This is a tricky question and it comes up often.  First, I should share that I used to be one of those people who were “anti-medication,” and would suffer through headaches, etc.  Throughout my work with individuals suffering from depression, anxiety, panic attacks, or other mental health concerns, I have seen the benefits of medication.  At this point, I would not consider myself a zealot, but I have certainly recommended medication to many clients over the years.  So, I guess I would consider myself as somewhere in the middle, neither a liberal nor a conservative.  I no longer believe that anyone should have to suffer.

Sometimes, this is the most difficult part of my job.  Helping people with depression understand that they are suffering needlessly.  Some of the symptoms of depression – feeling hopeless or helpless and uncontrollable negative thoughts – are often unrecognizable to the individual and obstacles in treatment.  They are so used to a “blah” world, where negatively is the norm, that they do not realize that life can be fuller, with more color than black, white, or grey.

When do I think it is appropriate to use medication as a therapeutic tool?  Generally, I recommend that my clients seek a medication evaluation if the symptoms of depression hinder their functioning to the point that therapy cannot be successful on its own and/or I feel that the individual is suffering and cannot manage daily living or tasks.  Medication can alleviate the symptoms so the individual can function effectively at work, at home or with peers.  Then we can work together to develop healthy coping strategies, understand the causes and triggers of his/her depression, and find the “colors” of life.

So, back to the original question.  Is medication a “cure”?  I believe that any time a psychologist, psychiatrist, or medical doctor feels that medication is appropriate, therapy so also be recommended.  For some individuals, depression is temporary or situational and medication can provide a “quick fix”.  While medication can help get through the short-term issues or problems, a psychologist helps the individual understand the triggers and, hopefully, avoid an episode of depression in the future.  For other individuals, depression is more of a clinical issue, sometimes with genetic predisposition.  In these situations, long-term use of medication might be necessary because it “balances” the neurotransmitters, or chemicals, in the brain that control mood.

All in all, I believe that medication can be a helpful tool or adjunct to therapy.

Please feel free to reply to this blog with any questions, opinions, or stories (anonymous are fine).  I look forward to hearing from you.