Depression Treatment

Depression is a treatable mental disorder even when it comes to severe cases. Similar to other illnesses, the earlier the person begins treatment, the more efficient it is, and the higher the likelihood that recurrence prevention can take place.

Between 80% and 90% of depressed persons ultimately respond well to treatment. Furthermore, nearly every patient gains some symptom relief. Before treatment or diagnosis, a health expert must perform a comprehensive diagnostic assessment, including an interview and probably a physical examination.

In some instances, a blood test might take place to ensure the depression isn’t because of a medical condition such as a thyroid problem. The assessment seeks to identify particular problems, family and medical history, environmental and cultural factors to obtain a diagnosis and develop an action plan.

Depression treatment usually involves psychotherapy, medications, or a blend of the two. If these options don’t decrease the symptoms, the health provider may explore electroconvulsive therapy and other stimulation therapies.

Medication

Brain chemistry may lead to the individual’s depression and may feature in their treatment. Consequently, the health provider may prescribe antidepressants to help modify the person’s brain chemistry. Remember, the medications aren’t sedatives, “tranquillizers” or “uppers”. They aren’t habit-forming and don’t have a stimulating effect on persons without depression.

Antidepressants may generate some improvement within the initial week or two. However, the full benefits may not be evident for 2-3 months. If the patient experiences minimal or no improvement after numerous weeks, his or her psychiatrist can change the medication dose, add, or replace another antidepressant.

In some instances, other psychotropic drugs may be useful. It’s important you inform your doctor if a medication doesn’t work or if side effects become evident. Psychiatrists typically recommend the continued use of medication for six or more months after the improvement of symptoms.

For persons at high risk, the psychiatrist may suggest longer-term treatment to reduce the likelihood of future episodes. It’s important to note that symptoms such as appetite, sleep, and concentration issues show improvement before the patient’s mood lifts.

Therefore, it’s vital to give the drug a chance before concluding it’s ineffective. If you start taking antidepressants, don’t discontinue without a doctor’s help. At times, patients discontinue their medication once they notice an improvement only for the disorder to recur.

When you and your physician jointly decide it’s time to discontinue the treatment, typically after a course of 6-12 months, he or she will help you decrease your dose safely and gradually. Beware that abrupt discontinuation could produce withdrawal symptoms.

If you’re thinking of taking an antidepressant and you’re expectant, breastfeeding, or intend to become pregnant, ensure you discuss any possible health risks with your doctor.

Antidepressants and Suicide Risk

Generally, most antidepressants are safe but the FDA requires every antidepressant to have a black box caution-the strictest for prescriptions. In some instances, teenagers, children, and young adults below age 25 may exhibit an increase in suicidal behavior or thoughts when taking these medications, particularly in the initial few weeks or when the dose changes.

Anybody taking these medications should be under close watch for unusual behavior or worsening depression, particularly when beginning a new medication or with a dose change. If you or somebody you know has suicidal thoughts while under medication, contact a doctor immediately or get emergency assistance.

Finding the Appropriate Medication

If a family member shows a great response to an antidepressant, it might be the ideal one. Other times, you may need to try numerous medications or a mixture of medications before you find a suitable one. This needs patience because some medications require numerous weeks or longer for the full effect to take place or for the alleviation of side effects as the body adjusts.

Beware that hereditary traits have a role to play in how antidepressants affect the person. In some instances, where possible, genetic test results may provide clues regarding how the body might respond to a certain antidepressant. Nevertheless, other variables apart from genetics can influence your reaction to medication.

Alternate Therapy Formats

Formats for therapy as a substitute to face-to-face office sessions are accessible and may be an efficient option for some. Therapy can occur, for instance, as a computer program, through workbooks, videos, or online sessions.

Programs can also take place under the guidance of a therapist or be totally or partially independent. Before you select any of these options, ensure you discuss them with your therapist to establish whether they might be beneficial for you.

It’s also important to establish whether your therapist can suggest a trusted program or source. Remember, your insurance might not cover some and not every online therapist has the proper training or credentials.

