Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Are Anti-depressants And Mood Stabilisers Effective In Treatment Of Depression?
Question: Do anti-depressants and mood stabilizers really work? Or am I just loading my system with crazy signal altering chemicals? Is depression really an "imbalance of chemicals in the brain" - is it only the shortage of serotonin, norepinephrine, or is there more to it? Reason I am asking is because I've been on these the last decade or more, and today reached a juncture where I honestly have to check if it's the medicines that are defining my personality, of if it's just my personality?
Brief Answer:
Chemical imbalance in brain.
Detailed Answer:
Hello Mr. XXXXXXX
Welcome to HCM.
I have gone through your details. I really understand your concerns.
Mood stabilizers and antidepressants really help. There is lots of scientific literature and clinical experience behind this. Rather, these drugs are one reason for evolution of Psychiatry as a specialised field.
The chemical imbalance in brain in depression has been demonstrated and proved in various animal and human models. There is no doubt about it.
Serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine are major neurotransmitter studied and are thus cited every time whenever it come to depression.
But then, like every drug, these drugs also have multiple side effects.
I think it's very unfortunate that you could not find these drugs helpful for you, a drug resistant depressive disorder probably.
I would like to know whether you have considered Electro convulsive therapy for yourself? ECT is an excellent form of treatment in such cases. It's safe and very effective. Kindly discuss this with your doctor.
Hope this helps.
Thanks.
Chemical imbalance in brain.
Detailed Answer:
Hello Mr. XXXXXXX
Welcome to HCM.
I have gone through your details. I really understand your concerns.
Mood stabilizers and antidepressants really help. There is lots of scientific literature and clinical experience behind this. Rather, these drugs are one reason for evolution of Psychiatry as a specialised field.
The chemical imbalance in brain in depression has been demonstrated and proved in various animal and human models. There is no doubt about it.
Serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine are major neurotransmitter studied and are thus cited every time whenever it come to depression.
But then, like every drug, these drugs also have multiple side effects.
I think it's very unfortunate that you could not find these drugs helpful for you, a drug resistant depressive disorder probably.
I would like to know whether you have considered Electro convulsive therapy for yourself? ECT is an excellent form of treatment in such cases. It's safe and very effective. Kindly discuss this with your doctor.
Hope this helps.
Thanks.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
