Depression Treatment

Depression is far more than low mood — it can drain energy, motivation, sleep, concentration, and the ability to enjoy anything. It is also one of the most treatable conditions in medicine, especially when the diagnosis is made carefully and the plan is built around you. Dr. Anindo Mitra (MBBS, MD Psychiatry, JIPMER) treats depression with a diagnosis-first, evidence-based approach, in-person in Gurugram and online across India.

Who this is for

This page is for you if you have felt persistently low, empty, or hopeless; lost interest or pleasure in things; or are struggling with sleep, appetite, energy, concentration, or self-worth — for weeks or longer. It is also for people who have tried treatment before without lasting relief.

Getting the diagnosis right first

Not all low mood is the same, and the right treatment depends on the right diagnosis. Dr. Mitra takes a careful history to distinguish, for example, a depressive episode from bipolar disorder (where the treatment differs importantly), and to identify contributing factors such as thyroid problems, ADHD, grief, chronic stress, or substance use. This care at the start is what prevents years of ineffective treatment.

Treatment options

Using the "cafeteria approach," Dr. Mitra lays out every reasonable option with its evidence and trade-offs, and you decide together:

  • Therapy. Evidence-based psychotherapy (such as CBT) is effective for many people, alone or alongside medication. Dr. Mitra coordinates with experienced clinical psychologists.
  • Medication. Antidepressants are effective for moderate-to-severe depression. You are told clearly what each does, how long it may be needed, likely side effects, and how it would eventually be reviewed and, when appropriate, tapered.
  • Neuromodulation. For depression that has not responded to standard treatment, options such as rTMS or, in specific situations, ECT may be discussed. See Neuromodulation in Psychiatry.
  • Lifestyle and social measures. Sleep, activity, structure, and support all play a real, evidence-based role.

What to expect

Most people with depression recover with appropriate treatment. Antidepressants typically take a few weeks to work, and the plan is reviewed and adjusted until you are well — then continued for a sensible period to prevent relapse before any planned tapering. Recovery is the goal, not indefinite medication by default.

In-person in Gurugram and online across India

Available in-person at Athena Behavioural Health, Sector 47, Gurugram, and online across India via Zoom or Google Meet, in English, Hindi, Bengali, and Tamil.

Safety and urgent help

Depression can bring thoughts of self-harm or suicide. If you are having such thoughts or feel unable to stay safe, please seek help immediately — contact emergency services, go to your nearest hospital, or call Tele-MANAS on 14416. You deserve support, and effective help is available. This page is educational and does not replace an individual consultation.

Book a consultation

See fees · bipolar disorder · anxiety

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to take antidepressants for the rest of my life? No. Most people take antidepressants for a defined period — long enough to recover and reduce relapse risk — and then taper under guidance. Some with recurrent depression benefit from longer treatment, but this is discussed and reviewed, not assumed.

How long do antidepressants take to work? Usually a few weeks for the full effect, though some improvement in sleep or energy can come sooner. The dose and choice are reviewed and adjusted as needed.

Can depression be treated without medication? Mild-to-moderate depression often responds to therapy and lifestyle measures. For moderate-to-severe depression, medication is more likely to be recommended, but the choice is always explained and made with you.

How do you tell depression apart from bipolar disorder? By taking a careful history, including any past periods of unusually elevated mood or energy. The distinction matters because treatment differs — antidepressants alone can be unhelpful in bipolar disorder.

What if I've tried antidepressants before and they didn't work? There are many options — different medications, combinations, therapy, and neuromodulation such as rTMS. A careful review of the diagnosis and previous treatment often reveals a better path.

Are antidepressants addictive? No, not in the way addictive drugs are. However, they should be tapered gradually rather than stopped abruptly to avoid discontinuation symptoms.