Successful treatment of major depressive disorder starts with a thorough assessment of the patient. As discussed previously and based on recommendations of the American Psychiatric Association, healing begins with “psychiatric management” of the patient, followed by three phases of treatment. This may be done by the primary care physician, and / or psychotherapist, and / or psychiatrist depending on the history, complexity, and degree of severity of the depression. The following recommendations are for Major Depressive Disorder, and although no existing scientific literature has been established – it may apply to other syndromes such as dysthymic disorder.