Depression

What Is Depression?

Depression is a debilitating feeling of sadness, worthlessness, and helplessness. While everyone goes through bouts of sadness, depression takes over and lasts for several weeks or even months. At that point, it is often referred to as clinical depression.

What Causes Depression?

Depression is not a condition that has one simple cause. It has several causes that mentally and physically affect the body. The most common causes include but are not limited to the following:

• Chemical imbalance that regulates someone’s mood
• Genetic predisposition
• Stressful, tragic, and devastating events in life
• Serious medical conditions
• Certain medications
• Mental and physical abuse

What Are the Symptoms of Depression?

It is perfectly normal for people to feel sad, blue, lonely, and even depressed at times. But when it goes beyond that and the depression does not go away for weeks or even months and becomes overwhelming, it is time to seek treatment. Some of the signs or symptoms of depression are as follows:

• Lack of energy to the point of not getting out of bed
• Inability to concentrate
• Negative feelings of self-worth
• Inability to sleep at night
• Irritability, feeling restless
• No desire to do activities and hobbies that were once enjoyed
• Lack of desire for sex or intimacy
• Significant weight loss or gain
• Feelings of anxiety or emptiness inside
• Considerations of suicide

How Does Functional Medicine Treat Depression?

Functional medicine’s patient-focused approach treats each patient individually. Dr. Falcone looks at the full patient history, recent events that may have had a profound effect, and lifestyle (nutrition, activities, exercise) to evaluate the patient as a whole. With the information and results from the evaluations, a treatment strategy can be developed. In certain situations, Dr. Falcone may elect to add prescription anti-depressants if absolutely necessary, but the goal of the Falcone Center is to first alleviate any factors that may be contributing to or worsening the depression. With effective plans in place, not only are functional medicine practitioners and doctors able to help patients deal with their depression; they may even help reverse the conditions causing it.

What Is the Cost to Treat Depression with Functional Medicine?

At the Falcone Center, the cost for treating patients in Philadelphia, PA, Maple Shade, NJ, and the surrounding area is based on the appointment. Deposit is due when scheduling initial appointment.

It is important to note that the Falcone Center does not accept insurance as it is considered an “out-of-network provider” by most major insurance plans. While we cannot file insurance claims on our patients’ behalf, we can easily provide them with receipts and the necessary paperwork to file for reimbursement. We suggest that our patients determine whether their plans cover functional medicine prior to making an appointment.

Why Should Patients Choose the Falcone Center to Treat Depression?

The Falcone Center has a patient-centered philosophy to treat patients dealing with many medical conditions. This means that they strive to determine the underlying factors that cause the depression.

How Do I Begin Treatment with the Falcone Center?

To be treated for depression or any other medical condition at the Falcone Center, the first step is to contact us to make an appointment and fill out the new patient paperwork which needs to be returned prior to the initial appointment. When we have the completed paperwork prior to the appointment, we are able to read over the history and spend our time during the consultation discussing the condition and possible treatment plans.

Dr. Victoria Falcone, director of The Falcone Center, is board certified in Family Medicine. She is licensed in Pennsylvania and New Jersey and is a member of The Institute of Functional Medicine, The American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery (AACS), and The American Academy of Family Practice. Dr. Falcone offers a unique approach to health, wellness, and rejuvenation, helping men, women and children look and feel better both inside and out. Please call today to schedule your initial consultation!