Some depressions may respond best to electroconvulsive therapy. ECT is an effective treatment that is used in extremely severe cases of major depression when very rapid improvement is necessary, or when medications cannot be used or have not worked. Improved procedures make this treatment much safer than in previous years. Family physicians, clinics, and health maintenance organizations can provide treatment or make referrals to mental health specialists. Mental health specialists include psychiatrists, psychologists, family therapists, and social workers.
Psychiatrists can prescribe antidepressant drugs because they are physicians.
Other mental health specialists, however, often work with physicians to ensure that their patients receive the medications they need. Community mental health centers, which often provide treatment based on the patient's ability to pay, usually have a variety of mental health specialists. Hospitals and university medical schools may have research centers that study and treat depression. Don't be afraid to ask a person if he is thinking of suicide. Suicidal thoughts are common with depressive illnesses, although not all people have them.