APA Expert Opinion
An APA expert answers common questions about mental health

This month's expert: Steven S. Sharfstein, M.D., president of the American Psychiatric Association

I have had difficulty concentrating and I think I may be depressed. I thought a vacation would help, but it didn't. Do I need to see a doctor?

Depression can affect anyone - even a person who has just returned from vacation. Several factors can play a role in the onset of depression: biochemistry, genetics, personality, environmental factors or a co-occurring medical condition (e.g., a brain tumor or vitamin deficiency). It's important to be evaluated by a psychiatrist or other physician to rule out general medical causes and to get help.

A vacation may help temporarily. But the best course of action is to get an accurate diagnosis and, if needed, a comprehensive, individualized treatment plan. For many people, effective treatment will help them overcome their depression or experience significant relief. I hope next time you are able to enjoy the vacation you've earned!

I hear so much about medication, but I wonder if that's the only option?

I think the real question is one of appropriateness - that is, getting the right treatments for the right people. We know that treatment works. But any one person's specific course of treatment may include medications, talk therapy, or a combination of both. The key is a comprehensive, individualized treatment plan - one that you feel comfortable with and will follow through on. If it's a child who's being treated, it's critical that the treatment plan be tailored to the needs of the child and family, and what the parent or guardian is comfortable with. Psychiatrists look forward to discussing all the options and working cooperatively with you so you can make the best decision.

I am on a prescription medication and am planning a trip abroad. Should I have any concerns? Should I make any special plans or accommodations?

The most important thing is to enjoy your vacation. If you are taking a prescription medication, a little pre-planning can save you a lot of worry and make for a better experience.

First of all, remember to bring your medication with you! That includes any medication your child - or others in your care - may be on, as well.

Before your trip: Think about how long your trip is and how much medication you will need. (More than enough in case of loss, theft, breakage or spillage.) Also, think about your dosage schedule, especially since your trip is likely to involve crossing time zones. It's a good idea to keep handy a list of your medications, their dosages, your doctors' phone numbers, and health insurance information.

Storage: Keep your medication with you, not packed in checked luggage. Many pills look alike, so keep them in their original containers, if possible. Also, protect medicines from direct sunlight, extreme heat, and water. Car trunks, glove compartments, and swimsuit pockets are generally not good places to store medicines. If you are traveling with small children, make sure to keep medications out of their reach.

During your trip: When you go on a side trip or an excursion, carry enough medication to last the full day. Plan breaks - don't get so caught up in activities that you miss a dose. And stay on guard for sunburn, since some medications can make you more sensitive to sun exposure.

Since you are traveling to another country, be extra careful with your medication. Lost or stolen luggage or purses aren't unheard of, and replacing a prescription overseas and be particularly difficult. In addition, learn what medical services your health insurance will cover overseas. Medicare, for example, does not provide coverage for hospital or medical costs outside the U.S.

Finally, be aware that some countries have strict regulations about taking medication into their country, so check before you go.

Talk over any concerns you may have with your psychiatrist, family physician or pharmacist.

My daughter is going to summer camp. I was thinking I should give her a break from her medication. Could this create any problems?

If your child has been diagnosed with depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or another illness, it's important to work with your child's physician before stopping or starting any medication.

Many studies have demonstrated the importance of keeping a child on medication and on schedule year round as the best way to manage symptoms. In general, symptoms don't take a break and so neither should effective treatment of those symptoms.

Also, some parents report that a "medication vacation" hurts the child's routine, has a yo-yo effect, or makes the child feel more awkward about their treatment. In the worst cases, the child's symptoms return full-force, and they can feel like a failure.

Your child's physician may feel there are appropriate times for a break from medication - if, for example, the medication has a significant side effect or if the break is part of determining whether the current medication is still needed. I strongly recommend discussing any changes in dosages with your child's doctor before you make the change.

You can find out more summer camp tips for parents here.

I don't know if I have the right attitude about my body. I hate the way I look in swim trunks, but for the most part, I feel okay about myself. Guys don't get eating disorders, do they?

Both women and men can have eating disorders. This reflects a concern that many people have - how they look when they're at the beach or by the pool - but if your concerns are persistent, talk things over with a psychiatrist or another doctor.

Eating disorders are illnesses in which the victims suffer severe disturbances in their eating behaviors and related thoughts and emotions. Those suffering from eating disorders typically become obsessed with food and their body weight as well.

Eating disorders affect some several million people at any given time, most often women between the ages of 12 and 35. But men are not exempt. In early stages of these disorders, people often deny that they have a problem. But the good news is that, with proper medical care, those suffering from eating disorders can resume suitable eating habits, and return to better emotional and psychological health.

How do I find a psychiatrist?

Information on locating a psychiatrist near you can be found right here on this web site.

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