Depression Treatment Effectiveness with Psychotherapy and Medication

The treatment of depression has been the primary focus of studies comparing medication and therapy. The findings support the use of both medicine and psychotherapy as effective therapies. Depressive episodes may vary from moderate seasonal mood swings to severe impairments that make it difficult to do even the most basic self-care activities, let alone holding down a job or sustaining meaningful interpersonal interactions. Mild, moderate, and severe depression may all be adequately treated with medication and therapy by a psychiatrist.

The Effectiveness of Psychotherapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, and In-vivo Therapy are evidence-based treatment modalities that, compared to psychotropic medicines, have been shown to have better long-term positive outcomes for their patients. These treatments are effective because they provide necessary coping skills. Patients will learn to recognize inaccurate or negative thoughts and strategies for changing these thoughts or beliefs.

Through psychotherapy, a person might gain insight into the origins of irrational responses to previously unknown threats. Cognitive therapy and other "talk therapies" help patients surmount and deal with the triggers, leading to improved quality of life. Also, the skills that patients learn to stick with them for the long term. This means improved symptoms but also prepares them for when their stressors resurface in the future.

Psychotherapy does not have the risk for addiction that other psychotropic drugs have. Also, CBT has demonstrated to be as beneficial, if not more so, than medicine in alleviating symptoms of depression in some people.

The Effectiveness of Medications

Antidepressants and antianxiety medicines are among the most widely used pharmaceuticals in the world. Many believe these medications will cure mental illness once and for all. Some patients, especially those with severe cases, may see a faster, short-term improvement in their symptoms after starting psychotropic medicines. When comparing medication with psychotherapy, the former is often more affordable. It is typically covered by insurance, while the latter has more limited coverage or is sometimes not covered.

Yet, medications are not without their downsides. Many individuals ignore the list of potential adverse side effects of these medications. These medications are often recommended by a psychiatrist on a "try this and see if it works" basis, with substitutions made if the patient does not experience the desired improvement in symptoms. Many people avoid treating their depression with medication because they are afraid of becoming dependent on the drugs or having their personalities changed in some way. A further worry is that they may be unable to wean themselves off the drug since the depressive or anxious feelings will return if they quit.

The Effectiveness of Combining Medication and Therapy

Recent studies have revealed that many individuals benefit most from a combination of medication and psychotherapy. People with depression may benefit from psychotherapy and medication since they may help rapidly reduce symptoms.

An improvement in symptoms, the acquisition of skills to manage or alter those symptoms, and an overall sense of well-being are all possible outcomes of a treatment plan that combines these approaches. If the symptoms return, patients will be better equipped to deal with them because of the coping skills they learned in therapy.

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Final thoughts

Working with a psychiatrist is the best way to determine if you would benefit more from medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of the two. A mental health professional is available to assist you. Reach out today to book an appointment.

Request an appointment or call NYC Psychiatric Associates at 917-391-0076 for an appointment in our New York office.