What is depression?

Depression can look different for everyone, and it is not a diagnosis in and of itself. While often used interchangeably with Major Depressive Disorder, ‘depression’ can also refer to bipolar depression, grief, a response to trauma, and many other things. Most commonly, the main signs of depression are low mood, low energy, and decreased interest in life. There can also be changes to sleep, activity level, diet, and even memory and thinking.

If you are concerned about symptoms of depression, reach out to schedule your first appointment now. In-person psychiatry in Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, and virtual everywhere else.

What is the treatment for depression?

The gold standard treatment is therapy plus medication. Some people may do fine with therapy alone. Depending on the diagnosis, common medications such as SSRIs may not be appropriate to use, which is why a careful evaluation by a psychiatrist is always recommended.

I am also comfortable using less common antidepressants, especially for those who have not had any success with multiple SSRIs, which is common for those who have only received treatment from a primary care doctor. Similarly, we can consider combinations of medications that may work better than one medication by itself.

If I start an antidepressant, will I have to take it forever?

The short answer is no, although many people take these medications safely for years. I typically advise patients to expect at least 6-12 months on a medication after their condition starts to improve.

Do you ever take patients off of antidepressants?

All the time! I do not believe in keeping patients on medications indefinitely out of fear. I will always work with patients to come up with a safe plan for tapering and stopping medications when appropriate. This requires careful monitoring to look out for symptoms of medication withdrawal or signs of depression returning, and can be a process that takes months to years depending on the individual patient.