Patient discussions
Anyone who is experiencing clinically significant symptoms of depression should be evaluated by a doctor.
Medicines and psychological therapy are the most common treatments. Treatment is very individualised, and depends on a number of factors specific to the person with depression, including treatment availability and their own personal preference.
There are many different types of antidepressants. These medicines may take several weeks before they become effective and should usually be taken for at least 6 months after symptoms go away to prevent symptoms from coming back, and that treatment should be reviewed regularly.[165]
Psychological or talking therapy also helps most patients with depression. Talking therapy helps the patient explore and change the thoughts, attitudes, and relationship problems associated with depression. Some people with depression can be treated effectively with psychological therapy alone. More severe depression often requires both psychological therapy and antidepressants.
Patient education should include warnings about the potential problems associated with the abrupt discontinuation of antidepressants.[330] Advise patients to talk to the healthcare professional who prescribed the antidepressant before stopping treatment.[330]
Advise them that withdrawal symptoms do not affect everyone, and can vary in type and severity between individuals. Symptoms may include:[330]
Unsteadiness, vertigo or dizziness
Altered sensations (e.g., electric shock sensations)
Altered feelings (e.g., irritability, anxiety, low mood tearfulness, panic attacks, irrational fears, confusion, or very rarely suicidal thoughts)
Restlessness or agitation
Problems sleeping
Sweating
Abdominal symptoms (e.g., nausea)
Palpitations, tiredness, headaches, and aches in joints and muscles
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