10 Things Your Competitors Inform You About Effective Depression Treatment
What is the Most Effective Depression Treatment?
The best treatment for depression varies from one person to another. Speak to your doctor about what may work for you.
You may need to test several antidepressants before you find one that is effective. You may also need to combine antidepressants with psychotherapy or a medication used to treat another physical or mental disorder, such as an antipsychotic, mood stabilizer, anti-anxiety medication or thyroid hormone.
Medication
Medication is an effective treatment for moderate to mild depression. Antidepressants work by changing the levels of certain brain chemicals that are involved in mood. They can also reduce the frequency of symptoms of depression. However, it's important to take these medicines as recommended by your doctor. They won't work if you don't.
In general, doctors recommend beginning 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 shown to be more effective that placebo. These drugs could cause serious side effects. It is essential to consult your doctor before starting or stopping any of these medications.
You may have to test several different antidepressants before you discover one that is suitable for you. You may also need to combine antidepressants and psychotherapy or other treatment. For some people with severe or life-threatening forms of depression electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a viable option. This treatment uses electrical impulses to trigger controlled seizures in the brain. It can quickly alleviate depression and is especially efficient for those who haven't had success with other treatments.
The findings of a recent study suggest that a type of ECT called high-frequency ECT (HFECT) might be as effective or better than conventional ECT in treating refractory depression. Researchers compared HFECT to standard ECT on 23 patients who had an history of treatment-resistant depression. They had tried a variety of other treatment options for depression like psychotherapy and exercise. The researchers found that HFECT significantly improved the symptoms of depression and produced fewer side effects than ECT.
Light therapy is a different option for treating seasonal affective disorder. This is when you sit in a bright light each day for 30 minutes. You can use the light box or lamp at home. You can also get light therapy through some health insurance plans or employee assistance programs as well as churches. Exercise, healthy eating and enough sleep are suggested. It is also essential to stay away from alcohol and recreational drugs, as they can worsen depression.
Psychotherapy
Depression can sap your energy and make it difficult to carry out the everyday tasks. The good news is, If you seek help, your chances of recovery are high. A combination of psychotherapy provided by a professional and medications can offer relief to those suffering from depression.
In therapy, therapists listen without judgement to help you explore your emotions and concerns in a safe, supportive setting. They can also assist you to build coping skills and increase your self-awareness. This can help you improve your mental health.
There are many different types of psychotherapy that are available for depression. Cognitive therapy is one kind that helps you recognize negative patterns of thinking and develop healthy strategies for dealing with difficult emotions. Behavioral therapy can change unhealthy patterns of behavior by helping you develop efficient problem-solving skills, manage stress and improve interpersonal relationships. Other treatments like acceptance-commitment therapy and dialectical behaviour therapy are often used to treat the underlying issues which contribute to depression such as self-injury and the recurring suicidal thought.
Psychotherapy is a beneficial option for people suffering from recurring depression who have not been able to respond to medications or are not able to take antidepressants due to health reasons or allergies. In certain instances doctors might recommend an alternative or complementary therapy for depression. This may include transcranial magnet stimulation (TMS), a technique which uses a coil on the scalp to transmit magnetic pulses that affect the function of neurotransmitters.
Psychotherapy can help family members and friends who are suffering from depression to cope with it. Therapy for marital or family members is sometimes recommended for those who live with a loved one who is struggling with depression. It can ease stress and tension among family members and provide them with tools to support their loved ones in a healthy manner. In addition, a trained therapist can guide them on how to help their loved one overcome depression.
Exercise
Exercise is a safe and affordable supplement to other treatments for anxiety and depression. It alters the levels of chemicals in the brain and improves flexibility and balance, increases energy and reduces stress. It can also aid in sleeping and increase self-esteem. It's important to check with your GP before beginning anything new or stepping up your workout.
In large-scale epidemiological research, active men and women develop depression at much lower rates than people who are sedentary. However, it's more difficult to determine whether exercise can treat existing depression. You must examine it as you would any other medication and randomly assigning people suffering from depression to exercise or a group that is a control and meticulously recording the outcomes.
The largest study on physical activity as a treatment option for depression to date suggests it works at least as effectively as standard drugs and psychotherapy. The study pooled data from 41 studies involving 265 people. The study found that almost all kinds of exercise can help reduce depression symptoms. However, some are more efficient than others. The most effective exercises included jogging or walking yoga, strength training and yoga. The benefits grew with intensity, indicating that even moderate exercise is better than nothing.
Researchers believe there are many reasons why exercise relieves depression. Exercise increases the flow of blood and oxygen to the brain. It also boosts certain chemicals like dopamine and seratonin. Other factors could be the social support that comes from exercise in a group, and the psychological motivation that motivates you to keep doing the exercise.
When people are depressed, they tend to stop or decrease their activities. Doctors suggest that you return to your activities as soon as you are able to. They can help you regain pleasure and enjoyment. This is essential to beating depression. Being involved in activities you enjoy can give your life meaning and meaning.
If you are unsure what to do, you can consider an exercise facility near you or a group fitness class. If you suffer from an injury or physical impairment consult your physician regarding the best exercises. For more information and interactive resources, Black Dog Institute has a guide for depression and exercise as well as Beyond Blue offers a template to help you plan your exercise.
Alternative or complementary therapy
Mental health issues can be treated with many alternative or "natural" therapies. These include herbal treatments and massage. These treatments have not been scientifically tested, and they can cause adverse side negative effects. They may also interfere with other medications, so people should only take them under the supervision of their doctor or therapist.
Cancer Council does not recommend these therapies because there is little research done on their effectiveness. Some have been promoted as "cancer remedies" however, they aren't proven. They can cause discomfort or harm to certain individuals, particularly if trying to replace medical treatments.
The most effective treatment for depression usually includes both medication and psychotherapy. Psychotherapy is a term used for talking about your concerns with a trained professional, such as psychologist or psychiatrist. Some psychotherapy treatments are more suited for depression than others. But, they all aid in understanding your condition and find new ways to cope. These include:
CBT is designed to alter negative thinking patterns and negative evaluations that can make depression worse. Psychotherapy for interpersonal relationships 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.
A variety of different forms of therapy are available in the form of computer programs and online sessions. These are often less expensive than face-to-face sessions and could be beneficial for some people. They aren't suitable for all, and a few aren't covered by insurance. Ask depression treatment for teenagers if they have experience with these kinds of programs and ask them to recommend one that might be suitable for you.
When you have a conversation with your health care provider, your doctor will go over the medications you take, including herbal supplements and over-the-counter medicines to determine if they affect your depression. They will also look at your physical health to determine whether you have any health issues that are sometimes associated with depression. For example thyroid disease, chronic back pain. They will also determine if another mental health issue such as bipolar disorder or personality disorders could be a cause of your depression.