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An
estimated 16 million
American adults experience
symptoms of depression
each year, making it one of
our society’s most chronic
health conditions.
Yet many people avoid
seeking treatment, afraid
of being prescribed an
antidepressant medication.
Are their fears well-
founded — or are they based
on misperceptions?
We invited Pavan
Pamadurthi, MD,
psychiatrist at Methodist
Richardson Medical Center,
to address some of the
most common myths about
these drugs.
MYTH:
“All people
with depression are
prescribed antidepressants.”
Dr. Pamadurthi:
“Depression
can be organic — caused by a
medical condition like thyroid
problems or stroke — or
situational, like when someone
has suffered a significant loss.
Depending on the cause of
depression, a doctor might
recommend antidepressant
medications, but he or she
might also prescribe counseling
or other interventions instead.”
MYTH:
“Antidepressants have
too many side effects and can
be dangerous.”
Dr. Pamadurthi
:
“Like all
medications, antidepressants
do have potential side effects,
but many may diminish over
time as a patient adjusts to
the medication.
“Also, antidepressants are safe
to take under a physician’s care.
In most cases, the good they
do for people who need help
getting back to their normal
life is far greater than the risks
for potential side effects.”
MYTH:
“If I start
antidepressants, I will have to
stay on them for life.”
Dr. Pamadurthi
:
“Since
antidepressants are
non-habit-forming, patients can
discontinue therapy at any time
(although it’s not recommended
that you do so outside of a
physician’s supervision).
“The length of therapy
depends on factors like the
cause of the depression and the
number of depressive episodes
a person has experienced.
“For example, with some
patients I recommend that they
begin to taper off after a year
or so. For patients with chronic
depression, I recommend
long-term medication, just
like a doctor might prescribe
a lifelong drug therapy for
a person with high blood
pressure or diabetes.”
Get the
facts about
antidepressants
OCT. 8 IS NATIONAL DEPRESSION SCREENING DAY
If you’re experiencing symptoms of depression — sadness, loss of
interest, changes in sleep or eating habits, hopelessness, and difficulty
concentrating — call
214-947-6296
to find a physician who can help.
Instant happy pills?
While antidepressants can offer great
relief to people with depression, they
aren’t a quick fix.
Their purpose is to relieve the
symptoms of depression by balancing
the chemicals in your brain that
regulate focus, sleep, and mood. It
usually takes four to six weeks before
patients begin to notice the benefits of
antidepressant therapy.
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Methodist Richardson Medical Center
•
❁
Fall 2015