Medication vs. Therapy: Which is the Right Choice for Me?

Mental health is so personal. Everyone’s struggles are unique. Therefore, treatment must be tailored to the patient and their needs — meaning, what works for one will not work for all. This begs the question: “Medication vs. therapy: what is the right treatment option for me?” 

 

With most disorders, psychologists and psychiatrists recommend medication, therapy, or a combination of both. Because each patient is unique, treatment will vary depending on the severity of their case and frequency of episodes. Geo Psychological Testing has created a breakdown of options for a variety of situations and conditions:

 

Life Stressors and Conflict

If what a patient is experiencing is more situational, such as stress related to interpersonal conflict, work, or school, therapy is the best option. With therapy, patients can sit down with their therapists and talk through their stressors. Therapists will guide their patients toward resolution, as they offer new ways to approach coping with stress and communicating with others. 

In these instances, medication is not necessary. Medical intervention would only be considered if the patient’s stress evolved into a mood disorder or anxiety that began interfering with their ability to function.

 

Depression

Depression is one of the most common psychological disorders, and can be treated using therapy, medication, or a combination of both. Most patients struggling with depression pursue therapy before inquiring about antidepressants. 

Therapy can be effective as an isolated treatment, depending on the severity of the patient’s depression. If the patient is experiencing moderate to severe depression, it affects their ability to function for an extensive period of time, and they are not seeing significant results from therapy alone, antidepressants could provide some relief. 

Often, patients with depression will take antidepressants and attend therapy. The medication will lessen their symptoms, and therapy will provide coping skills.

 

Anxiety

Like depression, anxiety can be treated with both therapy and medication. However, research shows that therapy is often more effective for treating anxiety than medication. 

In therapy, patients with anxiety can learn mindfulness practices that allow them to better manage and respond to racing or intrusive thoughts. Patients also learn how to identify triggers and distinguish between reality vs. anxious thought patterns. 

If a patient’s anxiety is debilitating and prevents them from functioning, medication is an option. Anxiety can be treated using antidepressants or anti-anxiety medication. Antidepressants are often the preferred choice among psychiatrists, as anti-anxiety medication can be addictive for some patients.

 

Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia

Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia are unique, as they are less influenced by the patient’s environment and circumstances but rather a result of chemical imbalances. Given the nature of these disorders, most patients require antipsychotics or mood stabilizers. 

However, therapy can be beneficial for these patients, as well.

 

If you’re questioning medication vs. therapy, the professionals at Geo Psychological Testing want to help you find answers! Through close evaluation, our licensed clinical psychologists can pinpoint a diagnosis and put you on track with a referral for treatment. Schedule an appointment with one of our professionals today!

 

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