Getting Help Gets a Good Customer Review

By Molly McVoy, M.D.



A recent survey published in Consumer Reports, found that respondents reported the highest satisfaction for the combination of medication and talk therapy, when compared to talk therapy or medication alone.



The survey reported on over 1500 people treated for anxiety, depression or both. They also found that readers reported a higher satisfaction with treatment by a psychiatrist than by other mental health professionals (psychologists, social workers, and licensed professional counselors).

 

This is good news for psychiatrists and the mental health community in general. This is one indicator that the public feels treatment works and that psychiatrists help.





In addition, this consumer report supports the scientific evidence we already have – depression and anxiety treatment does work! In study after study, approximately 2/3 of patients respond to treatment for depression with an even higher percentage responding to treatment for anxiety disorders.



The bottom line is, treatment works and, it appears, most of the public knows it!