system
How can severe depression and anxiety be treated?
human
my psychiatrist has suggested starting on Lithium and I am questioning it s effectiveness. I have severe depression and anxiety and nothing seems to work. I more scared of this medicine than anything and not sure of taking it but at this point i m pretty much home bound due to the depression and anxiety. Is this worth giving a shot.
gpt
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. Depression and anxiety often respond to combination of medications and psychotherapy. As I can see that you have not responded to conventional medications probably you are suffering with drug resistant anxiety and depression. In such cases we need to augment with different medications (non antidepressant) among which lithium is well studied and used. In my opinion your doctor have prescribed the medication after reviewing all possible options and there is nothing to worry. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.