Are Antidepressants Effective?

People seeking help with their depression often wonder what treatment option is the best. Antidepressants will naturally be among the first things they research. But with so many types of antidepressants and so many reported side effects, are antidepressants really effective? This is the question we look to answer in this article. 

If you are experiencing persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest in hobbies, or thoughts of suicide, know that there are treatment options available to you. Consult Maulik K. Trivedi, M.D., a psychiatrist in Brandon, if you have any questions regarding depression and anxiety treatment options. 

Treating Depression With Medication

It’s everyone’s hope that their problems can be solved with a single pill. Antidepressants don’t exactly work like that. Antidepressants treat the symptoms of depression — feelings of sadness, lethargy, poor concentration, etc. — by addressing chemical imbalances, thereby allowing people to get back to their lives. As written by the Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care, “Studies show that the benefit generally depends on the severity of the depression: The more severe the depression, the greater the benefits are likely to be. In other words, antidepressants are effective against chronic, moderate and severe depression.”

Related: How to Break the Cycle of Depression and Anxiety 

It’s important to note that there are numerous types of antidepressants, including SSRIs and SNRIs. These medications are effective for treating depression, and as we’ve covered previously, they are even effective for treating anxiety. But finding the right medications in the right dosage for an individual takes time. If you’re seeking depression or anxiety treatment in Brandon, the right treatment option will need to be unique to you. 

Related: Anxiety and Depression’s Effect on the Body 

Finding the Treatment Option That’s Right for You 

You never know what treatment option, or combination of treatment options, will work best for you. That’s why it’s best to focus on the whole person when treating depression. Your depression symptoms could be relieved with prescription medication, or the could be relieved with: 

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Fitness and Nutritional Counseling
• Meditation
• Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
• Spiritual Awareness Cultivation

Yoga has even been shown to ease symptoms of depression. The way to relieve your own symptoms could be among those listed above. This whole-person care approach is what we utilize at FMC MindBody. If you suffer from symptoms of anxiety or depression, our team will consider any and all treatment options while taking into account your whole being. Whether successfully treating your depression involves medications or not, we will help you break the cycle of depression. To find out which treatment option is right for you, schedule an appointment for depression treatment in Brandon with Dr. Trivedi and his team at FMC MindBody.

Disclaimer: The contents of this website are for general educational purposes only. All content and media on the Maulik K. Trivedi, M.D., website does not constitute professional medical advice nor is the information intended to replace the services of Maulik K. Trivedi, M.D., or other qualified medical professionals. If you believe you are having a medical emergency, call 911 immediately. 

The content, views, and opinions communicated on this website do not represent the views of Maulik K. Trivedi, M.D. Reliance on any information provided by this website is solely at your own risk. Although this website contains links to other medical websites, this is strictly for informational purposes. Maulik K. Trivedi, M.D. is not responsible nor do they approve of the content featured on any third party linked websites referenced on this website.