What is required to help a person who is suffering with signs of depression is a good doctor. If the treatment is effective the person can overcome the problem or at least lead a fairly normal life and manage his day to day activities. Severe depression like bipolar disorder makes the person loose his identity and he or she cannot lead a normal life any longer. If the medication and therapy give is helpful and effective this will help the person to manage his life well while he continues with the medication. Those with disease like bipolar disorder cannot get off the medication completely but may have a reduced dosage after some time.
The medication cannot be stopped suddenly because the patient is feeling better but can only be reviewed for a lesser dosage by the physician who is treating them. The doctor should be well versed in treating this disorder and know about it to be able to help the patient. Going to an ordinary family doctor or general physician is not the same as going to a qualified psychiatrist. Treatment of mental disorders is specialized care and the care giver has to know all about the disease. In order to improve the condition of the patient and get proper treatment the choice of a good doctor is very important. There are clinics which deal only with mental ailments and this is where doctors who are qualified to treat such ailments will be found. Once the patient and doctor have formed a good rapport it is best to stick to the same doctor.