What is the Most Effective Depression Treatment?
The best treatment for depression differs depending on the individual. Talk to your health care professional about what might work for you.
You may need to test various antidepressants before finding one that is effective. It is possible to combine psychotherapy and antidepressants, or with a medication that treats another mental or physical condition, such as an anxiety medication, a thyroid hormone or mood stabilizer.
Medication
Medication is a successful treatment for mild to moderate depression. Antidepressants affect the levels of certain brain chemicals involved in mood. They also aid in reducing the frequency of depression-related episodes. It’s important that you follow the exact dosage recommended by your physician. They won’t work if you don’t.
In general, doctors suggest starting with a serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) like citalopram (Celexa) or Escitalopram (Lexapro) or the fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva), sertraline (Zoloft) or vilazodone (Viibryd). These drugs have been shown to be more effective than placebo in many clinical trials. These drugs could cause serious adverse effects. It is essential to consult your doctor prior to taking or stopping any of these medicines.
You may have to try several different antidepressants before you discover one that is suitable for you. It is also possible to combine psychotherapy and antidepressants or other treatment. For those who suffer from a severe or life-threatening form of depression electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an option. This procedure uses electric impulses to induce controlled seizures in the brain. It can quickly alleviate depression and is particularly beneficial for patients who haven’t responded to other treatments.
The results of a recent study suggest a particular form of ECT known as high-frequency ECT may be as effective or better than standard ECT in treating refractory depression pharmacological treatment disorders. Researchers compared HFECT to standard ECT in 23 patients who had an history of treatment-resistant depression. All had tried a number of other treatment options for depression such as psychotherapy and exercise. The study revealed that HFECT significantly improved the symptoms of depression treatment food, and also caused less side effects than ECT.
Light therapy is another alternative to treat seasonal affective disorder. This is when you sit in a bright light every morning for around 30 minutes. You can opt for a light box or lamp at your home. You can also avail light therapy through certain health insurance plans or employee assistance programs as well as churches. Healthy eating, exercise and adequate sleep are suggested. Additionally, it’s essential to stay clear of drinking and taking recreational drugs as they can worsen depression and make it difficult to respond to treatment.
Psychotherapy
depression in elderly treatment (navigate to this site) can zap your energy, making it hard to take care of the daily chores. The good news is, if you get help, the chances of recovering are very high. A combination of psychotherapy provided by a professional and medications can offer relief to people who are depressed.
In therapy, therapists listen without judgment to help you explore your emotions and concerns in a safe, supportive setting. They also teach you coping skills and encourage self-awareness, which can promote mental health.
There are several different types of psychotherapy for depression, including cognitive therapy that assists you in identifying negative or problematic thinking patterns and discover healthy ways to manage difficult emotions. Behavioral therapy can change bad habits of behavior by helping you build efficient problem-solving skills reduce stress and improve interpersonal relationships. Other treatments, such as dialectical behavior therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy are often used to address the underlying issues that contribute to depression, such as self-injury behaviors and chronic suicidal phobias.
Psychotherapy can be a helpful tool for those with recurring depression, who have not responded to medication or who are not able to take antidepressants because of health reasons or allergies. In some cases doctors may suggest a complementary or alternative therapy for depression. This could include transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) A method that uses a coil placed on the scalp to send magnetic pulses that alter the function of neurotransmitters.
Psychotherapy can help family members and friends who are struggling with depression to deal with it. Therapy for marital or family members is often recommended for those who live with a person who is struggling with depression. It can reduce tension and stress among family members, and offer them the tools to help their loved ones in a healthy and positive way. Additionally, a trained therapist can guide them on how to help their loved one overcome depression.
Exercise
Exercise is a safe and affordable supplement to other treatments for anxiety and depression. It increases energy, reduces stress, and improves balance and flexibility. It can also aid with sleeping and boost self-esteem. It’s important to check with your GP before starting anything new or ramping up your workout.
In large-scale research, men and women who exercise develop depression at a much lesser rate than those who sit. It’s harder to test if exercise can treat depression that already exists. You must examine it as you would any other medication by randomly assigning patients with extreme depression treatment to exercise or a group that is a control and carefully tracking the results.
The largest study on physical activity as a treatment option for depression to date suggests that it works at a minimum as well as standard medications and psychotherapy. The study combined information from 41 trials that involved 2,265 people. The study revealed that almost all types of exercise can reduce depression symptoms. However certain types of exercise are more effective than others. The most effective exercises included jogging or walking as well as yoga and strength training. The benefits increased as the intensity increased, indicating that even moderate exercise is better than nothing.
Researchers believe there are a variety of reasons that exercise helps with depression. One is that it helps by increasing blood flow and oxygen to the brain. It also increases certain chemicals such as dopamine and serotonin. Other reasons include the social support that comes from group exercise and the psychological motivation that keeps people working out.
People are often forced to cut back or restrict their activities when depressed, but doctors recommend trying to resume those things as soon as you can. Practicing them can help you regain pleasure and enjoyment which is essential to beating depression. Being involved in activities that you enjoy can give life meaning and purpose.
If you’re not sure which direction to take, consider the local gym or group fitness class. If you suffer from a physical disability or injury, talk to your doctor about how to find suitable exercise options. For more information and interactive resources, Black Dog Institute has an overview of exercise and depression and Beyond Blue offers a template to help you plan your activities.
Alternative or complementary therapies
Mental health issues are treated with many alternative therapies or ‘natural’. These include herbal treatments and massage. These treatments have not been scientifically validated, and they can cause adverse side consequences. These treatments may also interact with other drugs. It is recommended to only use these treatments with the approval of a doctor or therapist.
Cancer Council does not recommend these treatments because there is little research done on their effectiveness. Some have been marketed as “cancer cures” but they’re not established. They could cause discomfort or harm to certain people, particularly if they attempt to replace medical treatments.
The most effective holistic treatment for depression for depression usually includes medication and psychotherapy. Psychotherapy is the term used to describe speaking about your thoughts and feelings with a trained professional like psychiatrist or psychologist. Some types of psychological treatment are more specific to depression than others, however all will aid you in understanding your situation and discover new ways to manage your depression treatment history. These include:
CBT is designed to alter negative thoughts and negative evaluations that can make depression worse. Interpersonal psychotherapy is a type of psychotherapy that concentrates on your relationships and how you interact with them. Family and couples therapy can aid in improving communication in your relationships.
Several different formats of therapy are available, including computer programs and online sessions. These sessions are generally cheaper than in-person sessions and may be beneficial to some. However, not all are suitable for everyone and some are not covered by your insurance. Ask your therapist about their experiences with these programs and determine if they think it is suitable for you.
During your conversation with your healthcare provider during your visit, they will review all the medications you use in addition to herbal supplements and prescription medications to determine how they impact your depression. They will also determine if you suffer from any physical issues that could be linked to depression, such as chronic pain or thyroid illness. They will also look to determine whether you have another mental disorder that may be contributing to your depression, like personality disorders or bipolar disorder.