Depression

Can I Drink Wine With My Antidepressant?

Generally speaking, because alcohol is a depressant, it is not advisable to drink alcohol of any kind when one is suffering from depression. With that being said, not everyone is on antidepressant medication for depression,...

When Is Hospitalization Necessary? What Does It Offer?

Hospitalization is the highest level of treatment. It is reserved for the most severe forms of depression (as well as other mental disorders). One criterion used for determining the necessity of hospitalization is the presence...

My Internist is Prescribing An Antidepressant

How do I know whether I should see a specialist? Should I see a psychopharmacologist? A general practitioner of medicine can often adequately treat depression. There are situations, however, when a psychiatric consultation should be...

Can I Take Other Medicines While I Am On An Antidepressant?

It is always important to inform any doctor you see of all medications you are taking, including any herbal or over-the-counter supplements. Although many medications can be taken concurrently, the potential for reactions exists between...

My Medication Is Helping, But I Have Sexual Side Effects.

What can I do? Many antidepressants can have sexual side effects that range from decreased interest in sex to difficulty having an orgasm. Many individuals are too embarrassed to ask their doctor about these problems,...

My Antidepressant Is Not Helping. What Happens Next?

One of the most difficult aspects of treatment is the long period of trial and error to find the right types of medications and the right doses to treat my daughter’s bipolar disorder effectively. It...

Will Diet Or Exercise Help With My Mood?

My husband has found a regular exercise regimen to be an important contribution to feeling well. It helps him to deal with stress and to maintain his weight, which might other-wise be adversely affected by...

Are There Any Natural Remedies For Depression?

“Natural” or alternative treatments describe any treatment that has not been scientifically documented or identified as safe or effective for a certain medical condition. Examples of alternative treatments include acupuncture, yoga, herbal remedies, aromatherapy, biofeedback,...

Is Medication Or Therapy More Effective For Depression?

Anthony’s comment: Therapy is the first tool in treatment. Without self-aware-ness, any further attempts at treatment are going to be difficult if not futile. If a medical professional deems it necessary, medication can help one...

How Long Will I Have To Stay On Medication?

Medication has provided my spouse with the capacity to function at his highest level. He has been able to work for over 20 years without having to take a medical leave and to lead a...

Will I Gain Weight From The Medication?

Anne’s comment: One of the difficulties in experiencing weight gain caused by medication is the desire for the patient to stop taking the medication. In treating my adolescent daughter for bipolar disorder, weight gain has...

Will I Become Addicted To The Medication?

A major concern for many patients who take these medications for years is the fear that they are addicted to the medication. Addiction is a complicated and controversial issue that bears some explaining. From a...

What Are The Different Types Of Medication Used To Treat Depression?

How does my doctor choose a medicine? Medication choices include many medications within the following classes: Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) Serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors Others TCAs and...

Are There Any Risks From Engaging In Psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy appears, on the surface, to be one of the most benign forms of medical therapies. There is no physical contact. No medications are prescribed. Only words are exchanged between people—nothing more. However, never underestimate...

What Is Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy?

Cognitive–behavioral therapy is based on two separate theoretical models, both cognitive and behavioral. Cognitive models are based on the premise that cognitions, or thoughts, determine emotions and behavior. Automatic thoughts are one type of cognition...

How Do I Choose A Therapist And A Therapy Approach?

Choosing a therapist can be an overwhelming task. One look in the yellow pages shows lists of names, and not everyone lists in the yellow pages. The many possible credentials of therapists is one factor...