Can PCP Prescribe Antidepressants?

Mental health has a significant impact on our daily lives. It can affect relationships, careers, and even physical health. Unfortunately, many people feel ashamed, embarrassed, or afraid to talk about their mental health concerns. But addressing these challenges is important for both overall health and may also save your life. In this article, we’ll explore what antidepressant medications a primary care doctor can prescribe, how they can help with depression, and when you should see your primary care doctor for mental health concerns.

The Role of Primary Care in Mental Health

Mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and others, affect nearly 60 million people in the United States. Nearly one in five Americans will experience a mental disorder at some point in their lives. Discussing mental health concerns is never easy, and you may be unsure of where to turn for help. However, the sooner you seek treatment for your mental health issues, the sooner you can begin living a more fulfilling life.

While you may not typically think of your primary care doctor as someone who can diagnose mental health issues, they are often the best place to start. After all, primary care physicians are not only there to treat your physical health but also your mental and emotional well-being. A primary care doctor will perform a thorough physical assessment, diagnose the issue, and explore treatment options, including psychological counseling. In some cases, they may prescribe antidepressants when appropriate or refer you to a mental health expert if needed.

If your primary care doctor prescribes antidepressants, they will continue to monitor their effectiveness and any side effects you may experience. They can also offer lifestyle recommendations to support mental health, including exercise, stress management, and sleep advice. And your primary care physician will check for other potential causes of your symptoms, such as thyroid issues or hormonal imbalances.

Signs and Symptoms You Might Need Antidepressants

Symptoms that may lead your primary care doctor to prescribe antidepressants include:

• Panic attacks
• Constant worrying
• Feelings of sadness or despair
• Low self-worth
• Lack of enjoyment for daily things
• Not wanting to get out of bed
• Difficulty concentrating
• Thoughts of self-harm

When to See a Primary Care Physician for Mental Health

Stress. Changes in sleep patterns. Excessive worrying. These can all be signs that something isn’t right. If you feel like your mental health is affecting your overall well-being, you should seek care from your primary care doctor. They can determine the underlying cause of your anxiety, depression, or other mental health symptoms, recommend lifestyle changes and coping techniques, or even prescribe antidepressants.

Consider seeing your primary care physician for your mental health if you experience:

• Depression or anxiety symptoms that are manageable yet still impact your daily life
• Any new or concerning mental health issues
• Physical symptoms, such as digestive problems, headaches, or unexplained pain
• Uncertainty about whether you need to see a specialist—your primary care physician can help guide you to the right decision
• If you are considering medication for your symptoms, speaking with your primary care physician is essential to determine if prescription antidepressants are suitable for you

Please note: if you’re in a life-threatening situation or experiencing severe symptoms, please go to the closest ER facility.

Who Can Prescribe Antidepressants?

A key part of the mental health recovery journey is understanding who can prescribe these important medications. While psychiatrists are often seen as the primary providers of antidepressants, a diverse range of healthcare professionals is qualified to prescribe them, some of them are:

• Nurse Practitioners (NPs): NPs, especially those specializing in psychiatry or mental health, have the authority to prescribe antidepressants.
• Physician Assistants (PAs): PAs can evaluate patients and prescribe medications under the supervision of a physician.
• Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs): Those with a focus on psychiatric-mental health can prescribe medications in many states.

Can a Primary Care Physician Prescribe Antidepressants?

Yes. In fact, primary care physicians are responsible for prescribing 79% of the antidepressant medications patients receive. Before prescribing antidepressants, your doctor will perform a complete physical exam, ask questions to determine your specific symptoms, how severe they are, and run any necessary lab tests to rule out other health conditions. In some cases, primary care doctors may not prescribe antidepressants during your first visit. Instead, they may recommend talk therapy or other behavioral techniques first. 

What Are Types of Antidepressants Primary Care Doctors Can Prescribe?

Your primary care doctor may prescribe any of the following antidepressants:

• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly used to treat depression, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, eating disorders, phobias, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). They are usually the first choice for depression because they have fewer side effects than other antidepressants. 
• Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are another commonly prescribed antidepressant. They work by increasing serotonin and norepinephrine, also known as “feel good” chemicals, in the brain. They are often prescribed for major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, social phobias, chronic pain, especially nerve pain, fibromyalgia, and symptoms of menopause.
• Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) also increase the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. They are helpful in treating chronic pain, insomnia, anxiety disorders, and migraines. People with diabetes, pregnant women, and those who are breastfeeding should ensure they talk with their doctor before taking TCAs.
• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors work by preventing the chemicals in the brain that help improve mood from breaking down. Because they have a number of side effects, they are used when other medications are unsuccessful. 

There are other antidepressants your doctor may prescribe. However, the ones mentioned above are the most commonly used.

Primary Care Physician & Behavioral Health at AllCare

At AllCare, we make accessing the mental health services you need easy, including primary care physicians who can prescribe antidepressants. Our all-in-one model of care means you can get the preventative and mental health care you need in one convenient location. By streamlining your care through one doctor at AllCare, we can eliminate your need to see separate specialists. Schedule your primary care consultation today.