Dr. Kroin offers a wealth of  experience  in various therapeutic traditions. Because of Dr. Kroin interest in a broad range of therapeutic perspectives and years of experience, clients receive a more integrated and holistic approach to treatment than they might with practitioners who specialize in a specific form of therapy. Dr. Kroin works with individuals who have depression and mood disorders. She will develop a treatment plan for you that addresses all the symptoms and difficulties you are experiencing and help you work toward a positive, meaningful life again. Dr. Kroin will work with you to help you identify specific changes in your thinking, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors that can reduce your depressive symptoms.

Indianapolis Major Depressive Disorder

Major depressive disorder, or major depression, is characterized by a combination of symptoms that interfere with a person's ability to work, sleep, study, eat, and enjoy once-pleasurable activities. A depressed mood is present throughout most of the day and the combination of symptoms lasts for longer than two months or is characterized by significant impairment in normal daily living. Some people may experience only a single episode within their lifetime, but many people may have multiple episodes of depression. Therefore, it is extremely important to seek professional help early to attempt to reduce your suffering and to minimize the negative impact across your lifespan.

Indianapolis Dysthymic Disorder

Dysthymic disorder, or dysthymia, is characterized by long-term (2 years or more) symptoms of depression that may not be severe enough to disable a person but can prevent normal functioning or interferes with the individual’s sense of well-being. It is common to experience frequent fatigue or low energy, reduced self-esteem, and decreased concentration or problems making decisions with dysthymia. People with dysthymia may also experience one or more episodes of major depression during their lifetimes. It is critical to identify and treat this experience of “double depression” (having both dysthymia and major depression) with psychotherapy to address the underlying dysthymia. Many times this underlying condition is missed when the acute major depression is treated with medication alone. This unfortunately leaves the individual with ongoing suffering and a significant risk of repeated major depressive episodes. Approximately 75% of individuals with dysthymic disorder suffer from a chronic physical illness or other mental health problem such as anxiety, major depressive disorder, and drug or alcohol abuse.   

Indianapolis Seasonal Affective Disorder 

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is characterized by the onset of depression during the winter months when there is less natural sunlight. The depression generally lifts during spring and summer. SAD may be treated with light therapy, but nearly half of those with SAD do not get better with light therapy alone. Antidepressant medication and psychotherapy can significantly reduce SAD symptoms, either alone or in combination with light therapy.

Indianapolis Postpartum Depression

Many women, probably at least fifty percent, experience what are called the “baby blues” for a week or two after giving birth.  These women may feel tearful, emotionally very sensitive, or overwhelmed, unlike their normal selves.  However, if these symptoms go on for more than two weeks, become more intense, or additional symptoms of depression begin to be experienced, the new mother should seek help. This prolonged or intensified state could signal the beginning of Postpartum depression.

Postpartum depression, which is much more serious than the "baby blues," occurs when the abrupt hormonal and physical changes begin and the new responsibility of caring for a newborn becomes overwhelming. It is estimated that 10 to 15 percent of women experience postpartum depression after giving birth.

Indianapolis Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder, also called manic-depressive illness, is not as common as major depression or dysthymia. Bipolar disorder is characterized by cycling mood changes—from extreme highs (e.g., mania) to extreme lows (e.g., depression). Severe manic episodes can sometimes lead to such psychotic symptoms as delusions (disturbing false beliefs or a break with reality) and hallucinations (hearing or seeing upsetting things that others cannot hear or see). Bipolar disorder has been subdivided into bipolar I, bipolar II, cyclothymia, and other types, based on the nature and severity of mood episodes experienced. Medication is often a part of the treatment plan for individuals with bipolar disorder, though many different forms of psychotherapy are usually quite important to help create the most effective and stable intervention.