What about "chemical imbalances" and medication?

A. Medication can be useful in getting relief from specific symptoms, but usually works best in combination with psychotherapy.

There has been tremendous progress in the last fifty years in our understanding of the biological basis of mental illness and emotional problems in general. In the last ten years, many medications have been developed which can help with a wide range of symptoms. Although medications can be enormously helpful, they usually provide only partial relief of problems. Some problems respond well to medication alone, others to psychotherapy, and still others to a combination of the two.

Medications, however, are not for everybody. There are always potential side effects to consider. Some people prefer to avoid all medications. Others who have tried medication have had unpleasant side effects or have found that medication is not worthwhile.

It is important to be an informed consumer. If your therapist is not trained to prescribe medication, ask him or her for information, advice, and a referral to a psychiatrist or specially trained nurse for a medication evaluation. Ask your medical doctor for advice as well. Get as much information as possible about the different treatments for your problem before making your decision.

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