When brain cells (called neurons) send signals to one another, they release a little bit of a neurotransmitter so that the message can be delivered. They then have to take back the neurotransmitter they released so they can send the next message. This process of replacing the neurotransmitter is called “reuptake.”
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SSRI's or Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors, are a class of antidepressant medications that are used to treat major depressive disorders.  They block the reuptake of serotonin in the synaptic cleft thus increasing the concentration of serotonin.

This case is a composite of several different patients and is for illustrative purposes only.  The patient's name has been changed to protect anonymity.
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Keyna is a 40 year old female who served overseas in the military with 2 tours in Afghanistan.  She suffered PTSD, "traumatic brain injury"  (TBI), depression, and anxiety after her tour and was first seen in the VA system 14 years ago.  Since then she has struggled with her symptoms despite being tried on numerous antidepressants and other medications prescribed by the VA.  She also suffered chronic pain from injuries sustained during her deployment.

This case is a composite of several different patients and is for illustrative purposes only.  The patient's name has been changed to protect anonymity.
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Blair is a 17 year old  that was seen in my office  Mar 2017  after a psychiatric hospitalization due to a failed suicide attempt.  He had 2 previous psychiatric hospitalizations in Dec 2016 after similar failed suicide attempts.  He was also in an Intensive Out-Patient program 1 1/2 years ago for management of his persistent depression.  He was referred to me after not responding to treatment by his previous psychiatrist.

Psychopharmacogenomic testing (AKA "Genomic Testing") is a new tool that has been available to clinicians during the last few years.  Armed with patient genetic information, clinicians can more quickly identify effective therapies, thus limiting the prolonged suffering and economic burden place upon many patients with chronic illness.​   This includes patients with treatment resistant depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety and attention deficit disorder (ADD).

Patients who are treated for depression improve with treatment.  However, there is a subset of them that are less depressed but still not able to function as well as they are expected.  They feel better but are not well.
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Wellness is a concept that is often times elusive.  In my experience, this obstacle can most often be due to an anxiety disorder that has not been treated or has not been diagnosed. 

1.  Major Depressive Disorder:  There are various depression scales that are available that have screening questions for depression. These include HAM-D, MADRS, Beck Depression Inventory, Zung, etc.

However, I ask my screening questions in a way that is more conversational so as to continue a dialogue rather than a formal Q&A type of interview.
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Key questions should query about level of energy/motivation, irritability or tearfulness, sleep and appetite changes, social withdrawal towards friends and family, feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness, suicidal thoughts or suicide attempts.
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