Residential and Hospital Treatment

In some cases, depression might be so severe that hospital treatment might be necessary. This may be essential if the person can’t care for himself or herself properly or when he or she is in immediate danger of harming somebody else or himself.

This option is beneficial because hospital treatment can keep the patient safe and calm until his or her mood improves. Partial hospitalization or day programs may also help some people. These programs offer the needed outpatient counseling and support to get the symptom under control.

Psychotherapy

Health professionals at times use psychotherapy alone for treating mild depression; for moderate and severe depression, psychotherapy often works along antidepressant medications. Evidence-based approaches specific to depression treatment include cognitive-behavioral therapy, problem-solving therapy, and interpersonal therapy.

Cognitive behavioral therapy or CBT is an effective treatment approach that focuses on problem solving and the present. The approach helps the person identify distorted thinking in order to change his or her thinking and behaviors.

Psychotherapy may involve the person alone or it may include others. For instance, couples or family therapy can help tackle problems within these close relations. Group therapy on the other hand, involves persons with similar disorders.

Depending on the severity, treatment can take a couple of weeks or longer. In numerous cases, considerable improvement can take place in 10-15 sessions. This approach can help a patient:

  • Adjust to a predicament or other present difficulty
  • Recognize negative behaviors and beliefs and substitute them with healthy and positive ones
  • Establish better ways of coping and solving problems
  • Recognize problems that contribute to the disorder and change behaviors that worsen it
  • Regain a sense of control and satisfaction in the patient’s life and help alleviate depression symptoms, for instance, anger and hopelessness.
  • Learn to set realistic life goals
  • Gain the ability to accept and tolerate distress using healthier behaviors

Alternate Therapy Formats

Formats for therapy as a substitute to face-to-face office sessions are accessible and may be an efficient option for some. Therapy can occur, for instance, as a computer program, through workbooks, videos, or online sessions.

Programs can also take place under the guidance of a therapist or be totally or partially independent. Before you select any of these options, ensure you discuss them with your therapist to establish whether they might be beneficial for you.

It’s also important to establish whether your therapist can suggest a trusted program or source. Remember, your insurance might not cover some and not every online therapist has the proper training or credentials.

Residential and Hospital Treatment

In some cases, depression might be so severe that hospital treatment might be necessary. This may be essential if the person can’t care for himself or herself properly or when he or she is in immediate danger of harming somebody else or himself.

This option is beneficial because hospital treatment can keep the patient safe and calm until his or her mood improves. Partial hospitalization or day programs may also help some people. These programs offer the needed outpatient counseling and support to get the symptom under control.

Other Treatment Procedures

Transcranial magnetic stimulation

This option may suit those who are unresponsive to antidepressants. During this treatment, the health practitioner will place a treatment coil against the patient’s scalp, sending short magnetic pulses to stimulate the brain nerve cells that are responsible for depression and mood regulation.

03 Aug 1998, New York City, New York State, USA --- Doctors perform electroshock therapy on patient to treat depression. --- Image by © Najlah Feanny/Corbis

Electroconvulsive Therapy

The major symptom for this condition is an overwhelming depressed feeling for over two weeks. The depressed feeling affects every facet of the person’s life, including home life, work, friendships, and relationships.

A person with this condition frequently finds it hard to accomplish much or get motivated. As a result, seeking treatment can be challenging. A dark and all-consuming mood is a feature of this condition in which the person loses interest in activities that are normally pleasurable.

Some individuals may experience a single episode although it’s more common to experience numerous episodes in a person’s lifetime. Symptoms of this kind of depression include difficulty sleeping, appetite or weight changes, energy loss, and feelings of worthlessness.

Suicidal thoughts may also occur. Treatment for this condition typically involves medication and psychotherapy. For those who don’t find relief from antidepressants or psychotherapy, electroconvulsive therapy may be efficient.

