Managing Depression

Managing
Depression

How common is depression?

Major depressive disorder (MDD), commonly referred to as depression, is one of the most common mental disorders in the United States. 

21

million adults were affected by symptoms of major depressive disorder.

People icon.

21

million adults were
affected by symptoms of major depressive disorder.

Estimated in a 2020 survey.

Many who are taking an antidepressant may still have unresolved symptoms.

In fact, in a large US study of adults with depression, approximately
50% still had depressive symptoms with their first antidepressant.


Everyone reacts to depression treatment differently

Antidepressants work differently for different people, so finding a treatment that’s right for you may take time. But don’t hesitate to contact your healthcare provider if unresolved depression symptoms start to have a bigger impact on your daily life.

Examples of common symptoms
of depression include:

  • Sadness
  • Feeling bad about yourself
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Reduced appetite
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Fatigue
  • Feeling emotionally numb
  • Moving or speaking slowly
  • Suicidal thoughts
  • Sadness
  • Feeling bad about yourself
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Reduced appetite
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Fatigue
  • Feeling emotionally numb
  • Moving or speaking slowly
  • Suicidal thoughts

If you are experiencing unpredictable high mood swings in addition to some or all of the above symptoms, please click here to learn about a different mental health condition and talk to your healthcare provider to discuss further.


Pay attention to how you’re feeling

If you are still dealing with symptoms of depression, try tracking how you are
feeling to discuss with your doctor.

Checklist icon.

Fill out our Symptom Tracker before
your next appointment to monitor
your symptoms and to help your
healthcare provider determine if
changes to your treatment plan
are needed.


Hear from a doctor

Managing your depression can be frustrating at times, but gaining knowledge and support can help you become more comfortable along the way.

Listen to psychiatrist Dr. Theresa Cerulli share insights and tips on preparing for an appointment, partnering with your provider to manage your condition, and helpful information about add-on therapy.

Dr. Cerulli is a healthcare provider and was compensated for her appearance.

This content does not constitute medical advice or establish a patient-physician relationship. Please talk to your healthcare provider about your specific treatment needs.

What You Should Know About Add-On Therapy video thumbnail

What You Should Know About Add-On Therapy

Partnering With Your Doctor video thumbnail

Partnering with Your Doctor

Preparing For Your Appointment video thumbnail

Preparing for Your Appointment


Understanding treatment options

If you’re still experiencing unresolved
depression symptoms, or what some
healthcare providers may refer to as “partial
response” to your antidepressant therapy,
your healthcare provider may consider
the following:

 

 

Switching your current treatment if you…

  • Are unable to tolerate
    side
    effects of your
    antidepressant
  • Have not had a response
    to
    an antidepressant

–or–

 

 

Adding on to your antidepressant if you…

  • Are able to tolerate
    your
    antidepressant
  • Have achieved partial
    response
    to your
    antidepressant

Potential benefits of an add-on (adjunctive) treatment for depression

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Can help build on progress

you may have already made on
your antidepressant

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Clinical guidelines recommend
adjunctive treatment

as an appropriate option—
sometimes as soon as partial
response is achieved with an
antidepressant

VRAYLAR is in a different class
of medicines than
antidepressants—it is taken with
an antidepressant to help
improve depression symptoms.

Ask your healthcare provider
if adding VRAYLAR to your
antidepressant therapy could
be right for you. Click here for
questions to help you get the
conversation started.

Taking an antidepressant and still experiencing depression symptoms?