Depression psychiatrist in Kansas and Missouri

Signs of depression

Depression is more than sadness. Common signs include low mood or irritability most days, losing interest in things you used to enjoy, changes in sleep or appetite, low energy, slowed thinking or trouble deciding, feeling worthless or guilty, and thoughts of death. In teens it often shows up as irritability, pulling away from friends, or slipping grades.

When several of these last two weeks or more and affect work, school, or relationships, it is worth an evaluation. Depression is common and treatable, and it often overlaps with anxiety, OCD, ADHD, trauma, or substance use.

A careful evaluation

Dr. Brown looks at the whole picture: medical issues, thyroid problems, sleep, alcohol, stress at home or work, and family history. He also rules out bipolar disorder, because getting the diagnosis right shapes which treatments make sense.

Together you set a few concrete goals and track them, so you can both tell whether things are actually improving.

Medication and therapy

For moderate to severe depression, antidepressant medication and psychotherapy are both well-established treatments, and many people do best with the two together. Several kinds of therapy, including CBT, interpersonal therapy, and psychodynamic therapy, have evidence for depression.

When Dr. Brown prescribes, he aims for the least medication that keeps you well and explains what to expect, including side effects and how long it may take to work. He also offers psychodynamic therapy plus guidance on sleep, nutrition, and behavior.

The first visit

The first appointment is a video evaluation of about 90–100 minutes.

If I'm in crisis, should I book here?

No. This practice is not for emergencies.

I've tried antidepressants before. Is it worth trying again?

Often, yes. Dr. Brown reviews what was tried, at what dose and for how long, to find options that haven't been explored.