Depression Treatment Options: Medication, Therapy, or Both?

Depression is highly treatable - most people improve significantly with the right approach. Here's what the evidence says about treatment options. **Antidepressant Medications** SSRIs and SNRIs are first-line treatments for moderate to severe depression. They work by balancing neurotransmitters in the brain. Most people see improvement within 4-8 weeks. There are many options if the first doesn't work. **Psychotherapy** Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most evidence-based therapy for depression. It works as well as medication for mild-moderate depression and reduces relapse risk. **Combined Approach** Research consistently shows that medication plus therapy outperforms either alone for moderate to severe depression. This is the gold standard for comprehensive depression care. **Making the Decision** Your psychiatrist will help you weigh severity, previous treatment history, personal preferences, and practical factors. There's no one-size-fits-all answer - the best treatment is the one you'll actually do.