system
Is a psychiatrist needed for emotional issues with sadness?
human
My dad is very emotional and he thinks by heart only.From the last few days he is sitting at home only and not talking to anyone not even to my mother and is very sad.My mother took him to some Meditation center but there they advised them to consult a psychiatrist.Now i am not getting whether to take him to a psychiatrist or not because i don't know that how he will react on this.Please help.
gpt
Hi,From what you have mentioned about your father, he seems to be suffering from depressive disorder. I can understand your concern regarding visiting  a psychiatrist, but depression is a condition which is highly amenable to treatment. earlier the treatment is started, better is the response. Delaying treatment will only worsen your father's condition and increase resistance to treatment.Anti-depresssant medications like escitalopram or sertraline would be safe and effective and will help your father in coming out of his current state. I do hope that I was able to help you with your query.Best wishes,Dr. Sunil Gupta