Dr Vohra's · Updated
Signs to look for
- Low mood most of the day, nearly every day, for two weeks or more
- Loss of interest or pleasure in things you used to enjoy
- Sleeping much more or much less, waking early
- Appetite or weight change
- Tiredness, slowed thinking, poor concentration
- Guilt, worthlessness, hopelessness
- Thoughts of death or self-harm
At Dr Vohra's
Who to see first: a psychiatrist or a psychologist; the clinic coordinates both.
Clinicians: Dr. Sandeep Vohra, Dr. Aditya Vohra
Treatments: Psychiatric consultation, Psychotherapy and counselling, Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), Medication management, Mindfulness-based therapy
ICD-11: 6A70, 6A71
What is depression?
Depression (a depressive episode, ICD-11 6A70, or recurrent depressive disorder, 6A71) is a persistent low mood or loss of interest lasting at least two weeks, with changes in sleep, appetite, energy, concentration and self-worth that interfere with daily life. Roughly one in twenty adults worldwide has depression at any time, by WHO estimates, and in India the National Mental Health Survey of 2015 to 2016 found that about one in forty adults had a current depressive disorder, most of them untreated.
It differs from ordinary sadness in duration, in its effect on the body (sleep, appetite, energy) and in the way it colours everything, including the belief that it will not get better.
What are the signs of depression?
Not everyone has every symptom, and in India low mood often shows up first as body complaints: tiredness, headaches, pain, poor sleep, or loss of appetite, with the mood change noticed later.
- Low mood most of the day, nearly every day, for two weeks or more
- Loss of interest or pleasure in things you used to enjoy
- Sleeping much more or much less, or waking early
- Appetite or weight change
- Tiredness, slowed thinking, poor concentration
- Guilt, worthlessness, hopelessness
- Irritability, especially in men and teenagers
- Thoughts of death or self-harm
Should I see a psychiatrist or a psychologist for depression?
Either is a good first step. See a psychiatrist first if the symptoms are severe, have lasted months, include marked sleep or appetite change, thoughts of self-harm, or have not responded to therapy. See a psychologist first for mild to moderate symptoms tied to a situation, and for CBT. At Dr Vohra's both work in the same clinic, so a psychologist can bring in a psychiatrist (or the reverse) without a new referral.
How is depression treated at Dr Vohra's?
The first consultation is a structured evaluation: history, symptoms, medical conditions and medicines that can mimic depression (thyroid problems, anaemia, vitamin deficiencies), substance use, and risk. Blood tests are requested where indicated.
Mild to moderate depression: cognitive behavioural therapy or another structured therapy with a psychologist, weekly, usually 12 to 16 sessions. Moderate to severe depression: an antidepressant (usually an SSRI first) alongside therapy, with reviews every two to four weeks; antidepressants take two to six weeks to work and are continued for six to twelve months after recovery for a first episode. Recurrent depression: longer maintenance treatment and relapse-prevention therapy such as MBCT.
Follow-ups and therapy are available online, which many patients use after an in-person first visit.
How long does treatment take?
Most people feel a clear improvement within six to eight weeks of starting treatment and are well within three to six months. Treatment continues beyond that point to prevent relapse. Stopping early is the most common reason depression comes back.
Frequently asked questions
- Can depression be treated without medication?
- Mild to moderate depression often responds to CBT or another structured therapy alone. Moderate to severe depression usually needs medication as well; the psychiatrist will say which applies to you.
- Are antidepressants addictive?
- No. They do not cause craving or a high. Some cause discontinuation symptoms if stopped abruptly, which is why they are tapered under supervision.
- Can I consult online for depression?
- Yes. Evaluation, therapy and follow-ups are all available by secure video or voice call across India and abroad. Where there is a risk of self-harm, an in-person visit or local emergency care is advised.
- How do I book an appointment at Dr Vohra's?
- Call or WhatsApp +91 99992 49223, email help@drvohras.com, or use the contact form. Appointments are in person at 29/24, East Patel Nagar, New Delhi 110008, or online by secure video or voice call across India, in English and Hindi.
- What if I am in crisis right now?
- Call Tele-MANAS 14416 or KIRAN 1800-599-0019, both 24x7 and free anywhere in India, or 112 for emergency services. Dr Vohra's is an outpatient clinic, not an emergency service.