What is the Most Effective Depression Treatment?
The best treatment for depression differs from person to person. Speak to your doctor about the best treatment for you.
It is possible to test several antidepressants until you find the one that is effective for you. You might need to mix antidepressants and psychotherapy, or with a medication that addresses another physical or mental condition, such as an anxiety medication, a mood stabilizer or thyroid hormone.
Medication
Medication is a successful treatment for mild to moderate depression. Antidepressants work by changing the levels of certain brain chemicals involved in mood. They also can help reduce the frequency of depressive episodes. But, it's crucial to take these medications according to the dosage prescribed by your doctor. If you don't, they won't be effective.
In general, doctors recommend beginning with a serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) like citalopram (Celexa), the escitalopram (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac) or paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva), sertraline (Zoloft) or vilazodone (Viibryd). In numerous clinical trials these drugs were shown to be more effective that placebo. They can cause serious adverse effects, so it's crucial to talk with your physician before you stop or begin taking one of these medications.
You may have to try several antidepressants before find one that works for you. You may also have to combine antidepressants with psychotherapy or other treatments. Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) might be a viable option for people suffering from a severe form of depression or a life-threatening condition. This procedure uses electrical impulses to cause controlled seizures in the brain. It is effective in treating depression fast and is best for those who have not been able to respond to other treatments.
The findings of a new study suggest that a specific type of ECT called high-frequency ECT (HFECT) may be as effective or better than conventional ECT in treating depression that is refractory. Researchers compared HFECT to standard ECT on 23 patients who had an history of treatment resistant depression. They had tried a variety of other
biological treatment for depression options for depression such as therapy and exercise. The study found that HFECT had a significant effect on the symptoms of depression and produced less adverse effects than ECT.
Light therapy is a different option for treating seasonal affective disorder. This involves sitting in a bright, bright light every day for about 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 as well as employee assistance programs and churches. Exercise, healthy eating and adequate sleep are all suggested. It's also important to avoid alcohol and recreational drugs as they can cause depression.
Psychotherapy
Depression can drain your energy levels, making it hard to manage the tasks of daily living. The good news is that if you get assistance, your chances of a successful recovery are high. Depressed people are able to find relief using a combination of therapy with a professional and medication.
Therapists in therapy listen without judgment to help you explore your feelings and challenges in a safe, supportive setting. They can also assist you to improve your coping skills and your self-awareness, which can promote mental well-being.
There are many different kinds of psychotherapy for depression including cognitive therapy that helps you recognize negative or distorted thinking patterns and learn healthy ways to cope with difficult emotions. Behavioral therapy helps you improve your interpersonal relationships, discover how to manage stress and improve your ability to solve problems. Other treatments like dialectical behaviour therapy and acceptance-commitment therapy are commonly utilized to address the underlying issues that cause depression such as self-injury and the recurring suicidal thought.
Psychotherapy can be a useful tool for those suffering from chronic depression who have not had a response to medication or are not able to take antidepressants due to health reasons or allergies. In some cases, a psychiatrist may recommend an alternative or complementary treatment for depression like transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), which uses a treatment coil that is placed on the scalp to send short magnetic pulses that affect the functions and effects of neurotransmitters in the brain.
Psychotherapy can assist family members and friends suffering from depression to cope with it. Families or couples who are living with someone who is depressed might be advised to go through family therapy. It can reduce stress and tension between family members and equip them with tools to support their loved one in a healthy manner. A qualified therapist is able to teach them how to help their loved family members overcome depression.
Exercise
Exercise is a secure and inexpensive alternative to other treatments for depression and anxiety. It increases energy, reduces stress, and improves flexibility and balance. It can also improve sleep and boost your self-esteem. Before beginning a new exercise routine or increasing your intensity, it's essential to consult your doctor.
In large-scale studies, both men and women who exercise develop depression at a much lower rate than those who sit. It's more difficult to determine whether exercise can help treat
depression treatment centre that already exists. It is important to research it just like any other medicine. Randomly assigning people suffering from depression to exercise or the control group, and then observing their development.
The largest study of physical exercise as a treatment for depression to date suggests that it works at a minimum as effectively as standard drugs and psychotherapy. The study gathered data from 41 trials involving 265 participants. It found that nearly every kind of exercise can decrease depression symptoms, though certain forms of exercise are more effective than others. The most efficient exercises included jogging or walking, yoga and strength training. And the benefits increased with intensity, suggesting that even mild exercise is better than no exercise at all.
Researchers believe there are a variety of reasons
why is cbt used in the treatment of depression exercise can help relieve depression. Exercise can increase the flow of blood and oxygen to the brain. Another reason is that it enhances certain chemicals, like dopamine and serotonin. Other factors include the social benefits of exercises in groups and the psychological motivation that motivates people to exercise.
People often cut back or restrict their activities when depressed, however, doctors suggest returning to those activities as soon as is possible. Practicing them can help you regain joy and pleasure which is crucial to beating depression. Being involved in activities that you enjoy can give life meaning and purpose.
If you're unsure where to begin, check out 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 for exercise and depression, and Beyond Blue offers a template to help you plan your activities.
Alternative or complementary therapies
Mental health issues can be treated using a variety of alternative or "natural" therapies. They can include herbal remedies such as massage and acupuncture. These treatments have not been scientifically validated, and they can cause adverse side negative effects. They can also interfere with other medications, and people should only take them under the supervision of their physician or therapist.
Cancer Council does not recommend these treatments because there is little research done on their effectiveness. Some have been promoted as 'cancer remedies', but they're not established. They could cause distress or harm to some people, especially if trying to replace medical treatments.
The
most effective treatment for depression generally includes both psychotherapy and medication. Psychotherapy is a term used for discussing your experiences with a trained professional such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. Some psychotherapy treatments are more suited for depression than others. However, they all help you to understand the condition and come up with new ways to deal with it. These include:
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) aims to change negative evaluations and thought patterns that can cause depression to become worse. Interpersonal psychotherapy is a form of psychotherapy that is focused on your relationships and
how to treat depression and anxiety without medication you interact. Couples and family therapy can help improve communication in your relationships.
There are many different types of therapy, such as computer programs and sessions online. These sessions are generally cheaper than in-person sessions and may be beneficial for some people. Some are not suitable for everyone, and some aren't covered by insurance. Ask your therapist about their experience with these programs and whether one might be right for you.
When you speak to your doctor, he or she will go over all the medications 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 assess if you have any physical health conditions that may be related to depression, such as thyroid disease or chronic pain. They will also look to determine if there is another mental illness that could be causing depression, such as bipolar disorder or personality disorders.
