Suicidal Thoughts or Threats
When To See a Doctor
You have answered Yes to:
Are you being treated for depression, but you are not getting better?
See significance of not getting better with treatment for depression if you need information to help you answer the questions below.
Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.
Note:
- Be sure to follow your health professional's instructions about when to call if you are not feeling better.
- Antidepressant medicines often need to be taken for as long as 4 to 12 weeks before they start to fully relieve the symptoms of depression, although you may notice some improvement in 2 to 3 weeks.
Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to the following question.
Yes Do you have frequent thoughts of death or suicide?
Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Yes Have your symptoms of depression gotten worse since starting treatment or medicine for depression?
Yes Have your symptoms of depression not gotten better as expected?
Yes Have your symptoms of depression not gotten better after starting treatment or medicine for depression, but you are not sure when you should start to feel better?
If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.
| Author: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA | Last Updated: January 12, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine Lisa S. Weinstock, MD - Psychiatry | |
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