Medication vs Therapy
For those struggling with anxiety or depression, it can be hard to know whether to seek medication, therapy, or both to deal with symptoms. There isn’t a simple answer to the question of medication vs therapy, because everybody is different, and no two treatment plans will be exactly the same.
To help make an informed decision, here is some information about therapy and medication for anxiety and depression.
Is Therapy More Effective Than Medication?
When it comes to therapy vs medication, the short answer is that it depends on you. While some people respond well to either therapy or medication, many people respond best to both.
For anxiety disorders, research indicates that therapy is often more effective than medication.
For depression, evidence suggests that therapy and medication work best together rather than individually.
Additionally, the effectiveness of any treatment depends on a patient’s willingness to stick with a treatment plan. Both medication and therapy take time to work, and neither works well if only done sporadically.
What Is the Most Effective Therapy?
There are many different types of therapy, and there is no single type that’s better than the others. It depends on each individual.
The most common types of therapy include:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR)
Mentalization-Based Therapy
Exposure Therapy
Interpersonal Therapy
Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
What is the Most Effective Medication for Anxiety and Depression?
There are many different types of medication for anxiety and depression. Everybody responds differently to medication, so there is not a single medication that is the most effective for treating anxiety or depression.
The most common kinds of medication for anxiety and depression include:
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) (like Prozac, Celexa, and Paxil) which work by blocking the reuptake of serotonin, leaving more in the brain, which can improve the mood.
Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) (like Cymbalta and Effexor) which increase the levels of both serotonin and norepinephrine.
Benzodiazepines (like Klonopin, Valium, and Ativan) are a popular anti-anxiety medication, especially for short-term use. However, they are a controlled substance and can’t be prescribed by online doctors.
Tricyclic Antidepressants (like Elavil, Tofranil, and Pamelor) are effective in treating some anxiety disorders, but they have a higher risk of side effects, more than other medications.
Which Is Right for Me: Therapy or Medication?
When you’re trying to decide between medication vs therapy, there are many factors to consider. Regardless of which treatment you pursue, you must be consistent with it. Are you prepared to take medication every day? Are you able to attend therapy online or in person at least once a week?
If you can commit to therapy, medication, or both, it’s best to talk to a doctor or mental health professional about which treatment is best for you.
1
Browse our network of top therapist to find one that matches your needs.
2
Get private and secure emotional support weekly from your dedicated therapist.
3
Experience comprehensive care with unlimited access to your care team and primary care physician.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Therapists Recommend Medications?
Therapists can’t recommend or prescribe specific medications. However, they may suggest that you seek out medication from a primary care physician or a psychiatrist if they feel you would benefit from it.
Which Are the Top Antidepressants?
According to a 2018 study, the most effective antidepressants are:
Amitriptyline (Elavil)
Escitalopram (Lexapro)
Mirtazapine (Remeron)
Paroxetine (Paxil)
Venlafaxine (Effexor)
Vortioxetine (Trintellix or Brintellix)
The medications with the lowest incidence of side effects are:
Citalopram (Celexa)
Escitalopram (Lexapro)
Fluoxetine (Prozac)
Sertraline (Zoloft)
Vortioxetine (Trintellix or Brintellix)
With this information, the best antidepressants may be:
Vortioxetine (Trintellix or Brintellix)
Escitalopram (Lexapro)
That said, everyone responds differently to medication and what works for one person may not work for you.
Is Medication or Therapy Better for Anxiety?
Research indicates that therapy may be more effective than medication when treating anxiety. However, individual results may vary.
Therapy is helpful for many because it gives them space to address and process many of the core issues that may be causing their anxiety. Therapy for anxiety disorder provides emotional support to help participants overcome their anxiety triggers and reduce their stress response.
Those taking medication and going to therapy often see the fastest recovery as medication helps them manage their symptoms, while therapy provides lasting coping strategies and emotional development.
1
Browse our network of top therapist to find one that matches your needs.
2
Get private and secure emotional support weekly from your dedicated therapist.
3
Experience comprehensive care with unlimited access to your care team and primary care physician.
Get Therapy Online
With PlushCare’s online therapy program, you can get the depression or anxiety treatment you need from the comfort and privacy of home. For $169, you get a 45-minute therapy session, plus access to PlushCare’s licensed doctors and care team of nurses.
Get Mental Health Medication Online
If you think you would benefit from medication in addition to or instead of therapy, you can get prescriptions for antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications from PlushCare’s trusted doctors.
After an online phone or video appointment, if the doctor thinks you would benefit from medication, they can electronically send it to your local pharmacy.
There may be some websites claiming they can mail you mental health medication directly. However, United States law requires an appointment with a doctor before anybody receives medication, so such websites are skirting the law.
Book an appointment to get mental health medication online, or download the PlushCare App for free.
Please note: online doctors cannot prescribe controlled substances.
Sources:
PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information.
American Psychological Association. How Do I Choose Between Medication and Therapy? Accessed on November 17, 2020 at https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/patients-and-families/medication-or-therapy
National Alliance on Mental Illness. Psychology. Accessed on November 17, 2020 at https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Treatments/Psychotherapy
Anxiety and Depression Association of America. Medication. Accessed on November 17, 2020 at https://adaa.org/find-help/treatment-help/medication-options
