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Major Depressive Disorder. How Long Do Ied To Be On Medicine?
I am suffering from Depression and under treatment for it ,since almost 5 years.I am having supportive psychotherapy from best psychiatrist in town and taking sertraline. I have tried to get off my medicine a couple of times but unfortunately I couldnt cope up without it.How long do Ied to be on medicine? Thank you.
Sun, 30 Jan 2011
Hi,
The rule of thumb based on evidence is
first episode, without family history and not very severe episode:-
for 6 months AFTER BECOMING WELL
2-4 episodes, or with family history, or with ongoing stresses for severe depression
FOR 2 YEARS AFTER BECOMING WELL
Any more episodes
quite long time, in some cases life long but with periodic attempts to see if we could withdraw the medication depending on the patient's condition.
Hope this helps
The rule of thumb based on evidence is
first episode, without family history and not very severe episode:-
for 6 months AFTER BECOMING WELL
2-4 episodes, or with family history, or with ongoing stresses for severe depression
FOR 2 YEARS AFTER BECOMING WELL
Any more episodes
quite long time, in some cases life long but with periodic attempts to see if we could withdraw the medication depending on the patient's condition.
Hope this helps
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