HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Suggest Treatment For Mild Depression

default
Posted on Mon, 28 Dec 2015
Question: I am suffering from a mild depression that has been going on for 3 years now can affect school and performance at times but I become very tense in the moments I have would I be advisable for me to take a anti anxiety drug like xanax or valium even though I do not suffer from attacks but do need something to calm me down from the depression and stress

doctor
Answered by Dr. Chintan Solanki (48 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Specify your symptoms

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thanks for writing to us. I can understand your concern.

Mild depression as such can be treated with psychotherapy like CBT- Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. I recommend it as first approach.
However duration of 3 years is long and it may require antidepressant drug.

Xanax and valium are benzodiazepine and must be used under doctor's supervision as it can cause tolerance and dependence. This leads to abuse. You are right that it can be used for anxiety.
You are 16 years old and I do not recommend use of these drugs as first choice.

For treatment proper diagnosis is needed and that is done by detail history and mental status examination. You need to consult psychiatrist for the same.

Please let me know details of your symptoms so I can guide you further.

I will be happy to help further after your response.

Regards,
Dr. Chintan Solanki.

Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Chintan Solanki

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2007

Answered : 2406 Questions

Ask me a question
premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Ask a Psychiatrist
Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
backtotop2
Suggest Treatment For Mild Depression

Brief Answer: Specify your symptoms Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for writing to us. I can understand your concern. Mild depression as such can be treated with psychotherapy like CBT- Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. I recommend it as first approach. However duration of 3 years is long and it may require antidepressant drug. Xanax and valium are benzodiazepine and must be used under doctor's supervision as it can cause tolerance and dependence. This leads to abuse. You are right that it can be used for anxiety. You are 16 years old and I do not recommend use of these drugs as first choice. For treatment proper diagnosis is needed and that is done by detail history and mental status examination. You need to consult psychiatrist for the same. Please let me know details of your symptoms so I can guide you further. I will be happy to help further after your response. Regards, Dr. Chintan Solanki.