Medication vs Psychotherapy
How do we know when to use talk or mental therapy, and when is the best option medication?
Clients often ask this question, and it’s something psychotherapists and psychiatrists are extensively trained to know. Medication is most often helpful when the brain is either overproducing or underproducing a normal neurotransmitter the brain needs for optimal functioning. These are most often used to treat things like bipolar, depression, and occasionally anxiety, ADHD, ADD, etc.
Mental therapy (psychotherapy) is most helpful for working with relationships with the self, significant others, children, parents, bosses, etc.
This can get tricky to differentiate because the symptoms can often look the same. If I am depressed because I am frustrated with my job and my partner, which is most helpful?
A competent therapist can work this out by looking at patterns of behavior and where changes would like to be made. During this process, which should include a family history, it becomes apparent if something other than psychotherapy might be needed. A good psychotherapist has no problem referring to a competent psychiatrist, and a good psychiatrist will recommend a competent psychologist or psychotherapist.