Depressive Disorders affect about 7% of adults in the United States and about 12% of United States teenagers. In just NY’s Capital District, over 1 thousand people “Google” search “depression” every month.
As a Psychiatrist, the duration of symptoms, severity of symptoms, and combination of symptoms help Dr. Randall to distinguish diagnoses within the Depressive Disorders class.
People suffering with a Depressive Disorder may experience feelings of helplessness, worthlessness, hopelessness, guilt, lack of pleasure in things one used to enjoy doing, changes in one’s weight and appetite, changes in one’s sleep, difficulties with concentration or attention, irritability in some, and in severe cases, thoughts of suicide.
The treatments available for people with Depressive Disorders can include therapies, such as supportive therapy, insight oriented therapy, and group therapy, and prescription medications when necessary.
Dr. Randall believes that each patient’s diagnosis is not a label, but rather a guide to their individual treatment. So, for each patient she works with, it is her goal to collaboratively develop the appropriate combination of treatments to best meet their individual needs and to promote their recovery.