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Doctors talk about a "response" to an antidepressant, which means at least some improvement, and "remission," which means that the symptoms go away altogether. For most people, remission is a realistic goal. If one antidepressant doesn't do the trick, your doctor may consider the following options.
Increasing the dose of the antidepressant you're on
Continuing at the same dose and adding a second drug: either another antidepressant (combination therapy) or add another type of drug (augmentation therapy)
Switching, which involves gradually stopping the first drug and starting a second
Starting psychotherapy, if you're not already attending sessions
Are You Taking the Right Antidepressant?
Seeded on Sun May 16, 2010 9:27 AM EDT
Article Source: MSN- Enjoy this article? Help vote it up the 'Vine.
- Public Discussion (3)
News reports have linked antidepressant use to a higher risk of suicide, but the research actually shows the drugs may increase thoughts of suicide. No studies have linked the medications to the act itself. A far greater number of patients experience a decrease in thoughts of suicide. And only 1 percent to 4 percent of patients—children and adults—appear to be at risk. "Of the patients we see, 30 percent to 40 percent have already thought about suicide before they even get treatment," says Maurizio Fava, M.D., professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Papakostas says numbers like these suggest that getting proper treatment for depression is far more likely to prevent suicide attempts than increase them.
Hmm, something I've always suspected from my clinical experience, but it's nice to see that research actually backs it up.
- 1 vote
#1 - Sun May 16, 2010 9:31 AM EDTThat is a very good article. I hope some of the people who are antidepressant bashing will read it. :)
- 1 vote
Thanks, McSpocky. There is so much information out there, but much of it is not based on research. It is important to get well-researched information so people can make informed decisions.
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