A quick fix, a happy pill and an instant relief are common phrases used to describe antidepressants. But does this paint an accurate picture?

Antidepressants are a type of drug used to minimize and treat symptoms of anxiety, depression, major depressive disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, post traumatic stress disorder, panic attacks and social anxiety disorder. The drugs target and correct neurotransmitters, carriers of chemical signals, in the brain. The federal government’s health statisticians found that about 1 in 1o Americans take antidepressants.

Misconceptions

There are many common misconceptions about what antidepressants are and what they do. Licensed marriage and family therapist Natalie Kazarian specializes in the treatment of anxiety, depression, developmental trauma and behavioral struggles in children. Kazarian frequently refers patients to psychiatrists so they can be prescribed antidepressants. She said her patients often enter the medicating process with misconceived ideas about medication, which can sometimes impact their experience with it.

“I can certainly understand the desire or the yearning for there to be a magic pill. But it just doesn’t work like that,” Kazarian said. “It treats the symptom, not the root of the issue”

Dr. Shirah Vollmer is a board certified child and adult psychiatrist who believes that medication is only a fraction of what makes a treatment plan successful.

“I always say that medication is about 10 or 20% of the treatment program,” Vollmer said. “A big part of the treatment program are lifestyle changes, and a big part of the treatment program is psychotherapy. It’s never ever just medication.” 

Similar to Vollmer and Kazarian, board certified child and adolescent psychiatrist Zeb Little said he believes people cannot rely on medications to fix problems they may be facing.

“So much of our society is based on ‘just take a pill or do a thing and it’ll fix whatever problem you’re having,'” Little said. “That’s not really what it’s like to be a human being. That’s not really how life works.”

Stigmas 

Historically, mental disorders and their treatment have been heavily stigmatized. Taking medication, in particular, is often associated with “weakness” and “laziness.” Little said that prior to starting medication, many of his patients enter the process with a negative outlook towards taking medication.

“Some people feel that it’s an act of weakness,” Little said. “Other people feel that they will be dependent on the medication. Other people feel that it’s somehow letting the medicine run their life.” 

An article from the Mayo Clinic wrote that stigmas surrounding the treatment of mental disorders are extremely dangerous because they can sometimes stop people from receiving care and treatment.

“Others’ judgments almost always stem from a lack of understanding, rather than information based on facts,” Mayo Clinic wrote. “Learning to accept your condition and recognize what you need to do to treat it, seeking support and helping educate others can make a big difference.”

Before she refers her patients to psychiatrists, Kazarian said she takes time with her patients to think about their relationship with medications and understand any preconceived notions they might have.

“I really try to educate people in addition to learn more about their belief systems around taking psychological meds.” Kazarian said.

Lifestyle changes and psychotherapy

In 2005, Dr. Mark Olfson, professor of clinical psychiatry at Columbia University, co-authored a survey that collected data on the number of people who took antidepressants and simultaneously received psychotherapy. The survey concluded one in five people taking antidepressants were receiving therapy as well. Scientists have found that the combination of medication and therapy are the most effective treatment method for various mental disorders, so Olfson said that those who do not attend psychotherapy are less likely to see positive results from the medication.

Kazarian agrees with Olfson and said she suggests her patients remain in therapy because she knows they will see the best results pairing the two treatments.

“I give them recommendations about how we still need to continue therapy weekly or biweekly, or however frequently, but ultimately, you know, it really is up to the patient,” Kazarian said. “Sometimes people actually do stop therapy once they start medication, so there’s not much I can do about that, nor can any clinician do about that. If somebody decides to stop they stop, but it’s not what I would recommend.”

Kazarian said that medication is a less personalized approach to the treatment of mental disorders, while more holistic approaches, such as therapeutic support, can be catered to a someones specific needs.

“My recommendation is that we have more collaboration between mental health professionals, doctors and naturopaths. We get Somatic experiences involved whether that be massage or acupuncture,” Kazraian said. We help people understand their diet and nutrition. And we understand how consumption of all media impacts the way that we feel.”