Symptoms and Intensity that Would Indicate a Consultation May Be Appropriate
Moderate and severe depression are the most often types of disorders for which antidepressants are described. The list of other diagnoses include bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and panic attacks with general symptoms. The symptoms which would indicate that a consultation may be appropriate include a state of persistently bad mood (at least two weeks), which may be accompanied by apathy, low activity, and inability to enjoy or be interested in something. Often, other manifestations involve difficulty to concentrate and engage in usual activities, impairment of sleep and appetite, reduction of self-esteem and libido, and the increase in the feeling of guilt. The symptoms have to be present almost daily, most of the day, and at least two weeks (Seretti, 2018). At the same time, one symptome may be more persistent than others and an individual can have related complaints about anxiety, somatic issues, and pain.
Side Effects
The main side effects of antidepressants include anticholinergic disorders of the central and autonomic nervous system, cardiovascular system, complications from the hematopoietic organs, metabolic, endocrine disorders (changes in body weight, dysfunction of the genital area, allergic reactions) (Seretti, 2018). Side effects often appear at the initial stages of treatment (in the first two weeks) and sometimes persist for 3-4 weeks of therapy, and then undergo a reverse development. With more persistent and at the same time pronounced violations, a decrease in doses is indicated, and, if necessary, cessation of therapy.
Potential Benefits a Partner or Family Member May Notice
A partner or family member may notice a beneficial change in the individual’s behavior. For example, in the treatment of depression, over time, the person begins to experience positive and negative emotions, which are usually dulled with this disorder. Antidepressants, unlike antipsychotics or other drugs that are used in psychiatry, cannot lead to lethargy or emotionlessness, but they do have other side effects. For example, a person may experience anxiety, and some begin to feel sleepy all the time; others find it challenging to control yawning. Sometimes changing the drug is sufficient, and the side effects go away.
Reference
Serretti, A. (2018). The present and future of precision medicine in psychiatry: focus on clinical psychopharmacology of antidepressants. Clinical Psychopharmacology and Neuroscience, 16(1), 1-6.