What is the Most Effective Depression Treatment?
The best treatment for depression varies from individual to individual. Talk to your health care professional about what might work for you.
You might need to try several antidepressants before you find one that works. It is also possible to combine antidepressants with psychotherapy or a medication to treat a physical or mental disorder, such as an antipsychotic mood stabilizer, anti-anxiety drug or thyroid hormone.
Medication
Medication is a successful treatment for moderate to mild depression. Antidepressants alter the levels of certain brain chemicals that play a role in mood. They can also help reduce the frequency of depressive episodes. However, it's important to take these medications according to the dosage prescribed by your physician. If you do not, they won't work.
Doctors recommend starting with an selective Serotonin-Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) such as fluoxetine, escitalopram or citalopram, paroxetine, sertraline, Zoloft, or vilazodone. In numerous clinical trials these drugs were shown to be more effective than placebo. They can cause serious side effects, so it's crucial to talk with your doctor before you start or stop taking any of these medications.
You may have to test several different antidepressants before you find one that works for you. It is also possible to combine antidepressants and psychotherapy or other treatments. For some patients with a severe or life-threatening form of depression electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a viable option. This treatment uses electrical impulses to cause controlled seizures in the brain. It is effective in treating depression quickly and is recommended for patients who have not responded to other treatments.
depression treatment for teenagers www.iampsychiatry.com of a recent study suggest a particular form of ECT called high-frequency ECT could be as effective or better than conventional ECT at treating refractory depressive disorders. The researchers compared HFECT with conventional ECT in 23 patients who had who had a history of depression that was resistant to treatment. All patients had tried other treatments for depression like psychotherapy and physical exercise. Researchers found that HFECT significantly reduced depression symptoms, and also had less side-effects than ECT.
Light therapy is a different alternative to treat seasonal affective disorder. This is done by sitting in a bright light each day for 30 minutes. A light box or lamp can be used at home. You can also obtain light therapy through certain health insurance plans, employee assistance programs and churches. Healthy eating, exercise and enough sleep are suggested. It is also essential to stay clear of the use of alcohol and recreational drugs since they can worsen depression and make it difficult to respond to treatment.
Psychotherapy
Depression can drain your energy levels, making it difficult to take care of the daily chores. The good news is, when you seek help, the chances of recovering are very high. A combination of psychotherapy by a professional and medication can offer relief to people who are depressed.
Therapists in therapy listen without judgement and assist you in examining your feelings and challenges in a supportive atmosphere. They can also help you improve your coping skills and your self-awareness. This can help you improve your mental health.
There are many different types of psychotherapy available for people suffering from depression. Cognitive therapy is one kind that helps you recognize negative thinking patterns and create healthy strategies to handle difficult emotions. Behavioral therapy can help you improve your interpersonal relationships, and learn how to manage stress and develop problem-solving abilities. Other therapies, such as the dialectical behavior therapy or acceptance and commitment therapy, are often used to address the underlying issues that contribute to depression, including self-injury and suicidal thoughts.
Psychotherapy is also a useful tool for those who suffer from persistent depression that has not responded to medications or for those who are unable to take antidepressants due to allergies or health reasons. In certain instances doctors may suggest an alternative or complementary therapy for depression. This may include transcranial magnet stimulation (TMS), a technique which uses a coil on the scalp to send magnetic pulses which impact the neurotransmitters' functions.
Psychotherapy can help family members and friends struggling with depression to deal with it. Families or couples who have a member who is suffering from depression may be advised to go through family therapy. It can ease stress and tension among family members and provide them with tools to support their loved ones in a healthy manner. Additionally, a trained therapist can guide them on how to assist their loved ones overcome depression.
Exercise
Exercise is a cost-effective and safe way to treat depression and anxiety. It alters the levels of brain chemicals it improves balance and flexibility improves energy levels and reduces stress. It can also improve your sleep and boost self-esteem. Before starting a new exercise routine or increasing your intensity, it's important to consult your physician.
In large-scale studies, men and women who exercise develop depression at a much lower rate than those who sit. It's a bit more difficult to determine whether exercise can treat existing depression. It is important to research it just like any other drug. Randomly assigning people with depression either to exercise or the control group, and then monitoring their development.
The largest study of physical activity as a treatment option for depression to date suggests it works at least as effectively as standard medication and psychotherapy. The study gathered data from 41 studies that included 2,265 participants. The study found that almost all types of exercise could reduce symptoms of depression. However some are more efficient than others. Jogging or walking is the most effective type of exercise followed by strength training and yoga. The benefits grew as the intensity of the exercise increased, which suggests that even mild exercise can be beneficial.
Researchers suspect that there are a variety of reasons that exercise can help with depression. One is that it helps by increasing blood flow and oxygen to the brain. It also boosts certain chemicals like dopamine and serumtonin. Other factors are the social benefits of group exercise as well as the psychological motivation that keeps people exercising.
People are often forced to stop or limit their activities when they are depressed, but doctors suggest taking steps to resume these activities as soon as possible. Practicing them can help you regain satisfaction and pleasure which is essential to beating depression. Doing things you love can give your life meaning and purpose.
If you're unsure where to start, try your local gym or a group fitness class. Talk to your doctor if you have a disability or injury. For more information and interactive resources, Black Dog Institute has a guide to exercise and depression and Beyond Blue offers a template to help you plan your activities.
Alternative or complementary therapies
Mental health issues can be treated using a variety of alternative or "natural" therapies. These include herbal treatments and massage. These treatments are not tested in a scientific manner and may cause negative side negative effects. They may also interact with other medications, and it is recommended to only take them under the supervision of their doctor or therapist.
There is little research into the effectiveness of these treatments and they are not recommended by Cancer Council. Certain therapies have been advertised as "cancer remedies" but they're not tested. They may cause discomfort or harm to certain people, particularly if they attempt to replace medical treatments.
The most effective treatment for depression generally includes both medication and psychotherapy. Psychotherapy is a term used for talking about your concerns with a trained professional, such as psychologist or psychiatrist. Certain kinds of psychological treatments are more specific to depression than others, however all will aid you in understanding your condition and discover new ways to cope. This includes:
CBT aims to change negative thoughts and negative evaluations that can make depression worse. Interpersonal psychotherapy is a form of psychotherapy that concentrates on your relationships and how you interact. Family therapy and couples therapy can enhance communication within your relationships.
Different types of therapy are available, including online sessions and computer programs. These are often cheaper than face-toface sessions and may be beneficial for some people. Some are not suitable for everyone, and some aren't covered by insurance. Ask your therapist about their experience with such programs and if one might be right for you.
When you speak to your doctor during your visit, they will go over all the medications you take in addition to herbal supplements and over-the-counter medicines to determine the impact they have on your depression. They will also assess if you have any physical health conditions that may be linked to depression, such as chronic pain or thyroid disease. They will also look to determine whether you have another mental condition that could be the cause of your depression, such as personality disorders or bipolar disorder.