What is the Most Effective Depression Treatment?
The best treatment for depression differs from person to person. Consult your physician about the best treatment for you.
It is possible to test several antidepressants until you find one that you like. You might also have to combine antidepressants with psychotherapy or a medication that is used to treat a physical or mental illness, such as an antipsychotic mood stabilizer, anti-anxiety medication or thyroid hormone.
Medication
For people with mild to moderate depression, medication can be an effective depression treatment. Antidepressants alter the levels of certain brain chemicals that are involved in mood. They can also help reduce the frequency of depression-related episodes. 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 suggest starting with an selective Serotonin-Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI), such as fluoxetine, escitalopram and citalopram paroxetine, sertraline Zoloft, or vilazodone. These medications have been proven to be more efficient than placebo in a variety of clinical studies. These drugs can have serious side effects. It's important to consult your physician prior to starting or stopping one of these medicines.
You may have to try several different antidepressants before you find one that works for you. You might also need to combine antidepressants with psychotherapy or other treatments. Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) might be an option for some people suffering from severe depression or a life-threatening illness. This treatment uses electrical impulses to trigger controlled seizures in the brain. It is able to quickly relieve depression and is especially effective for people who haven't responded to other treatments.
The results of a recent study suggest a particular form of ECT known as high-frequency ECT could be just as effective or even better than standard ECT in treating refractory depression disorders. Researchers compared HFECT with standard ECT on 23 patients who had an history of treatment-resistant depression. All patients had tried other treatments for depression such as psychotherapy and physical exercise. The researchers found that HFECT had a significant effect on the symptoms of depression, and also caused fewer side effects than ECT.
Light therapy is a different treatment option for seasonal affective disorder. This is done by sitting in a bright spot every morning for around 30 minutes. You can make use of a light box or lamp at your home. You can also get light therapy through some health insurance plans, employee assistance programs and churches. Exercise, healthy eating and enough sleep are recommended. Additionally, it's essential to stay clear of alcohol and recreational drugs because they can worsen depression and make it harder to respond to treatment.
depression treatment for adults can zap your energy, making it hard to handle the demands of everyday life. The good news is that if you get help, your chances of recovery are high. A combination of psychotherapy by a professional and medication can help depressed individuals.
Therapists are trained to listen without judgment you and assist you to examine your feelings and issues in a safe and supportive environment. They can also help you improve your coping skills and your self-awareness. This can help you improve your mental health.
There are a variety of types of psychotherapy available for people suffering from depression. Cognitive therapy is a type that helps you identify negative thinking patterns and develop healthy strategies for dealing with difficult emotions. Behavioral therapy can change bad habits of behavior by helping you build effective problem-solving abilities, manage stress and improve interpersonal relationships. Other treatments, such as acceptance-commitment and dialectical behavior therapy are commonly utilized to address the underlying issues that cause depression, such as self-injury or chronic suicidal thinking.
Psychotherapy can be a useful option for people suffering from recurring depression who have not responded to medication or who are not able to take antidepressants due to health reasons or allergies. In certain cases a psychiatrist might recommend an alternative or complementary therapy for depression such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) which utilizes a treatment coil that is positioned against the scalp to send short magnetic pulses that affect the functioning and effects of neurotransmitters in the brain.
In addition to helping people find confidence and enjoyment in their lives psychotherapy can also help family members or friends experiencing the effects of depression on their loved family members. Family or marital therapy is often recommended for those who live with someone who is suffering from depression. It can help reduce tension and stress between family members and give them tools to support their loved ones in a healthy manner. In addition, a trained therapist can guide them on how to assist their loved ones overcome depression.
Exercise
Exercise is a safe and affordable supplement to other treatments for anxiety and depression. It increases energy, reduces stress, and enhances the flexibility and balance. It can also aid in the quality of sleep and boost self-esteem. It's important to check with your GP before beginning any new exercise or ramping up your workout.
In large-scale studies, both men and women who are active have depression at a lesser rate than those who sit. It's a bit more difficult to determine whether exercise can treat existing depression. It is important to research it like you would any other drug. Randomly assigning people suffering from depression to exercise or a control group, and then tracking their improvement.
The largest study of physical exercise as a treatment for depression so far suggests that it is effective at least as effectively as standard medication and psychotherapy. The study gathered data from 41 studies that included 265 participants. It found that almost any kind of exercise can help reduce depression symptoms, but certain types of exercise are more effective than others. The most efficient exercises included jogging or walking, yoga and strength training. The benefits grew as the intensity of the exercise increased, indicating that even mild exercise can be beneficial.
Researchers believe there are many reasons why exercise can help relieve depression. Exercise can increase the flow of blood and oxygen into the brain. Another reason is that it boosts certain chemicals, such as serotonin and dopamine. Other factors may include the social support that comes from exercise in a group, and the psychological motivation to continue working out.
When people are depressed they tend to stop or decrease their activities. Doctors suggest that you attempt to get back to the activities as soon as you can. Practicing them can help you regain satisfaction and pleasure which is essential to beating depression. And doing things that you enjoy can give your life an identity and purpose.
If you're unsure of what to do, you can consider the local gym or group fitness class. Consult your physician for advice if you have a handicap or injury. Black Dog Institute offers interactive guides and resources on exercise and depression. Beyond Blue also has an outline of how to plan your activities.
Alternative or complementary therapies
Mental health problems are addressed with a variety of alternative or 'natural therapies'. These include herbal treatments and massage. These treatments haven't been scientifically validated, and they may cause side negative effects. These treatments may also interact with other medicines. It is recommended to only use these treatments under the supervision of a therapist or doctor.
There is not much research about the effectiveness of these therapies and they are not recommended by Cancer Council. Some have been promoted as "cancer cures", but they are not tested and may cause distress or harm to some people, particularly when they attempt to replace medical treatment.
The most effective treatment for depression typically includes psychotherapy and medication. Psychotherapy is a term used for discussing your concerns with a trained professional such as psychologist or psychiatrist. Certain types of psychological therapy are more specific to depression than others, but all will aid you in understanding your condition and learn new ways to manage your depression. These include:
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) aims to change pessimistic evaluations and unhelpful thinking patterns that cause depression to worsen. Interpersonal psychotherapy focuses on the relationships you have in your life and how you interact with them. Couples and family therapy can help you improve communication in your relationships.
There are many different types of therapy, including computer programs and sessions online. They're usually cheaper than face-toface sessions and may be beneficial for some people. However, not all are suitable for everyone, and some are not covered by your insurance. Ask your therapist if they have experience with these types of programs and ask them to recommend a program that is suitable for you.
During your conversation with your doctor during your visit, they will review all the medications you take in addition to herbal supplements and over-the-counter medicines to determine how they affect your depression. They will also determine if you suffer from any physical conditions that may be related to depression, such as chronic pain or thyroid disease. They will also look to determine whether there is a mental disorder that may be contributing to your depression, such as bipolar disorder or personality disorders.