Depression Treatment Methods

People who have depression can avail a range of treatment methods. These include psychotherapies, alternative treatments, and medication.

Psychotherapy is a form of cognitive behavior therapy, which can help people identify and correct their negative thinking patterns. Other options include dialectical behavioral therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy, which are specifically designed to treat depression that is resistant to treatment.

Medication

The most common and effective treatment for depression is medication. They are particularly effective in cases of severe or moderate depression or when there is a higher likelihood of suicide. Medication can relieve symptoms quickly and help prevent the relapse of depression.

Antidepressant drugs are used to treat depression. The most common antidepressant is fluoxetine (Prozac). It's taken orally in tablet form and has been in use for many years. However, more recent drugs, such as sertraline (Zoloft) and citalopram (Celexa) are more effective and have less adverse effects.

Talk therapy is often paired with medications for depression that is severe. Psychotherapy is designed to help you recognize your depression and help you learn how to manage it. It can be carried out by yourself or with a medical professional or with other patients in a group. Two types of talk therapy that have been proven to aid in improving the quality of life are cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy.

Other treatments for depression include light therapy, exercise and meditation. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is treated using an artificial light box that mimics bright sunlight. It can also be used to treat chronic depression in bipolar disorder sufferers.

To improve the effects of the medication, your doctor may prescribe a medication to treat another physical or mental condition in conjunction with an antidepressant. This is known as augmentation. It could be a combination of mood stabilizers, antianxiety drugs, thyroid hormone, or antipsychotics.

If your depression isn't severe, your GP might suggest waiting a few days to see if symptoms improve by themselves. This is often referred to as watchingful waiting. It is important to keep in touch with your GP and set up regular appointments for them to monitor your improvement.

Some people suffering from depression can may benefit from other treatments like reflexology or energy healing, which involves applying pressure to certain points on the body. Some sufferers find relief through yoga or meditation. Some find comfort through 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 discover the reasons behind their depression and discover new ways to manage their symptoms. It can be utilized in conjunction with medications or on its own. It is crucial to begin treatment as soon as you begin to notice symptoms and be on top of your appointments.

There are different types of psychotherapy. Each is best for specific situations or con the process. But if you stick with your plan, you will be capable of beating depression.

Light therapy

The act of sitting in front of a light box or special lamp that emits bright sunshine is known as light therapy. It is a popular residential treatment for depression option for those suffering from seasonal affective disorder. It mimics natural daylight, which can boost mood and energy. It's also been found to improve sleep issues which are often linked to depression. Light therapy is thought to work by altering the circadian rhythms in the brain and boosting serotonin. It's also possible that it has a positive impact on the levels of other hormones, such as melatonin, which is released in sleep.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence recommends that SAD be treated in the same way as other forms of depression. This can include talking treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and light therapy and antidepressants. It's most effective if it is initiated at the beginning of winter, before symptoms begin to manifest and continues until spring.

Recent research into the use of light treatment in the treatment of SAD discovered that the majority of patients who received the first line treatment for depression and anxiety were able to achieve remission following strict criteria. Hamilton Depression Rating Scale - SAD version, a well-established measurement of symptoms, showed a reduction. The study found that the treatment is safe and well tolerated.

Be aware that light therapy is not a cure-all for SAD. It's still important to consult a physician and follow their advice. It's crucial to remain active, eat a balanced diet take a good night's sleep, and reduce stress.

In addition to light therapy, antidepressants have also been shown to be effective in the treatment of SAD. The most frequently prescribed antidepressant for SAD is selective serotonin reuptake blocks (SSRIs). They can boost your mood within a couple of weeks. They can have adverse effects, such as dry mouth, nausea, diarrhoea or constipation, but these typically pass quickly.

Some people discover that light therapy doesn't help their symptoms, or they suffer unpleasant side-effects such as eye strain or How Depression Is Treated headaches and agitation. They also experience skin irritation. These side effects can be reduced by adjusting the duration of treatment and time of day or the product used.

Alternative or complementary therapy

Prescription medication is a common treatment option for depression but it's not the best choice for all. If a medication isn't effective or causes intolerable side effects, it could be time to try an alternative or complementary therapy. These are therapies that concentrate on your physical and spiritual health and can help relieve symptoms of depression, such as anxiety and pain.

Acupuncture involves inserting needles in various parts of your body, like your hands, ear, or feet. It can be beneficial for many symptoms like anxiety, insomnia, and depression. It has been proven to be similar to antidepressants, but without the negative side negative effects.

Meditation mindfulness: This kind of practice is about learning to observe your thoughts actions, feelings and thoughts without judgment. It helps you to feel more in control of your emotions. You can practice it on your own or work with a trained therapist.

Yoga: This kind of exercise can help lower stress and depression. It also improves your breathing and gives you a an overall feeling of wellbeing.

Massage: The feeling of touch is relaxing. Deep-tissue massages are good for muscle tension, anxiety and depression. Aromatherapy: Inhaling the aroma of certain essential oils can ease the mood of those who are depressed.

Energy healing includes techniques like reiki, yoga and tai-chi. They are based on the idea that illnesses are caused by blockages in energy.

Exercise: Walking, swimming or any type of movement has been proven to to treat depression. A recent study showed that 150 minutes of moderate depression treatment exercise per week helped reduce depression symptoms.

Eye movement desensitization processing (EMDR), a relatively new therapy, uses repeated exposure to a disturbing memory to help the mind process it. It has been proven that EMDR can be very effective for PTSD. However more research is needed to determine 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 were limited such as a limited number of trials included and small sample sizes. This is why the Royal College of Psychiatrists is not advocating any CAM treatments for depression.