June 2017
Antidepressant Medication Management Tips
It is estimated 20.9 million American adults suffer from a depressive disorder or depression.1 Untreated depression can make it difficult for your patients to manage their health and may increase their risk for conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. Fortunately, many people can improve through treatment with appropriate medications.
According to the American Psychiatric Association, successful treatment of patients with a major depressive disorder is promoted by a thorough assessment of the patient and close adherence to treatment plans.2 It is important that you talk to your patients about antidepressant medication when the diagnosis is made. Also, talking with them about the importance of taking their medications as prescribed can promote the best outcomes.
Consider these important tips when discussing treatment options:
- Length of time it can take to determine medication effectiveness (three weeks or longer)
- How long the patient may need to be on the medication based on severity and lifetime recurrence
- Risks of discontinuing the medication too soon
- Possible medication side effects and what to do if they experience them
- The importance of continuing medication, even if feeling better
- How to get in touch with your office with questions or concerns
- To achieve full remission, increased dosages may be necessary
- Follow-up visit frequency for medication adjustments
- Giving written instructions to support educational messages
- Additional factors that can contribute to improvement in symptoms along with the medication, such as healthy diet, aerobic exercise, counseling or therapy
Antidepressant medication has been shown to be a critical part of the effective care of patients with depression; the consequences of untreated or inadequately treated depression can be significant. When taken correctly, antidepressant medication will have the best outcome for your patients.
Additional resources are available via a PCP Toolkit available from Magellan HEALTHCARESM.
References:
1 National Institute of Mental Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Sept. 13, 2006
2 American Psychiatric Association, Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Patients with Major Depressive Disorder; Oct. 2010
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) contracts with Magellan Behavioral Health, Inc. (“Magellan”), an independent company, to administer BCBSTX’s managed mental health program.