Mood Disorders

Major
Depression

From first episode to recurrent and chronic. Depression is not a character flaw — it is a neurobiological condition with highly effective treatments. Dr. Farkas's 60–90 minute evaluations ensure nothing is missed before treatment begins.

60–90 min evaluation
🧠
MD/PhD neuroscience
💳
Aetna & Cigna
💻
SC · NY · VA telehealth
When to see Dr. Farkas
Symptoms affecting work, relationships, or daily life
Prior treatments haven't provided adequate relief
Uncertain about your current diagnosis
Side effects reducing quality of life
Seeking expert second opinion before next step
📅 Request an appointment → 📞 917-267-9678 ✉ hello@pearlbh.com
Understanding Major Depression

What is Major?

From first episode to recurrent and chronic. Depression is not a character flaw — it is a neurobiological condition with highly effective treatments. Dr. Farkas's 60–90 minute evaluations ensure nothing is missed before treatment begins.

Dr. Farkas brings a rare combination of MD/PhD neuroscience training, NIH research center experience, and clinical expertise to the evaluation and treatment of major depression. Her 60–90 minute new patient evaluations are designed to understand your full picture — medical history, prior treatments, contributing factors — before any treatment begins.

Effective treatment requires accurate diagnosis. Dr. Farkas's rigorous diagnostic approach ensures the right condition is identified and treated — not just the most common one that looks similar.

NIMH Mental Health Information ↗  ·  APA Patient Resources ↗

Common presentations

Persistent symptomsSymptoms lasting weeks to months affecting daily functioning
Functional impairmentWork performance, relationships, or self-care are affected
Prior treatment historyMay have tried other approaches without adequate relief
Diagnostic uncertaintyPrior diagnoses may not fully explain the symptom picture
Quality of life impactEnjoyment of daily activities and relationships is reduced
Treatment Approach

How Dr. Farkas treats
Major Depression

Evidence-based, neurobiologically-informed care. The treatment plan is built around your specific situation — not a protocol template.

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Comprehensive Evaluation
60–90 minute new patient evaluation covering full psychiatric, medical, family, and medication history. Validated diagnostic tools confirm clinical impressions. No rushing, no templates.
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Neurobiological Strategy
Medication selection is informed by Dr. Farkas's PhD-level understanding of mechanism — not trial-and-error. If previous medications failed, that pattern informs the next strategic step.
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Measurement-Based Tracking
Progress tracked with standardized outcome measures (PHQ-9, GAD-7) at every follow-up visit. Objective data drives adjustments — not just subjective impression.
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Collaborative Planning
Every recommendation comes with an explanation. You understand your diagnosis, why each medication was chosen, and what to expect. Treatment decisions are made together.
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"No Harm" Philosophy
Side effects — weight gain, sexual dysfunction, cognitive fog — are not acceptable trade-offs. They are problems to solve. Treatment success requires both symptom relief and preserved quality of life.
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Long-Term Optimization
Treatment evolves as your life does. Dr. Farkas adjusts, simplifies, and deprescribes proactively — never leaving you on a regimen that's no longer serving you.
Getting Started

What to expect from
your first appointment

A new patient evaluation with Dr. Farkas is 60–90 minutes — not a rushed intake. It covers your full psychiatric and medical history, prior diagnoses, all medications tried, and what has or hasn't worked. You'll leave with a clear diagnosis, a treatment plan you understand and agree with, and a follow-up already scheduled.

Telehealth is available throughout South Carolina, New York, and Virginia. In-person appointments are available at our Hilton Head Island, SC office.

Comprehensive evaluation — not a 15-minute intake
Full review of prior diagnoses and medication history
Clear explanation of findings and treatment rationale
Collaborative decision-making on next steps
Follow-up appointment scheduled before you leave

Ready for a real evaluation
of Major?

60–90 minutes. Expert diagnosis. A treatment plan built around your specific situation.

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