It's never talking to people _or_ drugging them though. Since when do psychiatrists send you off with a prescription for Prozac and then never see you again?
Answer: they don't. Major depression is treated with drugs and therapy. And it's the combination of both that helps. Rarely if ever are patients given drugs so the psychiatrist can avoid giving them therapy.
I think that's overstating it. The chances of recovery are better on average with the combination, but I don't think anyone has really teased out the extent to which this is additive or synergistic on an individual level versus simply having better odds by betting on two lines instead of one.
Yes they absolutely do. Your average Psychiatrist books in 10-15 minute blocks on demand only, and focuses entirely on what drug you need while you're in the office. It's the patient's responsibility (and if they are lucky, a good psychologist in tandem) to follow up on their med treatment.
Answer: they don't. Major depression is treated with drugs and therapy. And it's the combination of both that helps. Rarely if ever are patients given drugs so the psychiatrist can avoid giving them therapy.