The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that more than 20 million American adults suffer from a mood disorder each year. Unfortunately, many of them do not seek professional treatment, according to a study published in the Annual Review of Medicine in 1999. Trained professionals stand ready to listen and help manage the symptoms of depression, such as persistent feelings of sadness, pessimism or fatigue. If you are contemplating suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline right away (800-273-8255, toll-free, 24 hours a day).
Primary Health Care Provider
Your primary health care provider, such as your family doctor or nurse practitioner, can talk with you about depression and help you understand the various causes, symptoms and available treatments. Medical health care providers often prescribe antidepressant medication, pills designed to calibrate a balance of chemicals in the brain that aid in regulating moods. Your provider may refer you to a psychiatrist, psychologist or mental health counselor for further assessment or for therapy.
Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists are medical doctors with extensive training in the treatment of depression and other psychological problems. Like other medical health care providers, psychiatrists often prescribe antidepressant medication and may be open to exploring other forms of treatment. A psychiatrist may ask you more in-depth questions about your symptoms, your feelings and your life than a primary care provider would.
Psychologist or Mental Health Counselor
Psychologists and mental health counselors are trained to treat various forms of depression. They typically conduct psychotherapy, or "talk therapy," as the primary form of treatment. Practitioners of psychotherapy seek to identify the root causes of depression through a dialogue and an interpersonal relationship between the therapist and the client. A typical psychotherapy session lasts about an hour and consists of conversations about the client's thoughts, feelings and/or behaviors.
Making a Decision
Your personal preference may dictate your choice of therapy: medication or talk therapy. According to a study published in Journal of the American Medical Association in 2004, both are efficacious in treating depression. The same study found that a combination of both psychotherapy and antidepressant medication was more effective in treating depression than either method alone, though the "Clinical Handbook of Psychological Disorders," fourth edition, notes that other studies have produced conflicting results. Talk with any of these licensed professionals--such as your primary health care provider, a psychologist or psychiatrist--about the costs and benefits of each option.
Locating a Provider
You may need help in locating a primary care physician or psychiatrist. Many insurance websites offer a search function to locate in-network providers. The "Find a Psychologist" website operated by the American Psychological Association hosts a search to help you locate a local psychotherapist. Many schools offer students free or reduced-cost mental health resources.
References
- National Institute of Mental Health: The Numbers Count: Mental Disorders in America
- "Annual Review of Medicine": Natural History and Preventative Treatment of Mood Disorders; Ellen Frank, Ph.D. and Michael E. Thase, M.D.; 1999
- "Journal of the American Medical Association"; Fluoxetine, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, and Their Combination for Adolescents With Depression; John March et al.;2004
- "Clinical Handbook of Psychological Disorders"; David Barlow, Ph.D.; 4th edition, 2008
