What is currently known about the effectiveness of psychotherapy and medication in the treatment of depression?

Research shows that psychotherapy for depression is at least as effective as antidepressant medications during the treatment period and more effective in preventing a return of the symptoms after the treatment is stopped.

How are psychologists and psychiatrists different when dealing with medication?

Psychologists Treat Less Severe Conditions, Psychiatrists Treat More Complex Mental Health Disorders. Generally, psychologists treat conditions that don’t require medication. These types of conditions can include behavioral problems, learning difficulties, anxiety, and mild cases of depression.

Is medication the only treatment for depression?

Although medication can relieve the symptoms of depression, it is not usually suitable for long-term use. Other treatments, including exercise and therapy, can be just as effective as medication, often even more so, but don’t come with unwanted side effects.

What is the difference between psychologist and psychotherapist?

Psychotherapists are mental health professionals who have specialized training in talk therapy. This is an all-encompassing term for those who help people deal with stress, anxiety, and other emotional problems through therapy. Psychotherapists include psychologists, psychoanalysts, and some psychiatrists.

What kind of doctor should I See for depression?

If your doctor doesn’t find any of these factors as a cause of your depression, you may then be referred to a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or counselor.

Can a psychiatrist prescribe medication for depression?

Only a psychiatrist is also a medical doctor, which means he or she is able to prescribe medications. If your depression stems from a chemical imbalance, talk therapy will not be sufficient to treat you. It’s best to make your initial visit to a psychiatrist, who can both prescribe medications and offer you psychotherapy if it’s needed.

How do you deal with a friend who is depressed?

Practice self-care. Spending a lot of time with a loved one who has depression can take an emotional toll. Know your limits around difficult emotions, and make sure you take time to recharge. If you need to let your friend know you won’t be available for a while, you might say something like, “I can’t talk until X time.

What is psychiatry and how can it help with depression?

Psychiatry is a field of medicine that specifically focuses on diseases of the mind including depression. Even a single consultation can help to clarify the diagnosis, treatment options and can begin the healing process.