Is depression treatable?
Absolutely.
- 70% of patients will improve on their first antidepressant.
- up to 90% will improve after 3 or more medication trials;
- combining medication and psychotherapy especially cognitive behavioral therapy, and using adjunctive treatment in some cases such as ECT, leads to almost universal response
Common reasons for failure:
- concurrent use of alcohol or other drugs,
- abstinence or moderation is critical during treatment of a depressive episode;
- ongoing abuse or psychosocial chaos;
- self-sabotaging behavior (poor diet, exercise, relationship, and occupational stagnation).
Factoid: despite availability of safe, effective treatment, most depression goes untreated.
- most that is treated is treated by primary care physicians (not psychiatrists).