Partnering With Your Doctor

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If you think you may be experiencing some of the symptoms of depression, it's a good idea to talk to your doctor about it.

Your primary care provider is a good place to start. He or she can evaluate your symptoms and determine whether depression is the underlying cause. You can get a head start by creating your own list of symptoms by using the Depression Impact Tool. The depression impact tool allows you to build a list of symptoms that you can rate based on how each impacts your ability to function in everyday life.

Cymbalta and depression

Treating depression with Cymbalta

Your doctor may suggest a course of treatment or may refer you to a specialist, such as a psychiatrist or a psychologist. A psychiatrist specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness, whereas a psychologist specializes in talk therapy. If you don't already have a primary care provider, see if your friends, family members, or health insurance company can recommend someone.

It's a good idea to prepare for the visit. Create a list of questions you may want to ask, along with some notes about your symptoms and medical history.

The more detail you can provide, the easier it is for your doctor to make an accurate diagnosis. You may also want to ask a trusted friend or relative to come with you. He or she can take notes during the visit and provide support afterward.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

Doctor appointments can be rushed, and you may forget to bring up topics that are important to you. One way to make the most of your visit is to create a list of questions beforehand and then check them off as you and your doctor talk.

Here are some sample questions to get you started.

After you describe your symptoms, ask:

Do you think I have depression?
Could my depression be triggered by some other medical condition or by medications I'm currently taking?

If your doctor diagnoses depression, ask:

Can you treat my depression or do I need to see a specialist such as a psychiatrist or a psychologist? If so, can you recommend someone?
Do I need counseling? If so, can you recommend someone?
What is talk therapy, and how will I know if it's working?
Are there any self-help strategies or lifestyle changes you'd recommend?

If your doctor prescribes Cymbalta or any other medication, ask:

What are the benefits of taking this medication? How effective is it?
When will the medication start working? How will I know if it's working?
What will it feel like to be on this medication? Will I feel like myself? Will other people notice a difference?
Is this medication safe? Can I become addicted to it?
What are the side effects? Will they go away over time? What should I do if I experience them?
How long will I need to take this medication? Will I be able to stop taking it eventually?
Should I avoid certain things (eg, other medications, alcohol) or particular foods while I'm taking this drug?
What if it doesn't work? Is there something else I can do?
Will this medication take care of my depression symptoms?
Can this medication change my personality?
If I take this medication, will my depression ever return?

It's also a good idea to touch base with your doctor about his or her overall approach to treatment. Agree on how he or she will be monitoring your progress. Find out if it's best to follow up in person or on the phone and how often you should do so.

Checklist of Information to Take

Talking to your doctor about depression may seem uncomfortable at first. But it's important to go into detail about what you've been experiencing. The more complete the picture, the easier it will be for your doctor to make a diagnosis—and suggest an appropriate treatment plan.

Your doctor may ask you questions about your symptoms, your medical history, and your family history. Try to have the following information ready before your appointment. You can also print this page and use it as a handy checklist:

A list of all your symptoms: emotional and physical. Write down approximate dates for when these symptoms started. Note any patterns or triggers you've noticed.

A list of any medications you're taking. Include prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, herbal remedies, and nutritional supplements.

A list of any medical conditions you have. Note any chronic conditions (eg, diabetes, high blood pressure, or a recently diagnosed illness).

Any major life changes you've recently experienced. Don't forget positive events, too (eg, getting married or receiving a promotion).

Your family medical history. Note any relatives who have suffered from depression or other mental illness, as well as any family history of suicide, alcoholism, substance abuse, or erratic behavior.

A list of treatments you've tried in the past, if any. Include alternative therapies, such as acupuncture or meditation.