Depression Treatment Methods
Depression can be treated using various methods. These include psychological therapies, alternative treatments, and medication.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type of psychotherapy that assists people identify and correct the faulty thinking patterns. Other options include acceptance and commitment therapy, as well as dialectical therapy for behavior both of which are designed for depression who are resistant to treatment.
Medication
The most effective medication is the treatment for depression and the first method that most people try. They are especially effective for those suffering from severe or moderate depression or when there is a risk of suicide. The medication can relieve symptoms quickly, and can also help to prevent relapses.
Several types of antidepressant medications have been shown to combat depression. The most common is fluoxetine (Prozac). It is taken orally in tablet form and has been in use for a long time. But newer drugs like sertraline (Zoloft) and citalopram (Celexa) are more effective and have fewer adverse effects.
Talk therapy is often combined treatment for severe depression. Psychotherapy helps you understand your depression and help you learn how to cope with it. You can work on it by yourself with a professional or in a group setting with other patients. Two kinds of talk therapy that have been proven to help are cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy.
Meditation, exercise, and light therapy are all other treatments for depression. A light box that resembles bright sunlight is used to treat seasonal affective disorder (SAD). It can also be used to treat chronic depressive disorder in bipolar disorders.
Your doctor might also use medication that treats a mental or physical condition together with an antidepressant to improve the effect. This is called an augmentation. It might include a mood stabilizer, antianxiety or antipsychotic drugs or even thyroid hormone.
If your depression is mild your GP may suggest waiting a few days to see if symptoms improve on their own. This is called "watchful waiting". It's important to stay in touch with your GP and set up regular appointments with them to check on your performance.
Some people with depression also benefit from other therapies, such as reflexology, which involves pressure being applied to specific points on the body, or for energy healing. Some patients experience relief through meditation or yoga. Others find comfort in prayer or chanting. If your depression is serious, or you have thoughts of suicide, it's crucial to seek treatment as quickly as you can.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy can help people comprehend why they are depressed and discover new ways to manage their symptoms. It can be used by itself or in combination with medication. It is crucial to start treatment as soon as possible and be present for all sessions.
There are a variety of psychotherapy, and each one is best suited for specific situations or clinical circumstances. Group therapy is a mixture of two or more people and you, whereas family therapy teaches loved ones how to help you. Certain therapists specialize in specific areas, like relationships or trauma from childhood and can provide special treatments that are ideal for you.
Psychotherapy can be classified into behavioral therapy, cognitive therapy, and psychotherapy for interpersonal relationships. Behavioral therapy teaches you how to manage depression and can help you change your behavior patterns that aren't beneficial. Cognitive therapy focuses primarily on changing pessimistic thinking and negative evaluations that contribute to depression. Interpersonal psychotherapy is short-term and is designed to address issues in relationships that are most closely connected to depression.
Finding the best type of treatment for you could take some patience and time but it's worth it in the long run. It's also helpful to have a support system to aid you in staying in the right direction in your treatment. Talk to your trusted family members or friends or joining an online depression support group, or reading self-help books and websites.
It is crucial to consult an expert if you suffer from a serious condition like an illness or injury. This will help determine if your depression is caused by a physical problem. If you have a serious medical issue like an injury or illness it is essential to visit your doctor to determine if there is a physical cause for your depression. Combining medication with psychotherapy is the most effective method to treat depression. Keep in mind that all treatments for depression take some time, and you will be able to experience a variety of ups and downs while you work through the process. If you stay with your plan, you will be capable of beating depression.
Light therapy
Light therapy involves sitting by an especial light box, or lamp which emits bright sunlight. It's a well-known treatment for those suffering from seasonal affective disorder (SAD). It resembles natural sunlight which can boost energy and mood. It's also been proven to help improve sleep problems that are often linked with depression. It's thought that light therapy works by changing the rhythm of the circadian cycle and increasing serotonin levels in the brain. It is possible that light therapy has a positive effect on other hormones, for instance melatonin which is released when you are asleep.
Iampsychiatry for Health and Care Excellence recommends that SAD is treated the same manner as other forms of depression. This could include treatments for talking like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and light therapy, and antidepressants. It is most effective to begin at the beginning of winter, before symptoms appear, and continue until spring.
A recent study on the use of light therapy in the treatment of SAD has revealed that the majority of patients who utilized it reached remission, using strict criteria for diagnosis. The Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-SAD version, a well-known measure of symptoms, showed a reduction. The study also found that the treatment was safe and well-tolerated.
It's important to keep in mind that while light therapy has been proven to be an effective treatment for SAD, it can't be relied upon on by itself. You should still consult with a physician for advice. It's also vital to keep active, eat healthy meals and get enough sleep, and to try to manage stress.
In addition to light treatment, antidepressants also have been proven to be effective in the treatment of SAD. The most common antidepressant prescribed for SAD is called selective serotonin reduces (SSRIs). They can boost your mood in a matter of weeks. Some side effects include dry mouth or diarrhoea or nausea, as well as constipation. However these symptoms typically subside quickly.
Some people discover that light therapy does not improve their symptoms, or they experience uncomfortable side-effects, like eye strain or headaches and agitation. They also experience irritation to the skin. These can usually be reduced by altering the duration of treatment, time of day, or the product employed.
Alternative or complementary therapy
The use of prescription medications is a typical treatment for depression, however, it's not for everyone. If a medication doesn't work or has unacceptably adverse side-effects, it's possible to look into a complementary or alternative therapy. These are therapies that concentrate on your physical and spiritual health and can ease the symptoms of depression, like anxiety and pain.
Acupuncture involves the placement of needles in various areas of your body, such as the hands, ear canals, or feet. It can be beneficial for many symptoms like insomnia, anxiety, and depression. It has been proven to work as well as antidepressants, but doesn't have the same side effects.
Meditation mindfulness: This kind of practice is about learning to be aware of your thoughts actions, feelings and thoughts without judgment. It can help you feel in control of your emotions. It can be performed by yourself or with trained therapist.
Yoga: This kind of exercise can help reduce depression and stress. It improves breathing and gives you a feelings of well-being.
Massage: The feeling of touch is relaxing. Deep-tissue massages are good for anxiety, tension in the muscles, and depression. Aromatherapy Inhaling essential oils can to lift depression.
Energy healing: This includes techniques like reiki, tai chi and yoga. They are based on the notion that illnesses are caused by energy blockages.
Exercise: Walking, swimming, or any other type of movement can help treat depression. A recent study revealed that 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week reduced the symptoms of depression.
Eye movement desensitization processing (EMDR) is a relatively new therapy that involves repeated exposure to a disturbing memory to help the brain process it. It has been demonstrated that EMDR is very effective for PTSD. However it is still a matter of research to establish its effectiveness for depression.
The Royal College of Psychiatrists has looked at the evidence regarding a number of CAM treatments for depression, such as Acupuncture and bright light therapy. The reviews were small and some had limitations like a limited number of trials included and small sample sizes. Consequently, the Royal College of Psychiatrists is not advocating any CAM therapies for depression.