Focusing on the Treatment of Depression

I am surprised that the psychiatric specialty is brought into the treatment of depression, which is shown to have a physical basis. (“New Weapons in the Assault on Depression,” Jan 2). There are many people who would never agree to see a psychiatrist for a physical problem like diabetes. Consequently, a chemical imbalance in the brain would show little benefit from a psychiatric session. I can see how proper medication, like that mentioned in (Linda) Monroe’s article, can alleviate the problem of depression.

MARTIN J. ROSS, Santa Monica