Medication can be effectively used to treat anxiety and depressive illnesses. Although they are not cures, clinical trials by the National Institute of Mental Health, research scientists and the pharmaceutical industry have validated their effectiveness. The Federal Drug Administration has approved a variety of medications as safe and efficacious in controlling the impairing symptoms of anxiety and depression. Regardless of the causes of these debilitating illnesses, medication will work.

As an advocate for those suffering from anxiety and depression, and having experienced the pain myself, medication should be seriously considered as a primary treatment option. All medications, whether for a mental illness or some other medical illness, have side effects. Fortunately, there are many medications to choose from and if one does not work or has unpleasant side effects, others can be substituted.

The choice of the medicine to be used for anxiety or depression should be made between the patient and the doctor. Consideration of the patient's symptoms, medical condition, age, and health insurance coverage are factors that must be considered when choosing a medication. Often a patient may need to take more than one medication if symptoms are very impairing and one medication may not control the negative impact the patient is experiencing.

The dosage of a medicine will vary from patient to patient. There is no "one size fits all" and there is no medication that will work for everyone. The most important factors for consideration when you are deciding to take a medication are:

• Make sure you are comfortable with your doctor.
• Explain fully all your symptoms and concerns.
• Ask to start with a low dosage and increase dosage as necessary.
• Keep a diary and monitor your improvement (often patients, particularly those who have had an illness for a long period of time, are not aware they are making progress).
• Be tolerant of side effects initially, since they often will disappear when the body "adjusts".
• Call your doctor or pharmacist with questions or concerns or call the manufacturer of the medicine since most companies have a toll free question and answer line.

Mary Guardino
Founder & Executive Director
Freedom From Fear

Research has shown that when medication is used in conjunction with talk therapy, patient's treatment success rate is improved.

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