Effective Depression Treatment Explained In Fewer Than 140 Characters

What is the Most Effective Depression Treatment?

The best treatment for depression varies depending on the individual. Speak to your doctor about what might work for you.

It is possible to test several antidepressants until you find one that works for you. You might need to mix psychotherapy and antidepressants, or with a medication to treat another mental or physical condition like an anxiety medication, a mood stabilizer or thyroid hormone.

Medication

For those suffering from mild to moderate depression, medication is usually an effective depression treatment. Antidepressants alter the levels of certain brain chemicals that are involved in mood. They also help reduce the frequency of depressive symptoms. But, it's crucial to take these medications according to the dosage prescribed by your physician. They won't work if you don't.

Doctors recommend beginning with a selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) like fluoxetine, escitalopram or citalopram, paroxetine, sertraline, Zoloft or vilazodone. These drugs have been shown to be more effective than placebo in many clinical trials. These medications can cause serious adverse effects. It is essential to consult your doctor prior to taking or stopping any of these medicines.

You may have to test various antidepressants before you discover one that is suitable for you. It is also possible to combine antidepressants with psychotherapy or other treatments. Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) might be a possibility for people suffering from an extreme form of depression or a life-threatening condition. This treatment uses electrical impulses to trigger controlled seizures in the brain. It is able to quickly relieve depression and is most effective for people who haven't had success with other treatments.

The results of a new study suggest that a type of ECT called high-frequency ECT (HFECT) could be as effective or even better than conventional ECT in treating refractory depression. Researchers compared HFECT to standard ECT in 23 patients who had a history of treatment-resistant depression. All had tried a number of other depression treatments like psychotherapy and exercise. The researchers found that HFECT significantly reduced symptoms of depression and caused less adverse effects than ECT.

Other options for treatment include light therapy that is used to treat seasonal affective disorder (SAD). This involves sitting in front of a bright light for about half an hour each day. A lamp or light box is available for home use. Certain health insurance plans, employee Assistance Programs and churches offer light therapy. Healthy eating, exercise and adequate sleep are also recommended. It's also important to stay clear of drinking and taking recreational drugs as they can cause depression.

Psychotherapy

Depression can sap your energy and make it difficult to perform the tasks of daily life. However, the positive side is that if you seek help your chances of recovery are high. Depression sufferers are able to find relief using a combination of therapy with a professional and medication.

Therapy is when therapists listen without judgement to assist you in exploring your feelings and issues in a supportive atmosphere. They can also help you develop coping skills and increase your self-awareness, which will boost your mental wellbeing.

There are several different types of psychotherapy for depression, including cognitive therapy which assists you in identifying negative or problematic thinking patterns and develop healthy strategies to cope with difficult emotions. Behavioral therapy helps you improve your interpersonal relationships, learn how to manage stress and develop problem-solving abilities. Other treatments like acceptance-commitment therapy and dialectical behaviour therapy are commonly employed to address the root issues that cause depression, including self-injury and chronic suicidal thinking.

Psychotherapy is also a valuable option for those suffering from persistent depression that has not responded to medication or for those who are unable to take antidepressants due allergies or health reasons. In certain instances doctors may suggest an alternative or complementary therapy for depression. This could include transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) which is a method which uses a coil on the scalp to send magnetic pulses which impact the neurotransmitters' functions.

In addition to helping people gain confidence and pleasure in life Psychotherapy can also assist family members or friends experiencing the effects of depression on their loved family members. Couples or families who are living with someone who is depressed may be advised to go through family therapy. It can ease tension and stress among family members, and provide them with the tools to support their loved ones in a healthy manner. A qualified therapist is able to assist them in helping their loved ones overcome depression.

Exercise

Exercise is a safe and cost-effective addition to other treatments for anxiety and depression treatment without antidepressants. It alters the levels of chemicals in the brain, improves balance and flexibility improves energy levels and reduces stress. It can also aid in the quality of sleep and increase self-esteem. It's important to check with your GP before starting anything new or ramping up your workout.

In large-scale studies, both men and women who are active have depression private treatment at a lesser rate than those who sit. It's a bit more difficult to determine whether exercise can treat depression. You must study it the same way as any other medication. Randomly assigning people with depression either to exercise or to an uncontrolled group, and then tracking their improvement.

The largest study on physical activity as a treatment option for depression to date suggests it is effective at least as effectively as standard medication and psychotherapy. The study gathered data from 41 trials involving 265 people. The study concluded that nearly all types of exercise can reduce depression symptoms. However some are more effective than others. The most effective exercises were jogging or walking yoga, strength training and yoga. The benefits grew with intensity, suggesting that even moderate exercise is better than no exercise at all.

Researchers believe there are a variety of reasons why exercising can relieve depression. One is that it assists with blood flow and oxygen to the brain. It also boosts certain chemicals like dopamine and seratonin. Other factors include the social support provided by group exercise and the psychological motivation that motivates people to exercise.

People often stop or limit their activities when depressed, however, doctors suggest taking steps to resume these activities as soon as you can. They can help you find satisfaction and pleasure. This is essential in beating depression. Doing things you enjoy can provide you with an identity and meaning.

If you're unsure where to start, try your local gym or a group fitness class. Speak to your doctor in case you suffer from 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 plan your activity.

Alternative or complementary therapies

Mental health issues can be treated with many alternative or 'natural therapies'. These include herbal remedies and massage. These treatments have not been studied scientifically and may cause side negative effects. These treatments may also interact with other medications. Patients should only take these treatments under the supervision of a doctor or therapist.

Cancer Council does not recommend these treatments because there is very little research on their effectiveness. Certain therapies have been marketed as "cancer cures" however they aren't tested and may cause discomfort or harm to certain people, especially when they attempt to substitute medical treatment resistant depression.

The most effective treatment for Depression treatment exercise usually includes both psychotherapy and medication. Psychotherapy is a term used to discuss your feelings with a trained professional such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. Certain types of psychological therapy are more specific to depression than others, but most will aid you in understanding your situation and learn new ways to manage your depression. They include:

CBT is designed to alter negative thinking patterns and negative assessments that can cause depression to become worse. Interpersonal psychotherapy is a form of psychotherapy that is focused on your relationships and how you interact with them. Family therapy and couples therapy can improve communication within your relationships.

There are a variety of types of therapy, including sessions on the internet and computer programs. These sessions are typically cheaper than in-person sessions and may be beneficial for certain people. Some aren't appropriate for all, and a few aren't covered by insurance. Ask your therapist whether they have experience with these types of programs and ask them to recommend one that could be suitable for you.

In your meeting with your healthcare provider the doctor will review all the medicines you use in addition to herbal supplements and other over-the-counter medications, to determine the impact they have on your depression. They will also look at your physical health to see whether you suffer from any medical conditions that are sometimes associated with depression. For instance thyroid disease or chronic back pain. They will also look to determine whether there is a mental illness that could be causing depression, such as bipolar disorder or personality disorders.