I've been on and off different antidepressents for about 10 years now to treat pmdd (bad pms). Wellbutrin has been the best for me for weight control but it makes me speedy and inteferes with in my sleep. All the others I tried (mostly SSRIs) made me flat and intefered with sexual function. One, serzone, gave me panic attacks and made it much worse. My preference is to deal with the speediness and sleep problems with the Wellbutrin. It really helps with the rollercoaster each month ... and does seem to help control my appetite.

When I first sought help I went to see a psychiatrist. Since then I've consulted with my gynocologist and my internest for different prescriptions, etc. I prefer to have my internist or gynocologist oversee my treatment. Over the years I've come to realize that my depression is more physical than mental. And, both my internist and my gynocolgist are great and very familiar with the different options. I felt like going to a psychiatrist was overkill, and she only had me go for medicine checks, no therapy. I think that therapy would have helped early on to understand how the antidepressants would affect me. Now, I don't feel like therapy would help that much with the PMDD (although I'm sure it would help with all sorts of other issues I may have!) That said, I've come to these conslusions after consulting with different doctors and trying different treatments. I would recommend speaking to as many professionals as you can and deciding for yourself what makes you most comfortable. And, this may change over time ...

All and all though, exercise has been the very best treatment. The more the better. And, the more the exercise involves mental focus the more effective. It is hard to get out and exercise though when you can't even get out of bed!!