in the uk, if i get diagnosed for depression, will i get anti depressants straight away?

Question

i thinking of going doctors this week, i dunno what to do, i v distressed, i know it not normal to feel like i do

will the doc refer me or give me medicine straight away

Answer 1

Yes. Most of our doctors dish them out like Smarties, and never bother asking why you're depressed. The weird thing is, that some of these pills list anxiety as a possible side-effect. What's the point of taking them? I've seen people end up in a worse....and addicted state, after being given prescriptions.Hope you feel better soon

Answer 2

Usually they will try you with anti depressants from the start. If they dont start to work, or if you/the doc thinks some kind of therapy may help, you may get a referral.
Surgeries are supposed to have counsellors/therapists attached (but very few do due to cuts) so you may have to wait a long time to get any kind of counselling.
However you should ask your doc if there are any kind of helplines specifically for mental health, we have a local one and its good for just talking when you feel the need. There may also be groups like 'mind' in your area where you can go for a chat and informal help.

Answer 3

It depends on the doctor. A good one will explore various options with you such as counselling and looking at your lifestyle. However, medication has it's place especially in severe forms of clinical depression and has helped to change peoples lives for the better. Combined with a supportive network of friends, family and professionals the results are miraculous.

Answer 4

If you are truly depressed and its not reactive depression (i.e. when something truly disturbing has recently happened) then the Doctor may give you anti-depressants, but maybe you just need to talk to someone who will really listen, either way your doctor will offer you the right treatment. Things will get better.

Answer 5

Not straight away...it depends what other medication you are taking at the time, for what you are taking for, say, epilepsy might retard the strength of certain medication - or vice versa...it doesn't have to be epilepsy, but there will be some medication that will make whatever you get for your depression non-active

Answer 6

Most Dr's will generally prescribe something that they think will assist with your symptoms at that visit, you are lickely to need a follow up visit about a week later to check you're OK if you do not respond you may be asked to switch meds and if that doesnt work then a referal to a specialist.

Answer 7

depends on how severe the depression is. most doctors dont like to go straight down the medication route as there are so many other options.

Answer 8

You got a good number of replies, but my answer is different from all of them. Please try Bach Flower Remedies before going in for allopathic antidepressants. Visit www.bachcentre.com and see the description of the Bach Flower Remedies, esp. Gentian, Mustard, Gorse and Sweet Chestnut and see whether your condition matches one of them.

And another option for you will be to see a good homeopath. Reiki will help you definitely. To know what is Reiki, and to receive Reiki freely, join the Yahoo Group, Reiki_Path:

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/Reiki_Path/

If you need more help, join this course, which again is FREE.

http://floweressencesintro.onlinecourse.com/

I wish you all the best and a speedy healing.

Answer 9

Don't go for anti-depressents. They screw up your mind and ruin your life.

Do a search for 'Fluoxotine + side effects' and you'll see what I mean.

Answer 10

normally they will give you them straight away,
if you dont want those why not try "st johns warts",you can buy them anywhere,none addictive