Home Remedies and Lifestyle

Stick to the treatment plan

Avoid skipping psychotherapy appointments or sessions. Don’t skip medications even if you feel well. This will prevent the symptoms from recurring and the emergence of withdrawal-like symptoms. It’s also important to know that recovery will take time.

Self-care

Self-care involves eating healthy, getting adequate sleep, and being physically active. Consider jogging, walking, gardening, or other enjoyable activity. Keep in mind that sleeping well is vital for your mental and physical well-being, so if you’re experiencing difficulty sleeping, consult your doctor about the measures to take.

Avoid recreational drugs and alcohol

While it may appear like drugs or alcohol decrease symptoms, in the end, they actually worsen symptoms, making it harder to treat the depression. If you require help with substance or alcohol use, talk with your therapist or doctor.

Learn about the disorder

Educating yourself on the disorder can empower and motivate you to follow your treatment program. You should also encourage your family to know about it, so they can support and understand you.

Watch out for warning signs

Collaborate with your therapist or doctor to establish what might trigger your symptoms. You should also develop a plan. This way, you’ll know what to do in the event that your symptoms worsen. Contact your therapist or doctor if you observe any changes in the way you feel or your symptoms. Consider asking friends or relatives to watch for warning signs as well.

Alternative Medicine

Alternative medicine involves the use of a nonconventional approach rather than conventional medicine. Complementary medicine on the other hand, involves the use of a nonconventional approach together with conventional medication-at times called integrative medicine.Ensure you understand the potential benefits as well as the risks in the event that you decide to pursue complementary or alternative therapy. Don’t substitute psychotherapy or conventional treatment with alternative medicine. Remember, alternative approaches aren’t a replacement for medical care when it comes to depression.

Support and Coping

Talk with your therapist or doctor about enhancing your coping skills. Consider these tips:

  • Simplify things

    When possible, decrease obligations and set sensible objectives for yourself. Whenever you feel down, give yourself room to do less.

  • Find helpful groups

    Numerous organizations, for instance, the National Alliance on Mental Illness offers support groups, education, counseling, and other resources to aid with depression.

  • Discover ways for relaxation and stress management

    Consider options such as meditation and yoga or any other form of relaxation that suits you.

  • Avoid making significant decisions when you're low

    Don’t make significant decisions when you’re experiencing feelings of depression because you might not be thinking clearly.

  • Journaling

    If you integrate journaling as part of the treatment, you may experience mood improvement because it will allow you to express anger, pain, or other emotions.

  • Avoid isolation

    Try to engage in social activities and get-togethers with friends or family regularly. Support groups for depressed persons can help you share experiences and connect with others facing comparable challenges.

  • Time structure

    It’s important you plan your day; this might help you develop a list of daily tasks. Use a planner for organization purposes or sticky notes for reminders.

  • Read reputable books

    Your therapist or doctor may be willing to recommend websites or books to read.

Lifestyle Changes for Depression Treatment

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Exercise

Regular exercise can be efficient at depression treatment because it not only boosts endorphins, serotonin, and other feel-good chemicals but also triggers the development of new brain connections and cells like antidepressants.

The best part is that you don’t have to endure vigorous training to reap the benefits. Even taking a half-hour walk daily can make a huge difference. For maximum outcomes, aim for 30-60 minutes of aerobic activity on your preferred days.

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Sleep

Sleep has a major impact on mood, so when you don’t obtain sufficient sleep, your symptoms will worsen. Beware that sleep deprivation worsens irritability, sadness, fatigue, and moodiness. For this reason, you should obtain sufficient sleep every night.

Depression is a real disorder and help is accessible even for serious cases. With the proper treatment and diagnosis, most persons will overcome the disorder. If you suspect you might be suffering from depression, consult a physician and don’t lose hope.

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Nutrition

Healthy eating is vital for your mental and physical health. Consider eating small and well-balanced meals during the day to maintain a high energy and decrease mood swings. While you might find sugary foods appealing because of the rapid boost they offer, complex carbohydrates are a better option.