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How a Psychiatrist Can Help Depression

Nancy MacGregor MA, ATR-BC, LPC, ACS, Clinical Director

Although general practitioners can prescribe antidepressants, these medical professionals lack the additional training that a psychiatrist for depression has. Therefore, when an individual’s doctor suspects that he or she is experiencing depression, the physician should give the patient a referral to make an appointment with a psychiatrist.

The Benefits of Receiving Treatment from a Psychiatrist for Depression

The psychiatrists at Harmony Bay know how to help patients discover which issues are causing them to experience the symptoms of depression.

Due to similarities in the symptoms associated with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and anxiety disorders, an inexperienced doctor may misdiagnose a patient suffering with depression. Since psychiatrists frequently treat individuals who have a mental health diagnosis, the psychiatrists’ experience allows them to provide the patient with an accurate diagnosis.

Psychiatrist for Depression: What Patients Need to Know

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who decides to specialize in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders. Since a psychiatrist is also a medical doctor, he or she may prescribe medication to help ease the symptoms of depression and antidepressants to prevent their onset in the first place.

Furthermore, a psychiatrist can help patients pull themselves out of the dark, gloomy place that frequently accompanies depression. By seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, patients become more optimistic about their future.

Understanding Psychiatry

Since psychiatry involves the blending of science and art, the proper treatment for depression requires more than just a one-time visit to receive a prescription for medication.

Psychiatrists for depression must determine which medications will successfully prevent the onset of the symptoms associated with depression. Furthermore, the prescribed medication must offer the patient the most benefits with the fewest number of side effects.

Patients May Need to Try Several Depression Medications

Everyone is unique, which is why a patient may need to try several medications before finding the right one. Furthermore, some patients will need their psychiatrist to order them more than one medication.

Reasons a Patient May Receive a Combination of Medications

Patients who receive multiple medications may need this combination of medications to boost the positive effects of a medication or to counteract side effects resulting from a different medication.

Psychotherapy is a Viable Treatment Option for Depression

A depression psychiatrist may also offer psychotherapy services. Nonetheless, if he or she does not personally provide these services, the patient typically receives a referral to a therapist who will. Even though the patient receives psychotherapy from a different mental health provider, the patient returns to the psychiatrist when it is time to have his or her prescription medications refilled.

The Results of Working with a Psychiatrist for Depression

The patient experiences a rise in his or her self-esteem. This increase in self-esteem frequently leads to the patient experiencing an array of other benefits (e.g., a healthier appetite and a good mood).

How Depression Affects One’s Overall Health

When an individual is suffering with depression, he or she is under a great deal of mental stress. This stress can negatively affect his or her overall wellbeing, which may result in the development of health issues, including cardiovascular disease. Nonetheless, receiving treatment from a psychiatrist for depression can improve an individual’s overall cardiovascular health. Thus, significantly decreasing the likelihood of the patient developing a chronic disease.

If you are experiencing the symptoms of depression, consider seeking treatment from one of the experienced psychiatrists for depression at Harmony Bay. To schedule an appointment, call 855-765-6399.

Treatment with Harmony Bay

Harmony Bay is an outpatient behavioral health service that offers primary mental health treatment for a variety of mental health disorders. Our mission is to make mental health care convenient and affordable while providing an unmatched experience to our clients. contact us today by calling 855.765.6399.