How to Know if You Need Medication for Depression — Or Something Else
Feeling persistently sad, unmotivated, or disconnected? You may be wondering if medication for depression is right—or if something else may better suit your situation. At Dignity Brain Health, we offer compassionate psychiatric medication management via tele-psychiatry across Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Florida, with a focus on communities like Boston, Cambridge, Brookline, Newton, Somerville, and Back Bay.
This post will guide you through how to decide whether antidepressants—or alternative treatments—might be the best path forward for you.
When to Consider Medication for Depression
If you’ve experienced symptoms for two or more weeks, including:
Persistent low mood or sadness
Loss of interest in activities
Changes in sleep or appetite
Difficulty concentrating
Loss of motivation or energy
—then medication may be appropriate, especially if symptoms are impacting your daily functioning. Antidepressants are broadly recommended for moderate to severe depression, recurring episodes, or if therapy and lifestyle changes haven’t provided enough relief (Cipriani et al., 2018; Karrouri, 2021)
How Tele‑Psychiatry Assessment Works at Dignity Brain Health
A detailed intake interview (symptoms, medical/psychiatric history, PHQ‑9 score)
Medical review to rule out underlying conditions (thyroid tests, substance use)
Personalized discussion about treatment options: therapy only, medication only, or both
Is It Depression—or Something Else?
Several other conditions may cause similar symptoms:
Adjustment disorder, anxiety, ADHD, or dysthymia
Medical causes like thyroid imbalance
Situational distress, grief, or chronic stress
Comorbid conditions like PTSD or substance use
A comprehensive assessment helps ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment planning (Cuijpers et al., 2020)
When Medication May Be Appropriate
You may be a good candidate for medication if you have:
Moderate to severe symptoms, or impairment in functioning
A history of responding positively to antidepressants
Recurring depressive episodes or treatment-resistant symptoms
Physical symptoms like appetite or sleep disruption
Antidepressants are especially important when symptoms persist despite therapeutic or behavioral interventions (Karrouri, 2021)
When Other Treatments Might Be Better First
For mild or situational depressive symptoms, consider these evidence-based non-medication options:
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or behavioral activation
Lifestyle changes: sleep hygiene, exercise, nutrition
Peer support via organizations like NAMI Massachusetts
Guided self-help programs or talk therapy (NHS guidelines)
Behavioral activation has shown effectiveness on par with medication for mild depression
What Happens After Diagnosis
1. Medication Selection
Your provider will recommend starting with a well-tolerated option (often SSRI or SNRI), or consider alternatives like bupropion or mirtazapine based on your symptoms and risk factors.
2. Dosing and Timeline
Antidepressants start with a low dose, gradually adjusted over several weeks. Most patients begin to feel improvement within 2–4 weeks, with full effect at 6–8 weeks (Cipriani et al., 2018).
3. Monitoring and Follow‑Up
We schedule virtual follow-ups every 2–4 weeks during the acute phase to monitor symptoms and side effects.
4. Combining Treatments
Evidence shows that combining medication and therapy improves outcomes and reduces relapse risk (Harvard review; Kamenov et al., 2016)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get antidepressants without therapy?
Yes. Many opt for medication-only care, and we support that approach if it fits your needs.
Is telehealth legal and safe in Massachusetts?
Absolutely. All sessions are HIPAA-compliant, and our providers are licensed to treat residents throughout Boston, including Newton, Somerville, Back Back, and beyond.
Will antidepressants change my personality?
No. Their goal is to help you feel more like yourself—not less. Most patients report feeling emotionally balanced and motivated again.
Local Mental Health Resources in Massachusetts
NAMI Massachusetts: Peer-led mental health support and education
Massachusetts Department of Mental Health: Crisis and support services
McLean Hospital: Harvard-affiliated psychiatric care and research
Mass General Hospital: Leading mental health services and research
🧠 Final Takeaway: Medication or Something Else?
If your symptoms impair daily life and have lasted long enough, antidepressant medication may be a helpful option. For mild episodes, therapy, behavioral activation, and community supports can be effective first steps. Often, the most effective path combines multiple treatment approaches.
At Dignity Brain Health, we meet each patient where they are—offering medication management, therapy referrals, and optional genetic testing to personalize your care.
👉 Start your your online psychiatric medication consultation process now
We serve clients across Florida, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts, including Cambridge, Brookline, Somerville, Newton, and Back Back.
Let us help you find clarity and relief on your journey.
🔍 References (APA Format)
Cipriani, A., Furukawa, T. A., Salanti, G., Chaimani, A., Atkinson, L. Z., Ogawa, Y., … & Geddes, J. R. (2018). Comparative efficacy and acceptability of 21 antidepressant drugs for the acute treatment of adults with major depressive disorder: A systematic review and network meta‑analysis. The Lancet, 391(10128), 1357–1366. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(17)32802-7
Cuijpers, P., Karyotaki, E., Reijnders, M., & Purgato, M. (2020). Meta‑analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy for adult depression. BMC Medicine, 18, 102. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12916-020-01623-9
Kamenov, K., Twomey, C., Cabello, M., Prina, A. M., & Ayuso‑Mateos, J. L. (2016). Effectiveness of psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy and their combination on functioning and quality of life in depression: A systematic review and meta‑analysis. Journal of Affective Disorders, 198, 73–85. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2016.03.006
Karrouri, R. (2021). Major depressive disorder: Validated treatments and future directions. Middle East Current Psychiatry, 28(1), 1‑9. https://doi.org/10.1186/s43045-021-0011-8