If a patient is diagnosed with depression, the doctor may prescribe antidepressant medications and/or recommend psychotherapy. "Most doctors take a multidirected approach toward battling depression," says Castle. "Medicines can be highly effective, but often there's a role for psychotherapy and lifestyle changes."
Even if a primary care doctor diagnosed depression, a patient may still benefit from seeing a mental health professional, says Castle. "Some primary care physicians feel comfortable treating this disorder, but many would prefer the assistance of a psychiatrist or psychologist." Castle says this can be difficult for people who associate a stigma with mental health treatment. "It's important for the family to support the patient over that barrier."
The person in your care may also be nervous about taking antidepressants, but Castle points out that they present very little risk: "If anything, there's some evidence to suggest that these medicines might actually decrease the chance of having another stroke." Some of the common side effects, such as loss of libido or excessive sweating, can be annoying, but they're nothing compared to the misery of depression. And the doctor can work with the patient to find the most effective medication with the fewest side effects.
