Can Depression Be Treated With Medication Only?
Yes, it's possible to treat depression with medication only, in some cases -- however, almost every study done highlights that the most effective treatment is a combinationof antidepressant medication and talk therapy.
The reason is that each has some effectiveness that complements the other and seems to boost the benefit of the other. We don't fully understand how either works to treat depression, but, in general, antidepressants work on the biochemical mood state and talk therapy works on changing the way a person thinks.
Someone with depression so severe that he or she has suicidal thoughts should never just take medication alone. At such a dangerous and frightening time, this person needs the education and guidance that a qualified talk therapist can provide.
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