What action should be taken if a patient shows no improvement in depression symptoms after 6-8 weeks of treatment?

When a patient demonstrates no improvement in depression symptoms after 6-8 weeks of treatment, referral to a mental health professional is the most appropriate action. This referral is crucial because it allows for comprehensive evaluation and management of the patient's condition. A mental health professional is equipped with the skills to reassess the patient, explore possible underlying issues, and adjust the treatment plan, which may include medication, therapy, or alternative approaches tailored to the patient’s specific needs.

In many cases, initial treatments may not yield the desired results, and specialized care can provide new insights and strategy adjustments that are necessary for recovery. Mental health professionals can also help navigate more complex treatment options or combinations that general practitioners may not be fully prepared to implement.

The other options, such as increasing the medication dosage without evaluation, stopping all treatment, or continuing treatment only if the patient reports feeling better, do not adequately address the lack of progress and could lead to further complications. Increasing medication without proper assessment risks adverse effects and may not target the underlying issues. Ceasing all treatment disregards the potential for constructive intervention and could worsen the patient’s condition. Continuing treatment solely based on a patient’s subjective feelings does not consider the clinical evidence or the need for a more thorough reassessment.