Psychiatrists manage antidepressant medications and monitor treatment response for depression, often coordinating with therapists for comprehensive care.
Medication Management
SSRIs are typically first-line treatment, with other options including SNRIs, atypical antidepressants, and augmentation strategies. For treatment-resistant depression, options include TMS, ketamine/esketamine, and ECT. Careful monitoring during initial weeks of treatment is essential.
What to Look For
- Depression medication expertise
- Monitoring protocols
- Treatment-resistant depression experience
Questions to Ask
- What medication do you recommend first?
- How do you monitor for side effects?
- What if the first medication doesn't work?