What is the Most Effective Depression Treatment?
The best treatment for depression differs from person to. Speak to your doctor about what might work for you.
You may need to test several antidepressants before you find one that helps. You might also have to combine antidepressants with psychotherapy or medication used to treat another physical or mental illness like an antipsychotic, mood stabilizer, anti-anxiety medication or thyroid hormone.
Medication
For those suffering from mild to moderate depression, medication is often an effective treatment for depression. Antidepressants work by changing the levels of certain brain chemicals that are involved in mood. They can also reduce the frequency of depression symptoms. It is essential to adhere to the exact instructions prescribed by your physician. They won't be effective if you don't.
In general, doctors suggest beginning with a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) such as citalopram (Celexa) or escitalopram (Lexapro) and fluoxetine (Prozac) and paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva), sertraline (Zoloft) or vilazodone (Viibryd). In numerous clinical trials, these drugs were proven to be more effective that placebo. They can have serious adverse effects, so it's crucial to talk with your physician before you stop or begin taking any of these medications.
You may need to try several antidepressants before find one that works for you. You may also need to combine psychotherapy and antidepressants or other treatments. For those who suffer from severe or life-threatening types of depression, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a viable option. This procedure uses electrical impulses to cause 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 results of a recent study suggest a form of ECT called high-frequency ECT could be as effective or better than conventional ECT for treating depressive disorders. Researchers compared HFECT with conventional ECT on 23 patients with an history of treatment resistant depression. All had tried a number of other treatment options for depression such as therapy and exercise. Researchers found that HFECT dramatically reduced depression symptoms and produced less adverse effects than ECT.
Other options for treatment include light therapy that is used to treat seasonal affective disorder (SAD). This involves sitting in front of the bright light for approximately half an hour every morning. A lamp or light box is available for use at home. You can also avail light therapy through some health insurance plans, employee assistance programs and churches. Healthy eating, exercise and adequate sleep are suggested. It's also important to stay clear of recreational drugs and alcohol, as they can worsen depression.
Psychotherapy
Depression can zap your energy levels, making it difficult to manage the tasks of daily living. But the good news is that if you seek help your chances of recovery are high. A combination of psychotherapy by a professional and medication can offer relief to depressed individuals.
Therapists in therapy listen without judgement and assist you in exploring your feelings and challenges in a safe and supportive environment. They also teach you strategies for coping and encourage self-awareness that can aid in improving mental well-being.
There are many different types of psychotherapy that are available for people suffering from depression. Cognitive therapy is a type that helps you identify negative patterns of thinking and develop healthy strategies for dealing with difficult emotions. Behavioral therapy can alter unhealthy patterns of behavior by helping you develop efficient problem-solving skills, reduce stress and improve interpersonal relationships. Other therapies, like dialectical behavior therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy are frequently used to address the root causes that contribute to depression, like self-injury behaviors and chronic suicidal phobias.
Psychotherapy can be a useful option for people suffering from recurring depression who have not been able to respond to medications or are not able to take antidepressants because of health reasons or allergies. In some cases doctors may suggest alternative or complementary therapies for depression. This may include transcranial magnet stimulation (TMS) A method that utilizes a coil on the scalp to transmit magnetic pulses that alter the neurotransmitters' functions.
In addition to helping people regain a sense of control and pleasure in life, psychotherapy can assist family members or friends experiencing the effects of depression on their loved ones. Couples or families who have a member who is suffering from depression may be advised to engage in family therapy. It can ease tension and stress among family members, and give them tools to support their loved family members in a healthy way. A qualified therapist can guide them on how to help their loved ones overcome depression.
Exercise
Exercise is a secure and affordable addition to other treatments for anxiety and depression. It alters the levels of brain chemicals and improves flexibility and balance boosts energy and decreases stress. It can also improve your sleep and boost your self-esteem. Before beginning a new exercise routine or increasing your intensity, it's essential to consult with your doctor.
In large-scale epidemiological studies active women and men develop depression at a lower rate than sedentary people. But it's trickier to test whether exercise can help treat depression that is already present. You need to study it the same way as any other medication. Randomly assigning people with depression either to exercise or the control group, and then monitoring their improvement.
The largest study of physical exercise as a treatment for depression to date suggests that it is effective at least as well as standard medications and psychotherapy. The study combined the results from 41 studies that included 265 participants. The study found that almost all types of exercise can reduce depression symptoms. However some are more efficient than others. The most effective exercises were jogging or walking yoga, strength training and yoga. The benefits increased as intensity of the exercise increased, indicating that even light exercise can be beneficial.
Researchers suspect that there are multiple reasons why exercise helps with depression. One reason is that it assists by increasing blood flow and oxygen to the brain. Another reason is that it boosts certain chemicals, such as dopamine and serotonin. Other factors include the social support that comes from group exercise as well as the psychological motivation that motivates people to exercise.
When people are depressed they tend to stop or decrease their activities. Doctors advise that you attempt to return to them as soon as possible. They can help you regain pleasure and enjoyment. This is crucial to beat depression. Engaging in activities you love gives your life meaning and meaning.
If you're unsure of what to do, you can go to an exercise facility near you or a group fitness class. If you have an injury or physical impairment, talk to your doctor about how to find suitable exercises. For more information and interactive resources, Black Dog Institute has a guide to depression and exercise, and Beyond Blue offers a template to help you plan your exercise.
Alternative or complementary therapies
Mental health issues can be treated with many alternative therapies or 'natural'. depression management strategies include herbal remedies and massage. These treatments haven't been scientifically tested, and they may cause side effects. They may also interfere with other medications, which is why it is recommended to only make use of them with the permission of their physician or therapist.
Cancer Council does not recommend these treatments because there is limited research conducted on their effectiveness. Some have been promoted as "cancer cures", but they're not established and could cause distress or harm to some people, especially if they are trying to replace medical treatment.
The most effective treatment for depression usually involves both psychotherapy and medication. Psychotherapy is the term used to describe talking about your thoughts and feelings with an experienced professional, like a psychiatrist or psychologist. Some types of psychological treatment are more specific to depression than others, but all will aid you in understanding your condition and learn new ways to deal with it. They include:
CBT is designed to alter negative thoughts and negative assessments that can make depression worse. Interpersonal psychotherapy is a form of psychotherapy that concentrates on your relationships and how you interact with them. Family therapy and couples therapy can enhance communication within your relationships.
Different types of therapy are available that include online sessions and computer programs. These are often cheaper than face-to-face sessions and might be helpful for some individuals. They aren't suitable for all, and a few aren't covered by insurance. Ask your therapist about their experience with these programs and determine if one is right for you.
In a discussion with you health care provider, your doctor will review the medicines you take, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements, to see how they affect your depression. They will also check whether you suffer from any physical issues that could be linked to depression, such as chronic pain or thyroid disease. They will also consider if another mental health condition like bipolar disorder or personality disorders, could be the reason behind your depression.