Problem 7 Should I Medicate Depressions or Try to Figure Out the Causes Instead?

Regardless of the precipitating factors for depression, if AIRS (Abstraction,Integration, Reality testing and Self-preservation—see Problem 101 [B]) are intact, and impulse control and affect regulation are adequate, medication is generally not advisable (contraindicated). Nevertheless, many depressed people request antidepressants. What should you do?

TIP

Just because people ask for an antidepressant does not mean they should receive one.