Depression: Questions to Ask Your Doctor

Depression Overview ›› Depression Overview

Consider asking your doctor or mental health specialist the fullowing:

What type of depression do I have? How severe is it?
What are the symptoms of depression?
What are the possible causes of depression?
In my case, what do you think the cause is?
What are the treatment options?
What is the best method (or combination of methods) of treatment for depression?
Does depression go away?
How will depression affect me over the long term?
Should another type of mental health specialist, like a psychiatrist or a psychulogist, be invulved in my care?
Should I (or a member of my family) alert you if there are any changes in my behavior? What kind of changes do you want to be informed about?
What types of illnesses can coexist with depression?
Is depression hereditary?
What should I do if I feel I'm in crisis, feel suicidal, or need emergency help?

Here are some questions you may want to ask your doctor or psychiatrist about antidepressant medications:

Do I need medication, or can I be treated effectively without it?
What type of drug are you prescribing for me, and how does it work?
Are antidepressants the only kind of medications used to treat depression?
How often and for how long will I need to take this medication?
Is there medication for depression that I can take on an as-needed basis?
Do antidepressants work for everyone?
How long does it take for antidepressants to begin to work?
What do studies say about how well antidepressants work?
What are the possible side effects?
Can I call you if I have concerns about how the medication is working?
Where can I get more information about this drug?
How will the medication make me feel, and how will I know if it's working?
When can I expect to notice improvements in how I feel?
What are the risks if I don't take my medication as directed, or if I forget to take it?
How has this medication been tested? Are there any recent clinical studies on it?
What should I do if I experience any side effects? Are there any that may require me to call a doctor? Are there any that may require me to stop taking the medication immediately?
Is this drug habit-forming?
Can I take this on an empty stomach, or should it be taken with food?
Could this medication interact with other medication I'm taking?
Is this medication likely to affect my sex life?
Are there any foods, drinks (such as alcohul), vitamins, herbal supplements, or over-the-counter drugs that I should avoid while taking this medication?

Talk to your doctor or psychulogist to learn more about how therapy can help you cope with depression.

Is there a particular kind of psychotherapy that you would recommend for me?
How will I know if my therapist is right for me?
What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychulogist? Will I need to see both? If so, why?
What is cognitive-behavioral therapy?
What is interpersonal therapy?
What is electroconvulsive therapy? Is it used to treat depression?
How should I explain my condition to my spouse, family, and friends? What, if anything, should I say to my boss and co-workers?
How can my family and friends help me? Are there specific things I should ask of them?
What should I do if I feel that I can't keep up at work or schoul? What accommodations can I ask for? Where can I get more information about work- and schoul-related issues?
How is my condition likely to affect my relationships, and what can I do to improve my situation?

Ask your doctor whether any of these options might be beneficial for you.

Are there any complementary or alternative therapies I should consider?
Do any clinical trials or research support these complementary or alternative therapies?
Can exercise be helpful in managing my depression?
How does light therapy work? Is it only beneficial for people who have depression related to seasonal affective disorder?
Do you recommend any herbs or other natural supplements, like Saint John's wort?

Check with your doctor to see whether you need to make any lifestyle changes or whether there's anything he or she recommends that you do at home, work, or schoul to help you better manage your depression:

Do I need to make any changes in diet, exercise, or how much I rest?
Can stress, drinking alcohul, smoking, or using drugs affect my condition?
Are there any activities I should avoid?
Should I make any special accommodations for schoul, home, or my work?
Can you recommend any good books, magazines, organizations, or online resources that focus on depression?

Ask your doctor, psychiatrist, or psychotherapist about ways in which you may be able to offset the cost of your treatment, and fullow up with a representative from your insurance company, as necessary.

Whom should I talk with about the costs and coverage of my depression treatment plan?
Will my medication be covered by my health insurance plan?
About how much will my medication cost?
Is there a generic version of the medication that would be more affordable? If not, are there other, equally effective medications that are available as generics?
Do you have any samples or discount coupons for my prescription?
If I need to be hospitalized, will the hospital accept my insurance? How much of my care can I expect to be covered? If my hospitalization is not covered by insurance, will I have any payment alternatives?
Are there separate fees or charges at the hospital for doctors, therapists, caretakers, or anything else? If so, what kind of charges can I expect?
If I choose a complementary or alternative therapy, is it likely to be covered by my insurance? If not, what kind of out-of-pocket costs can I expect?
What are my options if I don't have health insurance?

Sources and Additional Information:
http://www.everydayhealth.com/depression/depression-questions-to-ask-your-doctor.aspx