MEDICATION AND DEPRESSION
Anyone can develop depression. But, treatment is effective in about 80% of identified cases, when treatment is provided. Psychotherapy and medication are the two primary treatment approaches. Antidepressant medications can make psychotherapy more effective, for some people. Someone who is too depressed to talk, for instance, can't get much benefit from psychotherapy or counselling; but often, the right medication will improve symptoms so that the person can respond better.
This is intended to help you understand how and why drugs can be used as part of the treatment of depression. It is important for you to be well informed about medications for depression, if you are taking any of these medications, but this is not a "do-it-yourself" manual.
Self-medication can be dangerous. Interpretation of both the signs and symptoms of depression, and identification of possible side effects, are jobs for the professional. The prescription and management of medication, in all cases, must be done by a responsible physician working closely with the patient, his/her psychologist, and sometimes the patient's family. This is the only way to ensure that the most effective use of medication is achieved with minimum risk of side effects or complications.