| Feature | Therapy | Medication |
|---|---|---|
| How It Works | Talk-based, skill-building, understanding | Chemical changes in brain |
| Duration | Weeks to months | Ongoing while taking |
| Side Effects | Minimal, emotional processing | Possible physical side effects |
| Skills Learned | Yes, lifelong coping skills | No, effects while taking |
| Best For | Understanding patterns, skill-building | Severe symptoms, biological factors |
| Combined Use | Often works well with medication | Often works well with therapy |
Which Should You Choose?
Therapy Might Be Better If:
- You want to understand patterns and develop skills
- You prefer non-medication approaches
- You want to address underlying causes
- You're able to engage in talk therapy
- You want to learn coping strategies
Medication Might Help If:
- Symptoms are severe and interfering with daily life
- You have biological factors contributing to symptoms
- Therapy alone isn't providing enough relief
- You have conditions that respond well to medication
- You need faster symptom relief to engage in therapy
Many People Benefit from Both:
Combining therapy and medication is often the most effective approach:
- Medication can reduce symptoms enough to engage in therapy
- Therapy can help you understand and change patterns
- Therapy can provide skills that last beyond medication
- Both together often provide the best outcomes
💡 Important:
The decision between therapy, medication, or both should be made with a healthcare provider who can assess your specific situation and needs.