address the root causes of depression—not just mask symptoms with medication.

We treat the whole person—not just the diagnosis.

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.

 

Symptoms of Depression

Depression can look different for everyone, but these are common red flags:

Root Causes: Why Did You Develop Depression?

At Patients Medical, we use functional medicine to identify and treat the underlying reasons behind your depression. Common contributors include:

  • Chronic stress: Elevates cortisol, disrupting mood chemistry
  • Gut imbalance: Over 90% of serotonin is made in the gut
  • Nutrient deficiencies: Especially B vitamins, omega-3s, magnesium, and vitamin D
  • Hormonal imbalances: Thyroid, estrogen, testosterone, or adrenal issues
  • Toxins: Mold, heavy metals, and environmental exposures impair brain function
  • Poor sleep: Lowers mood and cognitive resilience
  • Blood sugar dysregulation: Insulin resistance can worsen depression
  • Mitochondrial dysfunction: Reduces energy and brain function
  • Past trauma: Emotional wounds stored in the body can affect brain chemistry

Advanced Diagnostic Testing We Use

To get a full picture of your mental and physical health, we use:

Cortisol rhythm (salivary or DUTCH test)

Thyroid hormone panel (TSH, Free T3, Free T4, reverse T3)

Sex hormone levels (estrogen, testosterone, progesterone)

Vitamin D, B12, folate, magnesium, omega-3s

Gut health tests (leaky gut, microbiome balance)

Inflammatory markers (CRP, homocysteine)

Toxicity panels (mold, metals, endocrine disruptors)

Integrative Treatments for Depression

Personalized Nutrition Plans

We create anti-inflammatory, brain-boosting meal plans to stabilize mood:

  • Whole foods, healthy fats, and protein
  • Elimination diets to uncover sensitivities
  • Gut-healing protocols
  • Blood sugar balancing strategies

IV Nutrient Therapy

Custom infusions to correct deficiencies and support brain health:

  • B vitamins, magnesium, and vitamin D
  • Glutathione for detoxification
  • NAD+ to improve cognition and motivation

Herbal & Nutraceutical Support

Based on your labs, we may recommend:

  • Omega-3s and SAMe
  • Adaptogens like rhodiola and ashwagandha
  • L-theanine and GABA
  • Probiotics and gut-brain axis support
  • Methylated B vitamins if MTHFR variants are found

Mind-Body Therapies

We help reset your nervous system using:

  • Acupuncture
  • Mindfulness and breathwork
  • Trauma-informed therapy
  • HRV biofeedback
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

Hormone Balancing

We address imbalances in:

  • Thyroid
  • Cortisol and adrenal hormones
  • Estrogen, progesterone, testosterone
  • Melatonin (for mood and sleep)

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: Emma’s Depression Recovery

Emma, 36, had struggled with depression for 10 years. She was taking SSRIs but still felt fatigued, emotionally flat, and foggy. Our testing revealed:

  • Low vitamin D and omega-3s
  • Elevated homocysteine and inflammation
  • Leaky gut and dysbiosis
  • Low cortisol and estrogen imbalance

Her custom protocol included:

  • IV nutrients (B-complex, D, and glutathione)
  • Gut-healing plan and targeted probiotics
  • Herbal adaptogens and mood support supplements
  • Hormonal balancing and trauma therapy

After 4 months, Emma reduced her medication dose with her psychiatrist and began sleeping better, reconnecting with loved ones, and feeling joy again.

Testimonials

Frequently Asked Questions

Depression is a mood disorder caused by biological, psychological, and environmental imbalances—often involving brain chemistry, hormones, and inflammation.

Yes, many patients experience full recovery with functional interventions like nutrition, lifestyle, and hormone balancing. We work with or without medications, depending on your goals.

There’s a genetic component, but lifestyle, environment, and mindset also play a powerful role in whether depression expresses itself.

We look for root causes: gut health, inflammation, hormones, toxins, and nutrition—not just symptoms.

Some patients feel better in 2–4 weeks. Deeper healing often takes 2–6 months, depending on severity and causes.

Maybe not. Many patients taper off medications safely after we correct root causes—but this is always done in collaboration with your psychiatrist.

Yes! Your gut produces most of your serotonin. Gut dysfunction is a major factor in mood disorders.

We recommend hormone panels, vitamin D, omega-3, inflammation markers, gut testing, and genetic methylation testing.

Yes. Hormonal cycles, postpartum changes, and menopause can all impact mood. We address these in our plans.

We’re out-of-network, but provide superbills for reimbursement. Some lab testing may be partially covered.

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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