How do you utilize anti-depressants to treat major depressive disorder?
Medication works. It’s probably the front line of my treatment plan. Certainly, psychotherapy is also key in
treating depression, and I often suggest patients consider talk therapy in conjunction with medication to help
treat their depression. We encourage other forms of treatment as well, including getting out of the house,
quitting smoking, eating well-balanced meals and exercising. Setting and adhering to an activity schedule can
have a positive impact on mental health. People have great ambitions but just because they say they will get out
of bed more, exercise before work, and eat a more balanced diet, doesn’t mean they’re always going to have the
drive or motivation to do these things. Medication may be the thing that begins to decrease their symptoms and
allow them to more easily engage in these other treatment modes. The medication can start the healing phase.
What misconceptions would you like to address regarding mental health care?
A lot of times, people are reluctant to take medications. They have a misconception of what it will do. They
think it will change their thinking and make them dull or foggy. That’s not the case. Modern medicine in the
appropriate dose doesn’t work that way.
In Louisville, in the late 1980s, there was a very unfortunate incident of workplace violence involving a shooting (The Standard Gravure shooting took place on Sept. 14, 1989.) The individual responsible for this crime
was being treated with Prozac, and many people contributed his actions to the medication and blamed his
treatment as a cause of the incident. I still see people in the office now, in 2015, who mention that case as a
reason not to take antidepressant medication. People still hang onto this and are afraid of the medication, but
it’s very effective, safe, and beneficial in the treatment of depression and anxiety.
What other options do you offer for those suffering from depression?
Our office recently hired a therapist. This gives us the opportunity to get medication started, and initiate talk
therapy to augment their treatment and alleviate symptoms. Getting the patient back to a normally functioning
life as quick as possible is the goal.
Also, many area hospitals have intensive outpatient programs or partial hospitalization programs. These programs often consist of attending group and individual therapy three to five days each week. They are usually
time limited, and last from one to three weeks. These programs are then followed with weekly individual
therapy and medication management with a psychiatrist. This is often used for more debilitating and severe
depression. If we can get patients in these programs, in combination with medication, big strides on the road
to recovery can be made.
Connecting:
If you or someone you know is fighting depression, there are several
outlets for assistance. Below is a small collection of some, but not
all, of the ways you or a loved one can get the help you need. Don’t
hesitate. Make a connection today.
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping those in need.The Louisville Chapter
offers peer-run support groups which give attendees the opportunity
to reach out to others, motivation for treatment, understanding of
mood disorders and rediscovering of strength.
To make a connection, call: 1-800-273-TALK or text “START” to
741-741
Meetings are held at: St. Paul United Methodist Church (Tuesdays &
Thursdays - 7:30 p.m. & Clark Memorial Hospital Mondays - 7:30
p.m.)
For more information, visit www.dbsalouisville.org.
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The University of Louisville Depression Center has
long been an outlet for those who aren’t sure where to turn. At
www.louisville.edu/depression, you’ll find a variety of great information including sign-up times f or free seminars and tips to fight
depression. Also available is a simple, confidential online questionnaire
available at https://louisville.edu/depression/understanding-depression/mental-health-screening-tools. To speak with a professional,
call 502-588-4450. There are a variety of treatments available for
those in need.
The Recovery Inc. of Kentucky organization is a no cost option
for anyone suffering from mental or emotional distress. Founded in the 1950s, the program’s goal is to help participants cope
with symptoms and situations which may create them. To reach
out to Recovery Inc. of Kentucky, call 502-458-8016 or email
[email protected]. Visit their website at
www.recoveryofkentucky.org to learn more!
If these options don’t quite meet your needs, and you want the assistance of a specific mental health professional, contact the Greater
Louisville Medical Society at 502-589-2001 to assist you in finding
a licensed psychiatrist for help.
VITAL SIGNS Volume 10 • Issue 3