Have you started treatment for depression? Here's how to follow up properly!

Did your doctor tell you that you have depression? Did he tell you to start medication for it? Most of the time, our family doctor (primary care doctor) starts this treatment. But you may be wondering, "Is it right to get medication from your family doctor without seeing a psychiatrist?" That's actually a good first step. Because not everyone who suffers from depression may have the opportunity to see a specialist. So, today we'll talk about some things you can do to successfully navigate this journey together with your doctor.

Questions you should definitely ask your doctor

We know that our doctors have very limited time. They may only get to talk to you for a few minutes. But it is your responsibility to use that time to learn the most important things about your treatment.

Imagine you are asking: "Doctor, what is my treatment plan? How long will it take for me to feel better?" This is a very reasonable question. In addition, ask about these things.

• "What are the pros and cons of the different types of antidepressants currently available?"
• "What are the common side effects of this medication?"
• "If I have side effects, how long will it take for them to go away?"

It's important to know these things in advance. Because sometimes it takes a while for your body to get used to the medication. Some people stop taking the medication due to side effects that occur in the first two weeks after starting it. But if you are aware of the possible consequences in advance, it will be easier for you to cope with the situation.

When should I see the doctor again? (Follow-up)

There is no one-size-fits-all time frame for this. It depends on several factors, such as the severity of your symptoms and your response to medication.

If your symptoms are mild and you are gradually feeling better after starting the medication, it is okay to go for a follow-up in about 4-6 weeks . However, if you do not feel any change, see your doctor sooner.

There is good evidence that if you don't see any improvement within the first two weeks, you should reconsider your treatment. That doesn't necessarily mean you should change your medication. You should talk to your doctor about things like, "Do you need to change the dose? Or do you need to reconsider your diagnosis?"

When you're depressed, it can be hard to recognize even small improvements. This is where measurement-based care comes in. It involves rating common symptoms of depression on a scale. As you go through treatment, you can compare these scores to see how well you're doing.

Below are some things you or your doctor should measure.

Take special care when treating children and young people.

Unlike adults, children may experience symptoms of depression differently. "When children are depressed, they may not appear to be sad. Instead , they may appear very angry and irritable ," says a specialist in child and adolescent psychiatry.

Antidepressants have a "black box warning," which states that they may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts in people under the age of 24. Although there is some controversy about this, it is best to see your doctor or call your child's doctor at least once a week during the initial stages of treatment to let them know how your child is doing.

It's normal for parents to be concerned about suicidal thoughts, but don't let that fear keep you from giving your child medication.

Emergency!

If you suspect your child is about to harm themselves or if you have serious concerns about their safety, take them to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately . Treat this as a life-threatening emergency, just like a heart attack.

How can talk therapy help?

Talk therapy can be used with or without medication. Here are some good reasons to consider it:

• Your symptoms are mild or moderate.
• Willingness to learn methods that will help prevent future recurrences of the disease.
• You prefer a non-pharmacological approach.

Ask your doctor if you can see someone who specializes in Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) . This is a very effective, skills-based treatment for depression. It can also help you manage everyday problems, such as problems at home or at work.

When should you see a psychiatrist?

Your family doctor can usually treat mild depression. But if your condition is more complex, you may need to see a psychiatrist. These are some of the cases:

• If you have treatment-resistant depression: That is, if your symptoms do not improve with at least two standard antidepressants.
• If you need help managing side effects: Some medications can initially cause increased anxiety, insomnia, etc. These usually go away within a few days or weeks, but a specialist may be more knowledgeable about how to manage them during that time.
• If you need a second opinion: No matter how good your doctor is, there's nothing wrong with seeking advice from someone else. "If you feel like things aren't going right, and some treatments aren't working, there's nothing wrong with seeing a mental health professional."

Never make this mistake!

If you are taking an antidepressant, never stop taking it suddenly. Doing so can cause withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, anxiety, dizziness, and "zaps" or electric shocks in the head. Doctors may call this discontinuation syndrome .

Depression, mental health, antidepressant, follow-up, psychiatrist, CBT, mental illness