Depression Treatment Methods

Patients suffering from depression can avail a range of treatment options. These include psychotherapy, alternative treatments and medication.

(Image: https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/human-givens-institute-logo.png)Cognitive behavioral therapy is a kind of psychotherapy that assists people recognize and correct their distorted thinking patterns. Other options include acceptance and commitment therapy as well as dialectical behavioral therapy both of which are designed for people who have depression that is that is resistant to treatment.

Medication

Medications are the most important treatment for depression treatment medications and the first treatment that is tried by the majority of people. They are especially effective in instances of severe or moderate depression, or when there is a higher risk of suicide. The medication can ease symptoms quickly and prevent the relapse of depression.

Different types of antidepressant medication have been shown to treat depression. The most common antidepressant is fluoxetine (Prozac). It is taken orally in tablet form and has been around a long time. Sertraline (Zoloft), citalopram, and other newer drugs could be more effective and have less side effects.

For severe depression, talk therapy is often combined with medication. Psychotherapy aims to help you understand the causes of depression and help you learn how to deal with it. You can do it alone with an expert or in a group setting with other patients. Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), and interpersonal therapy are two kinds of therapy that have been proven effective.

Other treatments for depression include light therapy, exercise and meditation. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is treated using an artificial light box that mimics bright sunlight. It's also used to treat chronic depression in bipolar disorder sufferers.

(Image: https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/top-doctors-logo.png)To enhance the effects of the medication, your doctor may prescribe a drug treatment for depression to treat another physical or Mental depression treatment condition in combination with an antidepressant. This is known as augmentation. It could include the use of mood stabilizers, antianxiety or antipsychotic medication or it could involve thyroid hormone.

If your depression isn't severe, your GP may suggest taking a few days off to see if symptoms improve on their own. This is known as ”watchful waiting”. However, it's crucial to stay in contact with your GP and have regular appointments to examine your improvement.

Certain people suffering from depression might benefit from other therapies such as reflexology or energy healing which involves applying pressure to specific points on the body. Some patients find relief through meditation or yoga. Others find comfort through chanting or prayer. If you are suffering from depression that is severe or thoughts of self-harm, it is essential to seek help as soon as you can.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy, also referred to as talk therapy, can help people understand why they are depressed and discover new ways to cope with their symptoms. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with medication. It is essential to begin treatment immediately after you start to feel symptoms, and be on top of your appointments.

There are many kinds of psychotherapy, and each is suited to specific situations or clinical circumstances. Group therapy is a mix of two or more people and you, whereas family therapy is a way to teach your loved ones how to support you. Therapists who specialize in particular areas like relationship or childhood trauma. They are able to offer special treatment.

Certain types of psychotherapy include behavioral therapy, cognitive therapy, and interpersonal psychotherapy. Behavioral therapy teaches you how to manage depression and can help you change your behaviour patterns that aren't helping. Cognitive therapy is primarily focused on changing pessimistic thoughts and negative assessments that can lead to depression treatment diet. Psychotherapy for interpersonal relationships is a short-term treatment that is designed to help improve the relationships which are closely linked to depression.

It could take some time and effort to determine the best treatment for you, but the outcomes will be worth it. It's also crucial to have a supportive system that will help you stick to your treatment. Talk to trusted family or friends, join depression support group or go through reliable self-help books and websites.

If you suffer from a serious medical condition such as an illness or injury, it is essential to have a doctor look over you to determine if there's an actual cause for your depression. If there is, that issue must be treated before you can begin therapy. Combining medication with psychotherapy is the most effective method to treat depression. Keep in mind that all types of treatment for depression can take time, and you will be able to experience a variety of ups and downs while you work through the process. If you stay with your plan, you'll be in a position to beat depression.

Light therapy

Sitting in front of a light box or special lamp that emits bright sunlight is known as light therapy. It's a well-known treatment for people with seasonal affective disorder (SAD). It works by mimicking natural daylight and can improve energy levels and mood. Light therapy has also been shown to alleviate sleep issues, which are often linked to depression. It is believed that light therapy works by changing the rhythm of the circadian cycle and increasing serotonin in the brain. It's possible that light therapy can have a positive effect on other hormones, for instance the hormone melatonin that is released when you sleep.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence recommends that SAD is treated in the same way as other forms of depression. This includes talking therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as antidepressants and light therapy. It is most effective to begin at the beginning of winter, before symptoms appear, and continue until spring.

Recent research into the use of light therapy in the treatment of SAD discovered that the majority of patients who received the treatment achieved remission based on strict criteria. This included a decrease in symptoms based on an established scale, the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale - SAD version. The study also revealed that the treatment was safe and well-tolerated.

It's important to remember that although light therapy has been proven to be a highly effective treatment for SAD, it can't be relied on as a whole. It's still necessary to see a doctor and follow their advice. It's also essential to stay active, eat a balanced diet and get enough sleep, and to try to reduce stress.

Antidepressants are also effective for treating SAD. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most frequently prescribed form of antidepressant used to treat SAD and can boost your mood within several weeks. Some side effects include dry mouth, diarrhoea or nausea, as well as constipation. However these symptoms typically subside quickly.

Certain people may feel that light therapy doesn't improve their symptoms or they suffer from unpleasant side effects such as eye strain, headache, agitation or skin irritation. These can usually be reduced by adjusting the duration of treatment, the time of day or the product employed.

Alternative or complementary therapies

The use of prescription medications is a common treatment option for depression but it's not the best choice for all. If a medication doesn't work or has unacceptably adverse side-effects, it's possible to consider alternative or complementary therapies. These are therapies that focus on your physical or spiritual well-being and can ease the symptoms of depression, like anxiety and pain.

Acupuncture: This involves placing needles in different points of your body, such as the hands, ear canals, or feet. It can be beneficial for many symptoms like anxiety, insomnia and depression. It has been proven to be as effective as antidepressants but doesn't have the same side effects.

Meditation mindfulness: This kind of practice is about learning to be aware of your thoughts, feelings and actions without judgement. It helps you to feel more in control of your emotions. You can practice it on your own or work with a qualified therapist.

Yoga: This kind of exercise can help reduce stress and depression. It also improves breathing and creates an overall feeling of wellbeing.

Massage The touch of a hand can be relaxing and deep-tissue massages are a great way to aid in relieving muscle tightness, anxiety and depression. Aromatherapy: Inhaling the fragrance of certain essential oils can help ease depression.

Energy healing: This includes techniques such as reiki, yoga and tai-chi. These techniques are based on a belief that illness is by blockages in energy.

Exercise: Walking, swimming or any type of movement has been proven to treat depression. Recent research has found that 150 minutes a week of moderate exercise helped reduce symptoms of depression.

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR): This is a relatively new treatment that relies on repeated exposure to a stressful memory to help the brain process it. It has been demonstrated to be highly effective for PTSD however it requires more research to determine its effectiveness for depression.

The Royal College of Psychiatrists has looked at the evidence regarding a number of CAM treatments for depression, including bright light therapy and acupuncture. The reviews were brief, and some had limitations like a small number of trials and small sample sizes. The Royal College of Psychiatrists does not recommend any CAM treatment for depression.