Psychiatrist how-to

How to Start an Antidepressant

Careful starts improve success.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Quick answer

Careful starts improve success. In short: confirm; review; choose, then complete the remaining steps below.

Step by step

  1. Confirm the diagnosis.

  2. Review history and other medications.

  3. Choose a medication.

  4. Explain timeline and side effects.

  5. Plan follow-up in weeks.

  6. Monitor for worsening.

Safety reminders for psychiatrists

  • Assess violence and suicide risk
  • Use de-escalation
  • Follow prescription monitoring rules
  • Protect patient confidentiality

DSM-5 · SSRI · Antipsychotic · Mood stabilizer · Psychotherapy · CBT: see the full psychiatrist glossary.

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