One most important aspect of our overall health and well-being is mental health, which is often overlooked. Those individuals who need psychological treatment often fail to figure out the treatment plan that is best for them such as consuming medications or taking therapy or preferring both.

Now the answer to this question is better guided by your psychiatrist and Dr. Ashish Bansal, co-founder of House of Aesthetics is the right person for this. His treatment plan is very individualized and he suggests the treatment as per the individual needs and condition’s severity.

Role of medication for your mental health

Common classes of drugs that are offered for improving mental health include antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs, antipsychotic drugs or mood stabilizers. They directly or indirectly impact the brain’s chemistry by regulating our thoughts, behaviors or mood.

Advantages of medication

• Medications are better in a way that they provide quicker relief and are better suited for those who have severe conditions such as psychosis, depression or panic attacks.
• Those mental conditions which directly impact biological health such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder need immediate medicine use.
• Also, medications can help to treat certain symptoms so that individuals feel ready to participate and openly communicate in therapy sessions.

But there are certain downsides of medications such as weight gain, feeling drowsy, lightheadedness, sleepiness etc. Also medications are to treat the symptoms, but not the root cause and it may also take weeks to months to figure out the right dosage of drug required.

Role of therapy for mental health

Psychotherapy needs a well-trained psychiatrist who will guide and regulate your thoughts, emotions or behaviors such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness techniques etc.

Advantages of psychotherapy

• Therapy makes individuals more self aware and helps to improvise their personal as well as professional relationships.
• Therapy also helps in skill development and polishing such as problem solving technique, emotional regulation, relationship building etc.
• The biggest advantage of therapy is long term healing by addressing the root cause of the mental health issue.

Therapy’s downside is the requirement of more time for observing results. Also individuals might find it emotionally challenging as their wenting out of emotions make them vulnerable. Severe cases definitely need medications, combined with therapy and therapy won’t work alone.

Choosing the right treatment plan – Medication or therapy

• Seriousness of the condition – If the mental health condition is severe such as depression, bipolar disorder, psychosis etc., medication can provide stability and help in further therapy. If the condition is mild or moderate, therapy alone can suffice and antidepressant or mood stabilizer drugs may not be needed.
• Underlying condition – If your mental health condition is inherited, most likely the case of major depression or schizophrenia, medication is a must. Therapy is needed in case of resolving interpersonal conflicts, trauma, financial crisis stress etc.
• Time duration – Medications give quicker results while therapy needs more time and commitment.
• Combination therapy – The most effective treatment is a combination of medications as well as psychotherapy. Symptoms get better with drugs and therapy gives long-term results.

Conclusion

There is no universal answer to this question that which is better – medications or therapy, as it varies with an individual’s condition, preferences or severity. At House of Aesthetics, Dr Ashish Bansal has  the best approach for dealing with such clients and improving their life.

He offers holistic care to his patients and helps to shape their mental health. Also the care of his entire team and Dr. Bansal’s empathetic nature will make you feel at ease and make communication effective!