What is the Most Effective Depression Treatment?
The best treatment for depression varies depending on the individual. Talk to your doctor about the best treatment for you.
You might need to try various antidepressants until you find one that works. You might also have to combine antidepressants with psychotherapy or medication that is used to treat a physical or mental disorder, such as an antipsychotic, mood stabilizer, anti anxiety drug or thyroid hormone.
Medication
For those suffering from mild to moderate depression, medication is usually an effective depression treatment. Antidepressants alter the levels of certain brain chemicals that are involved in mood. They also can help reduce the frequency of depressive episodes. But, it's crucial to take these medications as prescribed by your doctor. If you don't, they won't be effective.
Doctors suggest beginning with a selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI), such as fluoxetine, escitalopram or citalopram paroxetine, sertraline Zoloft or vilazodone. These drugs have been shown to be more efficient than placebo in a variety of clinical trials. These drugs can have serious side effects. It is essential to consult your doctor prior to taking or stopping any of these drugs.
You may have to test several different antidepressants before you find one that works for you. You may also need to combine psychotherapy with antidepressants or other treatments. For some patients with severe or life-threatening types of depression electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an option. This procedure uses electrical impulses to cause controlled seizures in the head. It is able to quickly relieve depression and is most beneficial for patients who haven't responded to other treatments.
The findings of a recent study suggest that a particular type of ECT known as high-frequency ECT (HFECT) may be as effective as or better than conventional ECT in treating refractory depression. The researchers compared HFECT with standard ECT in 23 patients who had an history of treatment-resistant depression. They had tried a variety of other treatments for depression such as psychotherapy and exercise. The study found that HFECT significantly reduced symptoms of depression and caused less adverse effects than ECT.
Light therapy is another treatment option for seasonal affective disorder. This is when you sit in a bright light every day for about 30 minutes. You can use the light box or lamp at your home. 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 also advised. In antidepressant medication , it's essential to stay clear of drinking and taking recreational drugs as they can worsen depression and make it difficult to receive treatment.
Psychotherapy
Depression can zap your energy, making it hard to manage the daily chores. But the positive side is that if you seek help your chances of recovery are good. A combination of professional psychotherapy and medication can provide relief for depressed individuals.
Therapists in therapy listen without judgement and help you explore your feelings and challenges in a supportive atmosphere. They also teach you coping skills and encourage self-awareness that can promote mental health.
There are several different types of psychotherapy for depression including cognitive therapy, which helps you recognize negative or distorted thinking patterns and develop healthy strategies to cope with difficult emotions. Behavioral therapy can help you improve your interpersonal relationships, learn how to manage stress, and also develop problem-solving abilities. Other treatments like acceptance-commitment and dialectical behavior therapy are commonly utilized to address the underlying issues which contribute to depression such as self-injury and persistent suicidal thoughts.
Psychotherapy is also a valuable tool for people who have chronic depression that hasn't been able to be treated with medication or for those who cannot take antidepressants due to health reasons or allergies. In some cases doctors may suggest alternative or complementary therapies for depression. This could include transcranial magnet stimulation (TMS) which is a method which uses a coil on the scalp to send magnetic pulses which impact the function of neurotransmitters.
In addition to helping people regain a sense of control and joy in their lives Psychotherapy can also assist family members or friends experiencing the effects of depression on their loved ones. Families or couples who are living with someone who is suffering from depression may be recommended to undergo therapy for their families. It can ease tension and stress among family members, and provide them with the tools to help their loved family members in a healthy way. A trained therapist can also teach them how to help their loved family members overcome depression.
Exercise
Exercise is a safe and cost-effective supplement to other treatments for depression and anxiety. It improves energy levels, reduces stress, and improves the flexibility and balance. It can also improve your sleep and boost 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 women and men develop depression at a lower rate than those who are sedentary. It's harder to test if exercise can treat depression that is already present. You must study it the same way as any other medicine. Randomly assigning people with depression to exercise or to the control group, and then monitoring their development.
The largest study of physical exercise as a treatment for depression to date suggests that it works at a minimum, as well as standard psychotherapy and drugs. The study pooled the data from 41 studies that included 265 participants. The study revealed that almost all types of exercise could reduce symptoms of depression. However certain types of exercise are more effective than others. Jogging or walking was the most effective form of exercise, followed by yoga and strength training. The benefits grew as the intensity increased, indicating that even mild exercise is better than no exercise at all.
Researchers believe there are many reasons why exercise can help with depression. Exercise can increase the flow of blood and oxygen to the brain. Another reason is that it enhances certain chemicals, such as serotonin and dopamine. Other factors include the social support that comes from group exercise and the psychological motivation that keeps people working out.
People tend to cut back or restrict their activities when they're depressed, however, doctors suggest taking steps to resume these activities as soon as possible. Engaging in them can help you regain pleasure and enjoyment which is essential to beating depression. Engaging in activities you love can give life meaning and meaning.
If you're unsure where to begin, check out your local gym or group fitness class. Talk to your doctor in case you suffer from a disability or injury. Black Dog Institute offers interactive guides and resources on depression and exercise. Beyond Blue also has a template for planning your activity.
Alternative or complementary therapy
A variety of alternative or "natural" therapies are utilized to treat mental health issues. These may include herbal remedies, massage and acupuncture. These treatments have not been scientifically validated, and they could cause adverse negative effects. They may also interfere with other medications, and users should only take them under the supervision of their therapist or doctor.
Cancer Council does not recommend these treatments because there is little research done on their effectiveness. Some have been marketed as "cancer cures" but they're not tested and may cause discomfort or harm to certain people, particularly when they attempt to replace medical treatment.
The most effective treatment for depression usually includes 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. Some types of psychological treatment are more specific to depression than others, but all will help you understand your condition and develop new strategies to cope. They include:
CBT seeks to change negative thinking patterns and negative evaluations that can make depression worse. Psychotherapy for interpersonal relationships is focused on the relationships in your life and how you interact with them. Couples and family therapy can help you improve the communication between you and your loved ones.
A variety of different forms of therapy are available in the form of computer programs and online sessions. These sessions are usually less expensive than in-person sessions, and could be beneficial to some. Some are not suitable for everyone, and some aren't covered by insurance. Ask your therapist if they have experience with these types of programs and ask them to recommend one that is suitable for you.
During your conversation with your healthcare provider, he or she will go over all the medications you use, including herbal supplements and over-the-counter medicines, to determine how they impact your depression. They will also examine your physical health to see whether you suffer from any medical conditions that can be linked to depression. For example thyroid disease or chronic back pain. They will also consider if another mental health condition, such as bipolar disorder or personality disorders, could be the reason behind your depression.