Why People Don't Care About Effective Depression Treatment
What is the Most Effective Depression Treatment?
The best treatment for depression differs from person to person. Consult your physician about what might work for you.
effective depression treatment might need to try several antidepressants before you find one that is effective. It is possible to combine psychotherapy and antidepressants, or with a medication that treats another physical or mental condition like an anxiety medication, a mood stabilizer or thyroid hormone.
Medication
Medication is a successful treatment for mild to moderate depression. Antidepressants affect the levels of certain brain chemicals involved in mood. They can also reduce the frequency of depressive symptoms. But, it's crucial to take these medicines as prescribed by your doctor. If you don't, they won't be effective.
In general, doctors suggest starting with a selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) like citalopram (Celexa), 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 than placebo. These medications can cause serious adverse effects. It is important to talk with your doctor prior to taking or stopping any of these drugs.
You might need to test various antidepressants until you discover the one that is most effective for you. It is also possible to combine antidepressants with psychotherapy or other treatments. Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) may be a viable option for patients suffering from an extreme form of depression or a life-threatening illness. This treatment uses electrical impulses that cause controlled seizures in the brain. It can quickly alleviate depression and is particularly efficient for those who haven't responded to other treatments.
The results of a recent study suggest that a type of ECT called high-frequency ECT could be as effective or more effective than conventional ECT in treating refractory depression disorders. The researchers compared HFECT with standard ECT in 23 patients with who had a history of depression that was resistant to treatment. All patients had tried other treatments for depression like psychotherapy or physical 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 front of the bright light for approximately 30 minutes every day. You can opt for lamps or a light box at your home. Certain health insurance plans, employee Assistance Programs and churches offer light therapy. Healthy eating, exercise and enough sleep are suggested. It is also essential to stay away from alcohol and recreational drugs as they can cause depression.
Psychotherapy
Depression can zap your energy levels, making it difficult to manage the demands of everyday life. The good news is, if you get assistance, your chances of recovering are very high. Depression sufferers are able to find relief using the combination of therapy by a professional and medication.
Therapists are trained to listen without judgment you, and help you discover your struggles and emotions in an atmosphere of support. They also teach you coping skills and encourage self-awareness, which can help improve your 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 discover healthy ways to cope with difficult emotions. Behavioral therapy can help you improve your interpersonal relationships, learn how to manage stress and improve your problem-solving abilities. Other therapies, such as dialectical behavior therapy, as well as acceptance and commitment therapy are often used to address the underlying issues that contribute to 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 medications or for those who cannot take antidepressants due to allergies or health reasons. In certain instances, a psychiatrist may recommend an alternative or complementary therapy for depression, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) which makes use of a treatment coil that is positioned against the scalp to send short magnetic pulses that alter the functioning and effects of neurotransmitters in the brain.
In addition to helping people regain the sense of control and joy in their lives Psychotherapy can also assist family members or friends struggling with the effects of depression on their loved family members. Therapy for marital or family members is often recommended for those who live with someone who is struggling with depression. It can help reduce tension and stress between family members and give them ways to support their loved ones in a healthy manner. A qualified therapist is able to assist them in helping their loved ones overcome depression.
Exercise
Exercise is a safe and inexpensive addition to other treatments for depression and anxiety. It improves the level of brain chemicals it improves balance and flexibility, increases energy and reduces stress. It can also improve sleep and boost self-esteem. Before beginning a new exercise regimen or increasing the intensity, it's important to consult with your doctor.
In large-scale epidemiological research, active women and men suffer from depression at much lower rates than people who are sedentary. It's difficult to determine whether exercise can help treat depression that already exists. It is important to research it just like any other drug. Randomly assigning patients suffering from depression to exercise or to the control group, and then monitoring their improvement.
The largest study on physical activity as a treatment option for depression so far suggests that it works at least as effectively as standard drugs and psychotherapy. The study combined data from 41 trials involving 265 participants. The study revealed that almost all types of exercise could reduce depression symptoms. However, some are more efficient than others. Jogging or walking is the most effective type of exercise followed by strength and yoga. The benefits grew as the intensity of the exercise increased, which suggests that even mild exercise can be beneficial.
Researchers suspect that there are many reasons why exercise relieves depression. Exercise helps to increase the flow of blood and oxygen into the brain. Another reason is that it enhances certain chemicals, such as serotonin and dopamine. Other factors could be the social support that comes from exercise in a group, and the psychological motivation to continue doing the exercise.
If someone is depressed, they typically stop or limit their activities. Doctors recommend that you return to the activities as soon as you can. Engaging in them can help you regain joy and pleasure, which is important to beating depression. Doing things you enjoy gives your life meaning and meaning.
If you're not sure where to start, try your local gym or a group fitness class. If you have a physical disability or injury, talk to your doctor regarding the best exercise options. Black Dog Institute offers interactive resources and a guide on depression and exercise. Beyond Blue also has an exercise plan template that can be used to plan your activity.
Alternative or complementary therapies
Mental health issues are treated using a variety of alternative therapies or 'natural'. These include herbal remedies and massage. These treatments aren't scientifically tested and can have adverse effects. They may also interfere with other medications, so people should only take them under the supervision of their therapist or doctor.
There is little research on the effectiveness of these treatments and they are not recommended by Cancer Council. Certain therapies have been marketed as 'cancer cures' but they're not tested and may cause discomfort or harm to certain people, especially when they are attempting to replace medical treatment.
The most effective treatment for depression generally includes both medication and psychotherapy. Psychotherapy is the term used to describe talking about your thoughts and feelings with an experienced professional, like a psychiatrist or psychologist. Certain psychotherapy treatments are more suited for depression than others. However, all aid in understanding your condition and find new ways to deal with it. This includes:
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) seeks to alter negative evaluations and thought patterns that make depression worse. Interpersonal psychotherapy focuses on the relationships in your life and how you interact with them. Family and couples therapy can aid in improving communication within your relationships.
There are a variety of therapy, such as computer programs and sessions online. These sessions are usually less expensive than in-person sessions, and could be beneficial for some people. However, not all of them are suitable for everyone and many are not covered by your insurance. Ask your therapist about their experience with these programs and whether one is right for you.
During your conversation with your doctor the doctor will go over all the medications you take, including herbal supplements and prescription medications, to determine how they impact your depression. They will also assess if you suffer from any physical conditions that may be associated with depression, such as thyroid disease or chronic pain. They will also determine if another mental health issue such as bipolar disorder or personality disorders could be the reason behind your depression.