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Depression

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Outpatient Psychiatry for Depression

Dr Peter McCann’s outpatient Psychiatry Service offers accessible, expert private treatment for depression, and mental health support for individuals aged 16 and over. He provides diagnostic assessments, tailored therapy, and medication management for a variety of psychiatric conditions, including depression, anxiety, autism, and other conditions and offers both online and in person appointments.

You can access our services if you are aged 16+, and have any of the following:

  • Are privately funding your appointment
  • Have a referral from your healthcare insurance provider

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Depression Diagnosis

During your assessment, Dr McCann will:
  • Discuss your symptoms –  explore the nature, frequency, and impact of your symptoms, including persistent low mood, fatigue, sleep disturbances, changes in appetite, and difficulty concentrating.
  • Review your medical history – Understanding your personal and family medical history helps identify potential risk factors and any previous experiences with mental health treatment.
  • Evaluate contributing factors – assess life circumstances, stressors, underlying issues, or past experiences that may be influencing your mental health.
  • Use evidence-based diagnostic criteria – assessments are based on established guidelines, such as those from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders).
  • Identify co-existing conditions – Depression often occurs alongside anxiety disorders, PTSD, or other mental health problems, which will be taken into account when planning depression treatment.

We do not currently treat children or young people under 16.

 Signs and Symptoms of Depression

 Depression is a common mental health condition that affects how you feel, think, and function in everyday life. While everyone experiences low moods occasionally, clinical depression—also known as major depressive disorder—involves more persistent and intense feelings that can significantly impact your well-being. You may be experiencing depression symptoms if you've noticed any of the following for more than a few weeks:

Psychological symptoms of depression:
  • Persistent sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness
  • Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
  • Low motivation or difficulty concentrating
  • Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or low self-esteem
  • Thoughts of death or self-harm

Depression can range from mild depression to severe depression, and in some cases may include psychotic depression or be part of manic depression (bipolar disorder). It often occurs alongside other mental health conditions, such as anxiety.

Physical symptoms of depression:
  • Fatigue or low energy
  • Sleep problems (insomnia or oversleeping)
  • Changes in appetite or weight
  • Unexplained aches and pains
  • Reduced sex drive

Recognising the symptoms and whether or not they are problematic to you is the first step towards getting treatment for depression. With the right support, most people can overcome depression and prevent future depressive episodes.

 Psychiatry for Depression

Seeing a psychiatrist is an important step in treating depression, especially when the symptoms are moderate to severe or if they haven’t improved with other forms of help. Dr Peter McCann offers private depression treatment in a safe and supportive environment, tailored to each individual’s needs.

Here’s how psychiatry for depression can help:

  • Comprehensive assessment – review your >medical history, explore underlying causes, and assess for related mental health disorders such as anxiety or bipolar disorder.
  • Personalised treatment plans – your care may involve a combination of talking therapymedication, and lifestyle changes, all based on your unique symptoms
  • Medication management – Dr McCann can prescribe medication such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or other suitable antidepressants to help relieve symptoms and improve daily functioning.>
  • Psychological therapies – You may be referred for cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)interpersonal therapy, or group therapy to explore negative thought patterns and build effective coping skills and strategies.
  • Ongoing support – Your psychiatrist will monitor your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed, particularly in cases of treatment-resistant depression
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Whether you’re struggling with mild depression or facing severe cases, Dr McCann is here to guide you with evidence-based, effective depression treatment options that can help you reduce symptoms, improve mood, and enhance your overall well-being.

He provides expert support for individuals experiencing depression symptoms, or who have depressive disorders. From diagnosis to ongoing mental health care, he offers a range of services to help individuals better understand their needs and access the right support. He can help you with:

  • Diagnosis – Dr McCann can diagnose depressive disorders in individuals aged 16+ following necessary assessments.
  • Mental Health Support – he evaluates and manage co-existing conditions such as anxiety to improve overall wellbeing.
  • Depression Treatment & Support Plans – following diagnosis, He develops personalised treatment plans, including therapy recommendations, coping strategies, and practical support. From cognitive behavioural therapy, to relaxation techniques, depression treatments that can help relieve symptoms.
  • Medication Management – If appropriate, Dr McCann may prescribe and monitor medication for depression and co-existing mental health conditions.
  • Referrals to Specialists – He can connect individuals with psychologists, occupational therapists, and other healthcare professionals for ongoing additional support post-treatment.
  • Professional Reports – He can provide reports for schools, workplaces, and healthcare providers to support adjustments and access to services if necessary.
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Personalised & Compassionate Care

He believes that every person who walks through our doors should feel valued, respected, and be treated with the utmost care. He understands that depression and depressive disorders are unique to each person, which is why his treatments are personalised to address individual needs.

Specialist Dual Diagnosis Depression Treatment

Dr McCann has expertise in dual diagnosis treatment, addressing both depression and any co-occurring mental health conditions such as anxiety, autism, or PTSD. The multidisciplinary team ensures that every aspect of a patient's well-being is managed, from psychiatric support to therapeutic interventions, for a holistic treatment approach.

Quick Access to Support with No Waiting Times

Dr McCann understands the importance of being able to access treatment quickly. That’s why he offers rapid assessments with little to no waiting lists. Patients can access immediate support from the expert team, ensuring a swift path to diagnosis and depression treatment.

Our Consultant Psychiatrist

Dr Peter McCann, MBBS, MSc, MRCPsych, is the Consultant Psychiatrist and Medical Director of Castle Craig. He specialises in treating all psychiatric conditions, alongside his work at Castle Craig helping people who suffer from addiction. He has experience of treatment both in the United States and the United Kingdom.

He is on the GMC Specialist Register for General Psychiatry in the U.K and is also U.S. Board certified in both General Psychiatry and Internal Medicine. He is BUPA Registered.

 

Private Medical Insurance

He is  covered by the following private medical insurers:

  • BUPA
  • AXA-HEALTH

If you have private medical insurance but do not see your insurer here, we encourage you to give them a call and ask if they would cover your private treatment for depression here.

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Book your first appointment.

offer partial or full reimbursement, and we're more than willing to help with any paperwork or information you might need to support your inquiry.

Contact our team to find out more information regarding private medical insurance. Our team is on hand to answer questions and help with anything you may need to provide to your insurer.

Our Location

We offer flexible appointment options to suit your needs; whether you prefer to visit us in person at our clinic at Castle Craig nestled in the scenic Scottish Borders, 20 miles from Edinburgh or you prefer to connect with us online from anywhere in the UK. Regardless of how you choose to engage, our commitment remains the same: to provide you with professional, compassionate, and evidence-based care throughout your treatment journey.

Our team at Castle Craig is dedicated to supporting you every step of the way, ensuring that you receive the highest quality of care tailored to your unique needs and circumstances. We are here to support you (or your loved one) with your eating disorder, to ensure your mental and physical health and emotional well-being are cared for and prioritised and to provide access to care that will support lasting recovery.

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How to Get Started

If you feel you are struggling with a mental illness or mental health challenges you can begin by self-referring through a phone call or email

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    If you're unsure about what support you need or if you have any concerns, we're more than happy to assist you. Whether you’re looking for more information about the services, the types of treatments available, or simply need someone to talk to, don’t hesitate to get in touch.