What option is the most effective in the treatment of, for example, depression - medication, psychological treatment/counselling or a combination of both treatments?
Some people may find psychological treatment/counselling on its own helpful and sufficient. However, for some types of depression, particularly more severe depression, a combination of both medication and therapy is more effective.
Anti-depressant medication may help to change a person's brain chemicals that control their mood. It can increase their responsiveness to psychological treatment.
Therapy provides support and strategies to change depressed thinking and behaviour, and improves long-term coping skills to minimise future relapse.
However, people's needs vary and should be assessed on an individual basis.