Antidepressants are most commonly used to treat clinical depression.
They are also used to treat:
- other mental health conditions, such as bipolar disorder
- long-term pain
Treating depression
Antidepressants are a common treatment for adults with moderate to severe depression.
You are usually prescribed a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).
If your symptoms do not improve after 4 weeks, tell your doctor. They may prescribe a different type or a higher dose.
Antidepressants do not work very well for mild depression. But your doctor may prescribe them for a few months. If your symptoms do not improve, they will stop them.
If medicine is not working on its own, you can try other treatments. For example, talking therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
Your GP may refer you to a specialist for talking therapy. Talking therapy is sometimes called psychotherapy.
Antidepressants and talking therapy
Antidepressants boost concentration and improve sleep. This can help you to engage with talking therapies such as CBT.
CBT can help you deal with negative thoughts and feelings. It can help you to make positive changes.
Your GP and therapist will work together to focus on your treatment needs.
Antidepressants and other mental health conditions
Antidepressants can be used to help treat other mental health conditions, including:
- generalised anxiety disorder and social anxiety
- obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
- panic disorder
- phobias
- bulimia
- post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
SSRIs are usually the first choice of medicine for these conditions. If SSRIs do not work, your doctor can prescribe another type of antidepressant.
Antidepressants and long-term pain
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are sometimes used to treat chronic nerve pain (neuropathic pain).
Chronic nerve pain is caused by nerve damage or other nerve problems. TCAs are often used when painkillers such as paracetamol do not work.
An example of a TCA used to treat chronic nerve pain is amitriptyline. [link to new page amitriptyline for pain]
Bedwetting in children
TCAs are sometimes used to treat bedwetting in children. They can help relax the bladder muscles. This increases bladder capacity and reduces the urge to pee.