Mrs. Kristina K. Roberts, PSY.D.

This is a complicated question. Depression varies a great deal from person to person in terms of acuity/chronicity, symptoms, origin, etc. The first step would be to see a psychologist or therapist to determine the nature of your depression and then develop a treatment strategy. This may involve counseling, cognitive- behavioral therapy, psychotherapy, psychopharmacological medications, or a number of other approaches. Unfortunately there is no "one-size-fits-all" treatment for depression. Your experience is unique to your own biology and history of experience. I hope this helps.

Oh gosh. This is a complicated question. I would encourage you to talk to a therapist and see if you can identify the origin of your depression. A good therapist can help you identify aspects and themes related to your depressive symptoms. Some people with depression experience it in a long term and chronic way. Others find their depression is related to something specific in their lives and are able to make adjustments that provide relief. Additionally, of course, your brain chemistry could be involved and a trial of an antidepressant may be helpful in symptom reduction. I recommend you see a psychologist or therapist to help you identify the best course of action for you. Hope this helps.

Panic attacks can be crippling. I'm sorry your are wrestling with these. Depending on the intensity, duration, and frequency of your panic attacks, you may well be a candidate for medication. There are several types of medication that might offer you relief. I encourage you to talk to your psychiatrist or PCP regarding potential options. Good luck!

Anxiety is certainly on the rise in our country, if not the world. I think the first step would be to be seen by a psychologist or therapist to determine the nature of your anxiety. What is causing it? Where does it come from? Usually when the underlying issue is identified, treatment approaches present themselves. Depending on the answers, there may be some problem-solving or relaxation/mindfulness techniques to reduce stress and regulate nervous system. There are also some medications that are very effective at targeting neurotransmitters that are associated with anxiety. If the anxiety is more acute, there are stronger alternatives, but not suitable for regular or long term use.

This would be a great question for your prescribing provider. Tapering off of psychotropic medications can look very different depending on which drug you are on. Some require a lot shorter period of titration than others. Going of Some medications can be very dangerous, so I encourage you to consilt with your PCP or Psychiatrist to make this determination.

Depending on the drug and/or class of drugs, side effects can really vary. The SSRI class of antidepressants tends to have fewer side effects than the older tricyclics. However, I hear on occasion of headaches, nausea, GI distress, anticholinergic effects, and sexual side effects. Often these are mild and patients choose the benefit of the medication in spite of what ever side effect they may be experiencing. In rare occasions, psychotropic medications can lead to increased suicidal thoughts and feelings, so being followed closely by your provider in the initial weeks of your medication trial is very important. I hope this helps.