What is the Most Effective Depression Treatment?
The best treatment for depression varies from individual to individual. Talk to your doctor about the best treatment for you.
You may need to try several antidepressants until you find the one that you like. You might need to mix psychotherapy and antidepressants or with a medication that addresses other physical or mental ailments like an anxiety drug, mood stabilizer or thyroid hormone.
Medication
Medication is an effective treatment for mild to moderate depression. Antidepressants alter the levels of certain brain chemicals that are involved in mood. They also aid in reducing the frequency of depression-related episodes. It is essential to adhere to the exact instructions recommended by your physician. If you don't, they won't work.
In general, doctors recommend starting with a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) like citalopram (Celexa) or Escitalopram (Lexapro) or fluoxetine (Prozac) and paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva), sertraline (Zoloft) or vilazodone (Viibryd). In many clinical trials, these drugs were proven to be more effective that placebo. They can have serious side effects, which is why it's crucial to talk with your doctor prior to when you start or stop using one of these drugs.
You may have to try various antidepressants until you discover the one that works for you. It is also possible to combine antidepressants with psychotherapy or other treatments. For some people with severe or life-threatening forms of depression electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a possibility. This treatment uses electrical impulses to trigger controlled seizures in the brain. It is effective in treating depression fast and is recommended for patients who have not responded to other treatments.
The results of a recent study suggest that a particular form of ECT known as high-frequency ECT may be just as effective or even better than conventional ECT in treating refractory depression disorders. Researchers compared HFECT with conventional ECT on 23 patients who had an history of treatment resistant depression. They had tried a variety of other treatments for depression such as therapy and exercise. Researchers discovered that HFECT significantly reduced depression symptoms, and also had less side-effects than ECT.
Light therapy is another treatment option for seasonal affective disorder. This involves sitting in front of the bright light for approximately half an hour each day. You can opt for lamps or a light box at your home. Some health insurance plans, Employee Assistance Programs and churches provide light therapy. Exercise, healthy eating and enough sleep are advised. Additionally, it's essential to stay clear of alcohol and recreational drugs because they can worsen depression and make it difficult to receive treatment.
Psychotherapy
Depression can sap your energy and make it difficult to carry out the tasks of daily life. The good news is that when you seek help, the chances of recovering are very high. A combination of professional psychotherapy and medication can help those suffering from depression.
Therapists are trained to listen without judgment you and assist you to examine your feelings and issues in a safe and supportive environment. They also teach you coping skills and encourage self-awareness that can aid in improving mental health.
There are many different kinds of psychotherapy for depression, including cognitive therapy, which assists you in identifying thoughts that are negative or untrue and develop healthy strategies to manage difficult emotions. Behavioral therapy can help you change unhealthy patterns of behavior by helping you build efficient problem-solving skills, reduce stress and improve interpersonal relationships. Other treatments, such as acceptance-commitment therapy and dialectical behaviour therapy are frequently employed to address the root problems that contribute to depression, including self-injury and chronic suicidal thinking.
Psychotherapy is also a valuable tool for those who suffer from recurring depression that has not responded to medications or for those who cannot use antidepressants because of allergies or health issues. In certain instances doctors might recommend alternative or complementary therapies for depression. This could include transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), a technique which uses a coil on the scalp to transmit magnetic pulses that alter the neurotransmitters' function.
In addition to helping people find confidence and enjoyment in their lives, psychotherapy can assist family members or friends who are experiencing the effects of depression on their loved family members. Couples or families who live with someone who is depressed might be advised to engage in family therapy. It can reduce stress and tension between family members and equip them with tools to support their loved ones in a healthy manner. In addition, a qualified counselor can show them how to assist their loved ones overcome depression.
Exercise
Exercise is a safe and affordable alternative to other treatments for depression and anxiety. It changes levels of brain chemicals it improves balance and flexibility, increases energy and reduces stress. It can also aid in sleeping and increase self-esteem. Before starting a new exercise routine or increasing your intensity, you should consult your physician.
In large-scale epidemiological research, active women and men suffer from depression at a lower rate than those who are sedentary. It's a bit more difficult to determine whether exercise can help treat depression that is already present. You have to look into it just like any other medicine, randomly assigning people with depression to exercise or a control group and scrupulously tracking the results.
The most comprehensive study of physical activity as a depression treatment to date suggests that it works at the very least, as psychotherapy and standard medications. The study combined data from 41 trials involving 265 participants. It found that almost any kind of exercise can help reduce depression symptoms, though certain types of exercise are more effective than others. Walking or jogging was the most effective form of exercise, followed by strength and yoga. The benefits increased as the intensity of the exercise increased, indicating that even mild exercise can be beneficial.
Researchers believe there are many reasons why exercise can relieve depression. One is that it assists with oxygen flow and blood flow to the brain. It also increases certain chemical such as dopamine and serotonin. Other factors could be the social support that comes with group exercise, and the psychological motivation that motivates you to keep working out.
People are often forced to cut back or restrict their activities when they're depressed, but doctors suggest trying to resume those things as soon as is possible. They can help you regain pleasure and enjoyment. This is crucial to beating depression. Being involved in activities that you enjoy gives your life meaning and meaning.
If you're not sure where to start, try your local gym or group fitness class. If you have an injury or physical impairment ask 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
Many alternative or 'natural' therapies are used to treat mental health problems. These may include herbal remedies, massage and acupuncture. These therapies aren't scientifically tested and can have negative side effects. These treatments can also interact with other medicines. People should only use these treatments with the approval of a doctor or therapist.
There isn't much research about the effectiveness of these treatments and they are not recommended by Cancer Council. Some have been promoted as "cancer cures" however they aren't tested and may cause harm or distress to some people, especially when they are attempting to substitute medical treatment.
The most effective depression treatment usually includes medication and psychotherapy. Psychotherapy is a broad term for discussing your concerns with a trained professional like psychologist or psychiatrist. Certain psychotherapy treatments are more suited for depression than others. But, they all aid in understanding the condition and come up with new ways to manage it. This includes:
CBT seeks to change negative thinking patterns and pessimistic evaluations that can make depression worse. Psychotherapy for interpersonal relationships is a kind of psychotherapy that focuses on your relationships and how you interact. Couples and family therapy can help you improve the communication between you and your loved ones.
There are a variety of types of therapy, including computer programs and sessions online. These sessions are generally cheaper than in-person sessions and may be beneficial for certain people. depression treatment breakthroughs for all people, and some aren't covered by insurance. Ask your therapist about their experience with these programs and determine if they think it is suitable for you.
In your meeting with your healthcare provider during your visit, they will go over all the medications you take in addition to herbal supplements and prescription medications, to determine the impact they have on your depression. They will also determine if you have any physical health issues that could be related to depression, like thyroid disease or chronic pain. They will also look into whether another mental health issue such as bipolar disorder or personality disorders could be the reason behind your depression.