What do you think of doctors preferences for SSRI anti depressant type medication over one that act quickly such as benzodiazepine type ones?

I much prefer the use of SSRI's over benzos for 2 main reasons: SSRI's aren't habit-forming and they work in concert with the brain's neurotransmitters.

Benzo's act quickly because they enhance the action of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which slows down the central nervous system. Nice, but it merely addresses symptoms. Further, benzo's aren't recommended for anyone with a history of substance use disorders and may, in fact, cause one.

SSRI's work on the levels of the brains serotonin. After carrying a message, serotonin is usually reabsorbed by the nerve cells (known as "reuptake"). SSRIs work by blocking ("inhibiting") reuptake, meaning more serotonin is available to pass further messages between nearby nerve cells. They aren't habit forming and may help the brain regulate its own neurotransmitters over time.

Benzo's have a place, but they're losing ground in favor of more intuitive therapies. That said, [i]all[/i] medication therapies are meant to abut talk therapy like CBT and therapy focused on thinking and behavior.

SSRI’s work great for OCD. They really haven’t done much for my mood. They do help somewhat with anxiety but benzodiazepines work really for sudden panic attacks and breakthrough anxiety. I would say if you have chronic anxiety an antidepressant would be needed

Skip the addictive meds

It depends on the person and the need that their brain has. I no longer believe in giving something a name. I believe in finding what helps the brain work better and gives relief to a person.

benzos are the best for anxiety, but we can't get them here.

I was on an SSRI for OCD that worked well...for me, anyway.