Depression Treatment Methods

Depression can be treated with various methods. They can avail alternative treatments, psychological therapies and medication.

Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type of psychotherapy that assists people identify and correct distorted thinking patterns. Other options include dialectical behavior therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy, both of which are designed for treatment-resistant depression.

Medication

The most common and effective treatment for depression is medication. They are particularly effective for those suffering from severe or moderate depression or when there is a high risk of suicide. Treatment can ease symptoms quickly and can also help to prevent relapses.

A variety of antidepressant medications have been shown to combat depression. The most well-known is fluoxetine (Prozac). It is taken orally as a tablet and has been around for a long time. However, more recent drugs, such as sertraline (Zoloft) and citalopram (Celexa), may be more effective and less likely to cause adverse effects.

For severe depression, talk therapy is often paired with medication. Psychotherapy is designed to help you better understand your depression and to help you learn how to manage it. It can be conducted by yourself, in conjunction with a health professional or with other patients in a group. Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy are two types of therapy that have been proven helpful.

Other treatments for depression include exercise, light therapy and meditation. A light box that resembles bright sunlight is used to treat seasonal affective disorder (SAD). It is also used to treat chronic depression in people with bipolar disorder.

Your doctor may also prescribe medication that treats a physical or mental illness along with an antidepressant, to improve the effect. This is referred to as an augmentation. This could include mood stabilizers, antianxiety medications, antipsychotic or thyroid hormone.

If your depression is not severe, your GP may suggest taking a few days off to see if symptoms disappear by themselves. This is called "watchful waiting". However, it's crucial to stay in touch with your GP and have regular appointments so that they can monitor your improvement.

Certain people suffering from depression may also benefit from other treatments, such as reflexology, where pressure is applied to specific points on the body, or energy healing. Some patients find relief through meditation or yoga. Some find comfort through chanting or prayer. If you suffer from depression severe or thoughts of self-harming, it is crucial to seek treatment as soon as you can.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, can help people understand why they are depressed and develop new strategies to manage their symptoms. It can be used alongside medication or alone. It is important to start treatment as soon as you start to feel symptoms, and keep track of your sessions.

There are different types of psychotherapy. Each is best medication to treat anxiety and depression for specific situations or circumstances. Group therapy is a mixture of two or more individuals and you, while family therapy teaches loved ones how to support you. Therapists who specialize in specific areas, such as relationship or childhood trauma. They can offer you special treatment.

Psychotherapy can be classified into cognitive treatment for depression therapy, behavioral therapy, and psychotherapy that is interpersonal. Behavioral therapy helps you learn to cope with depression, and can change your behaviour patterns that aren't helpful. Cognitive therapy focuses on reversing negative thinking and negative evaluations that contribute to depression. Interpersonal psychotherapy is a short-term treatment that aims to address the relationships which are closely linked to your 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 beneficial to have a supportive system that will aid you in staying on track with your treatment. Try talking to trusted family members or friends or joining an online depression support group, or reading reliable self-help books and websites.

It is crucial to consult your doctor if you are suffering from a serious condition such as an injury or illness. This will help determine if your depression caused by a physical issue. If it is, the issue must be treated before you begin therapy. Medicine can be a powerful treatment for depression, and when combined with psychotherapy can help you recover more quickly. Be aware that all forms of treatment for depression can take time, and you will have a few ups and downs as you go through the process. But if you stick with your plan, you will be able to beat depression.

Light therapy

Light therapy is the practice of sitting in front of a special lamp, or light box, that emits bright sunlight. It's a well-known treatment for people with seasonal affective disorder (SAD). It resembles natural sunlight, which can boost mood and energy. It's also been found to help improve sleep problems which are often linked to depression. It is believed that light therapy can help by altering circadian rhythms and increasing serotonin levels in the brain. It's possible that light therapy has an effect positive on other hormones, such as melatonin, which is released when you are asleep.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence recommends that SAD is treated the same way as other types of depression. This can include talking treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and light therapy, and antidepressants. It's most effective treatments for depression when began at the beginning of winter, before symptoms begin to manifest and continues until spring.

Recent research on the effectiveness of light therapy in the treatment centre for depression of SAD found that the majority of patients who took advantage of the treatment reached remission using strict criteria. The results included a decrease in symptoms on an established scale that is the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale - SAD version. The study also found that the treatment was safe and well-tolerated.

Keep in mind that light therapy is not a panacea for SAD. It's still important to consult a physician and follow their advice. It's also essential to stay active, eat healthy meals and get enough rest and try to lessen stress.

Antidepressants are also effective in treating SAD. The most common antidepressant prescribed for SAD is called selective serotonin reuptake inhibits (SSRIs). They can boost your mood in a matter of weeks. They can have side effects such as a dry mouth, nausea, diarrhoea or constipation, however these tend to go away quickly.

Some people might feel that light therapy treatment for depression doesn't help their symptoms or suffer from unpleasant side effects, such as eye strain, headache irritation to the skin. These can usually be reduced by adjusting the duration of treatment, the time of day, or the the product used.

Alternative or complementary therapies

Prescription medications are among the most common treatments for depression. However, it might not be appropriate for everyone. If a medication isn't effective or causes intolerable side effects, it may be time to try an alternative or complementary therapy. These treatments are focused on your physical and spiritual wellbeing and can help alleviate depression treatments symptoms such as anxiety and chronic pain.

Acupuncture is the practice of inserting needles into various body parts such as your hands, ears or feet. It can alleviate various symptoms, including insomnia, anxiety and depression. It has been proven to be effective as antidepressants, however it does not have the same adverse effects.

Mindfulness meditation: This type of therapy focuses on the ability to be aware of your thoughts and feelings without judgement that can help you feel more in control of your emotions. You can do it on your own or with a qualified therapist.

Yoga: This type of exercise can help reduce depression and stress. It also improves your breathing and gives you a a feeling of well-being.

Massage: It is calming. Deep-tissue massages are good for anxiety, muscle tension and depression. Aromatherapy: Inhaling certain essential oils can help lift a depressed mood.

Energy healing techniques like reiki, tai chi and yoga. They are based on the idea that illnesses are caused by blockages in energy.

Exercise: Swimming, walking or any other type of exercise has been proven to combat depression. A recent study showed that 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week decreased the symptoms of depression.

Eye movement desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a relatively new treatment that makes use of repeated exposure to a distressing memory to help the brain process it. It has been shown that EMDR is very effective in treating PTSD. However, more research is needed to establish its effectiveness for depression.

The Royal College of Psychiatrists reviewed the evidence supporting a variety of CAM treatments for depression, such as Acupuncture and bright light therapy. The reviews were not extensive, and some had limitations like a small number of trials and small sample sizes. The Royal College of Psychiatrists does not recommend any CAM therapy for depression.