The 3 Greatest Moments In Effective Depression Treatment History
What is the Most Effective Depression Treatment?
The best treatment for depression differs from one person to another. Talk to your health care professional about the best first line treatment for depression and anxiety options for you.
You may need to try several antidepressants until you find the one that you like. You might need to mix psychotherapy and antidepressants or with a medication that addresses other physical or mental ailments, such as an anti-anxiety drug, mood stabilizer or thyroid hormone.
Medication
For people suffering from mild to moderate depression, medication can be an effective depression treatment. Antidepressants alter the levels of certain brain chemicals involved in mood. They also decrease the frequency of symptoms of depression. It's important to take these medicines as prescribed by your physician. They won't work if you don't.
Doctors recommend beginning with an selective Serotonin-Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) such as fluoxetine, escitalopram or citalopram, paroxetine, sertraline, Zoloft, or vilazodone. These drugs have been shown to be more effective than placebo in numerous clinical studies. They can cause serious adverse effects, so it's very important to talk with your doctor before you begin or stop taking one of these medications.
You might have to test several antidepressants until you find the one that works for you. It is also possible to combine psychotherapy with antidepressants or other treatment. Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) may be a viable option for people suffering from severe situational depression treatment or a life-threatening condition. This treatment uses electrical impulses that cause controlled seizures in the head. It is efficient in treating depression quickly and is best for those who have not responded to other treatments.
The results of a recent study suggest a form of ECT known as high-frequency ECT may be just as effective or even better than conventional ECT in treating refractory depression disorders. The researchers compared HFECT with conventional ECT in 23 patients who had who had a history of depression that was resistant to treatment. All patients had tried other depression treatments such as psychotherapy and physical exercise. Researchers found that HFECT dramatically reduced depression symptoms and had less side-effects than ECT.
Light therapy is a different treatment option for seasonal affective disorder. This involves sitting in front of a bright light for about 30 minutes every day. A light box or lamp is available for home use. You can also avail light therapy through certain health insurance plans as well as employee assistance programs and churches. Healthy eating, exercise and adequate sleep are advised. It's also important to stay clear of alcohol and recreational drugs, as they can worsen depression.
Psychotherapy
Depression can zap your energy, making it hard to take care of the daily chores. But the positive side is that if you seek help, your chances of recovering are good. Depressed people can get relief with the combination of professional therapy and medication.
Therapists are trained to listen without judgment them, and can help you examine your feelings and issues in a safe and supportive environment. They can also help you improve your coping skills and your self-awareness, which will help you improve your mental health.
There are a variety of types of psychotherapy for depression including cognitive therapy, which helps you recognize negative or distorted thinking patterns and discover healthy ways to deal with difficult emotions. Behavioral therapy can help you improve your interpersonal relationships, and learn how to manage stress and improve your ability to solve problems. Other treatments like acceptance-commitment therapy and dialectical behaviour therapy are frequently used to treat the underlying issues which contribute to depression, including self-injury and the recurring suicidal thought.
Psychotherapy is a beneficial tool for those with recurring depression who have not had a response to medication or are not able to take antidepressants because of health reasons or allergies. In some cases, a psychiatrist may recommend an alternative or complementary treatment for depression like transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) which makes use of a treatment coil that is positioned against the scalp to send brief magnetic pulses that affect the function and effect of neurotransmitters within the brain.
Psychotherapy can help family members and friends who are struggling with depression to deal with the condition. Couples or families who are living with someone who is suffering from depression may be advised to go through family therapy. It can reduce tension and stress between family members and offer them the tools to support their loved ones in a healthy manner. A trained therapist can also teach them how to help their loved ones overcome depression.
Exercise
Exercise is a safe and cost-effective supplement to other treatments for depression and anxiety. It improves the level of chemicals in the brain and improves flexibility and balance improves energy levels and reduces stress. It may also help with sleeping and increase self-esteem. It is important to consult your GP before beginning any new exercise or stepping up your workout.
In large-scale research, men and women who exercise suffer from depression at a lower rate than those who are sedentary. It's more difficult to determine whether exercise can treat depression that is already present. You have to study it like any medicine, randomly assigning people with depression to either exercise or a control group and carefully keeping track of the outcomes.
The largest study of physical exercise as a treatment for depression to date suggests it works, at least as well as standard psychotherapy and drugs. The study pooled data from 41 trials involving 265 participants. It found that almost any type of exercise can reduce depression symptoms, although certain forms of exercise are more effective than others. Walking or jogging was the most effective form of exercise, followed by strength and yoga. The benefits increased as intensity of the exercise increased, which suggests that even mild exercise can be beneficial.
Researchers believe there are a variety of reasons why exercising can relieve depression. One is that it assists with oxygen flow and blood flow to the brain. Another reason is that it enhances certain chemicals, such as serotonin and dopamine. Other factors may include the social support that comes from exercise in a group, and the psychological motivation to keep doing the exercise.
People tend to reduce or stop their activities when they are depressed, however, doctors suggest taking steps to resume these activities as soon as possible. Doing them regularly can bring back satisfaction and pleasure, which is important to beat depression. Being involved in activities that you enjoy gives your life meaning and meaning.
If you're unsure what to do, you can try your local gym or a group fitness class. If you're suffering from an injury or physical impairment ask your doctor regarding the best exercises. For more information and interactive resources, Black Dog Institute has an overview of exercise and depression treatment centers, and Beyond Blue offers a template to help plan your activity.
Alternative or complementary therapies
Many alternative or 'natural' therapies are used to treat mental health issues. These include herbal treatments and massage. These treatments haven't been studied scientifically and may cause side consequences. These treatments may also interact with other medicines. People should only use these treatments with the permission of a doctor or therapist.
There isn't much research about the efficacy of these treatments and they are not recommended by the Cancer Council. Some have been promoted as "cancer cures" however, they aren't proven. They may cause discomfort or harm to certain people, especially if trying to replace medical treatments.
The most effective depression treatment typically includes psychotherapy and medication. Psychotherapy is the term used to describe talking about your feelings and thoughts with a trained professional like psychiatrist or psychologist. Some psychological treatments are more appropriate for depression than others. But, they all help you to understand your condition and discover new ways to manage it. This includes:
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) seeks to alter negative perceptions and thinking patterns that cause depression to worsen. Psychotherapy for interpersonal relationships is focused on the relationships in your life and how you interact with them. Couples and family therapy can aid in improving communication within your relationships.
There are many different types of therapy, including computer programs and sessions online. These sessions are usually less expensive than in-person sessions and may be beneficial for some people. However, they are not suitable for everyone, and some are not covered by insurance. Ask your therapist about their experience with these programs and whether one is right for you.
In your meeting with your doctor, he or she will review all the medicines you take, including herbal supplements and prescription medications, to determine how they affect your depression treatment history. They will also assess if you have any physical health conditions that may be linked to depression, such as chronic pain or thyroid illness. They will also consider if you have another mental health issue like bipolar disorder or personality disorders could be a cause of your depression.