What is the Most Effective Depression Treatment?
The best treatment for depression differs from person to. Talk to your health care professional about the best treatment options for you.
It is possible to test various antidepressants until you find one that is effective. It is possible to combine antidepressants and psychotherapy, or with a medication that treats another mental or physical condition, such as an anxiety medication, a mood stabilizer or thyroid hormone.
Medication
For people suffering from mild to moderate depression, medication is usually an effective treatment for
recurrent depression treatment. Antidepressants alter the levels of certain brain chemicals involved in mood. They also help reduce the frequency of depression symptoms. It's important that you take these medications exactly as prescribed by your physician. They won't be effective if you don't.
In general, doctors recommend beginning with a selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) such as citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro) or 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 medications can cause serious side effects. It is essential to consult your doctor before starting or stopping one of these medicines.
You might have to test various antidepressants until you discover the one that is most effective for you. You might also need to combine antidepressants with psychotherapy or other treatments. For some people with severe or life-threatening forms of depression, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an option. This procedure uses electric impulses to trigger controlled seizures in the brain. It is effective in treating depression fast and is recommended for patients who have not been able to respond to other treatments.
The results of a recent study suggest that a particular form of ECT known as high-frequency ECT may be as effective or better than standard ECT at treating refractory depressive disorders. Researchers compared HFECT to standard ECT on 23 patients with an history of treatment-resistant depression. They had tried a variety of other treatments for depression such as psychotherapy and exercise. The study found that HFECT had a significant effect on the symptoms of depression treatment medications (
simply click the next website) and caused fewer side effects than ECT.
Other options for treatment include light therapy that is used to treat seasonal affective disorder (SAD). This is done by sitting in a bright, bright light every day for about 30 minutes. You can make use of lamps or a light box at home. Some health insurance plans, employee Assistance Programs and churches offer light therapy. Healthy eating, exercise and adequate sleep are recommended. It is also important to avoid drinking and taking recreational drugs as they can exacerbate depression and make it harder to receive
treatment for depression and anxiety.
Psychotherapy
Depression can drain your energy, making it difficult to take care of the tasks of daily living. However, the positive side is that if you seek treatment, your chances of recovering are very high. Depression sufferers are able to find relief using the combination of therapy by a professional and medication.
In therapy, therapists listen without judgement and assist you in examining your feelings and issues in a supportive atmosphere. They can also help you develop coping skills and increase your self-awareness, which can help you improve your mental health.
There are a variety of types of psychotherapy for depression, including cognitive therapy which helps you recognize thoughts that are negative or untrue and develop healthy strategies to manage difficult emotions. Behavioral therapy helps you improve your interpersonal relationships, discover how to manage stress, and also develop ability to solve problems. Other treatments, such as the dialectical behavior therapy or acceptance and commitment therapy are frequently used to address the underlying issues that can cause depression, like self-injury behavior and persistent suicidal thoughts.
Psychotherapy can also be a beneficial option for those suffering from persistent depression that has not responded to medication or for those who cannot use antidepressants because of allergies or health issues. In certain cases, a psychiatrist may recommend alternative or complementary therapies for depression such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (
tms treatment for depression) which utilizes a treatment coil placed against the scalp to transmit short magnetic pulses that affect the functioning and effects of neurotransmitters in the brain.
Psychotherapy can help family members and friends struggling with depression to cope with it. Couples or families that are living with someone who is suffering from depression may be recommended to undergo family therapy. It can ease tension and stress among family members, and give them tools to help their loved ones in a healthy manner. Additionally, a trained therapist can teach them ways to help their loved one overcome depression.
Exercise
Exercise is a secure and inexpensive supplement to other treatments for depression and anxiety. It alters the levels of brain chemicals, improves balance and flexibility boosts energy and decreases stress. It can also improve your sleep and boost self-esteem. Before starting a new exercise regimen or increasing the intensity, it's essential to consult your physician.
In large-scale epidemiological studies active men and women develop depression at much lower rates than sedentary people. It's difficult to determine whether exercise can help treat depression that already exists. You must look into it just like any other medicine by randomly assigning patients with depression to either exercise or a control group, and scrupulously recording the results.
The largest study of physical activity as a treatment for depression so far suggests that it is effective at least as effectively as standard drugs and psychotherapy. The study pooled data from 41 trials involving 265 people. The study concluded that nearly all kinds of exercise can help reduce depression symptoms. However, some are more effective than others. The most effective exercises were jogging or walking as well as yoga and strength training. And the benefits increased with intensity, indicating that even mild exercise is better than none at all.
Researchers suspect there are several reasons why exercising can relieve depression. Exercise increases blood flow and oxygen in the brain. Another is that it increases certain chemicals, such as serotonin and dopamine. Other factors include the social connection that is a result of group exercise, and the psychological motivation to keep working out.
People often reduce or stop their activities when depressed, however, doctors suggest trying to resume those things as soon as is possible. Doing them regularly can help you regain pleasure and enjoyment which is essential to beating depression. Engaging in activities you love can give your life meaning and purpose.
If you're unsure of what to do, you can try a local gym or a group fitness class. If you have an injury or physical impairment, talk to your doctor regarding the best exercise options. For more information and interactive resources, Black Dog Institute has a guide to exercise and depression, and Beyond Blue offers a template to help you plan your activities.
alternative treatments for depression or complementary therapy
Mental health issues are addressed with a variety of alternative or "natural" therapies. These include herbal treatments, massage and acupuncture. These treatments aren't research-based and could cause negative side consequences. These treatments may also interact with other medications. It is recommended to only use these treatments with the approval of a doctor or therapist.
There is not much research about the efficacy of these treatments and they are not recommended by the Cancer Council. Some have been promoted as "cancer remedies" but they're not established. They can cause distress or harm to some people, particularly if they attempt to replace medical treatments.
The most effective treatment for depression usually includes both medication and psychotherapy. Psychotherapy is the term used to describe talking about your feelings and thoughts with a trained professional such as psychiatrist or psychologist. Some psychological treatments are more specific for depression than others. However, they all help you to understand your condition and discover new ways to cope. These include:
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) aims to change negative perceptions and thinking patterns that can cause depression to become worse. Interpersonal psychotherapy focuses on the relationships you have in your life and how you interact with them. Family therapy and couples therapy can improve communication within your relationships.
There are many different types of therapy, including computer programs and sessions online. They are usually less expensive than face-to-face sessions and could be beneficial for certain people. However, not all of them are suitable for everyone, and some are not covered by your insurance. Ask your therapist about their experiences with these programs and determine if one is right for you.
During a conversation with you health care provider, your doctor will review the medicines you take, such as
herbal depression treatments supplements and over-the-counter medicines, to see how they impact your depression. They will also check whether you have any physical health conditions that can sometimes be linked to depression, such as chronic pain or thyroid disease. They will also check if there is another mental illness that could be the cause of your depression, like bipolar disorder or personality disorders.
