What is the Most Effective Depression Treatment?
The best treatment for depression varies from person to person. Speak to your doctor about the best treatment for you.
You may need to try several antidepressants until you discover the one that you like. It is also possible to combine antidepressants with psychotherapy or a medication used to treat another mental or physical illness like an antipsychotic mood stabilizer, anti anxiety drug or thyroid hormone.
Medication
Medication is a very effective treatment for moderate to mild depression. Antidepressants alter the levels of certain brain chemicals involved in mood. They can also reduce the frequency of depression symptoms. It's important that you adhere to the exact instructions recommended by your physician. If you don't, they won't work.
In general, doctors recommend beginning with a selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) like citalopram (Celexa), Escitalopram (Lexapro), the fluoxetine (Prozac) or paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva), sertraline (Zoloft) or vilazodone (Viibryd). These medications have been proven to be more efficient than placebo in a variety of clinical studies. They can cause serious side effects, so it is essential to speak with your physician before you begin or stop taking one of these medications.
You may have to test various antidepressants before you find one that works for you. You might also need to combine antidepressants with psychotherapy or other treatments. Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) could be a viable option for patients suffering from severe depression or a serious condition. This treatment uses electrical impulses to trigger controlled seizures in the brain. It is able to quickly relieve depression and is especially beneficial for patients who haven't had success with other treatments.
The results of a recent study suggest that a form of ECT called high-frequency ECT could be as effective or more effective than conventional ECT at treating refractory depressive disorders. The researchers compared HFECT to standard ECT in 23 patients who had an history of treatment-resistant depression. All had tried a number of other depression treatments like therapy and exercise. Researchers found that HFECT significantly reduced depression symptoms and had less side-effects than ECT.
Other treatment options include light therapy that is used to treat seasonal affective disorder (SAD). This involves sitting in a bright, bright light every morning for around 30 minutes. You can opt for lamps or a light box at home. You can also get light therapy through certain health insurance plans as well as employee assistance programs and churches. Exercise, healthy eating and sufficient sleep are all essential. It is also essential to stay away from alcohol and recreational drugs, as they can worsen depression.
Psychotherapy
Depression can sap your energy levels, making it hard to take care of the demands of everyday life. The good news is that If you seek help, the chances of recovery are high. A combination of psychotherapy by a professional and medication can offer relief to people who are depressed.
Therapists in therapy listen without judgement and help you explore your feelings and issues in a supportive atmosphere. They also teach you how to cope and encourage self-awareness, which can help improve your mental well-being.
There are many different kinds of psychotherapy for depression, including cognitive therapy, which assists you in identifying thoughts that are negative or untrue and develop healthy strategies to deal with difficult emotions. Behavioral therapy can help you improve your interpersonal relationships, discover how to manage stress, and also develop ability to solve problems. Other therapies, like the dialectical behavior therapy or acceptance and commitment therapy, are often employed to address the root causes that can cause depression, like self-injury and suicidal thoughts.
Psychotherapy is also a useful option for those suffering from chronic depression that hasn't been able to be treated with medication or for those who are unable to use antidepressants because of allergies or health reasons. In certain cases a psychiatrist might recommend alternative or complementary therapies for depression such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) which utilizes a treatment coil that is placed on the scalp to send brief magnetic pulses that impact the functions and effects of neurotransmitters within the brain.
In addition to helping people find the sense of control and enjoyment in their lives, psychotherapy can assist family members or friends who are struggling with the effects of depression on their loved ones. Couples or families who are living with someone who is suffering from depression may be advised to go through therapy for their families. It can ease tension and stress among family members, and provide them with the tools to help their loved ones in a healthy manner. Additionally, a trained therapist can teach them ways to assist their loved ones overcome depression.
Exercise
Exercise is a secure and cost-effective alternative to other treatments for depression and anxiety. It improves energy levels, reduces stress, and enhances balance and flexibility. It can also improve sleep and boost self-esteem. Before beginning a new exercise routine or increasing your intensity, it's important to consult with your doctor.
In large-scale epidemiological studies active women and men suffer from depression at a lower rate than sedentary people. However, it's more difficult to determine whether exercise can help treat depression that is already present. It is important to research it the same way as any other drug. Randomly assigning patients suffering from depression either to exercise or an uncontrolled group, and then tracking their progress.
The largest study on physical activity as a depression treatment to date suggests that it is effective at a minimum, as well as standard drugs and psychotherapy. The study combined the results from 41 studies that included 265 participants. It found that almost any type of exercise can reduce depression symptoms, although certain types of exercise are more efficient than others. Jogging or walking was the most effective exercise, followed by strength and yoga. The benefits increased as the intensity of the exercise increased, indicating that even moderate exercise can be beneficial.
Researchers believe there are many reasons why exercise can relieve depression. One is that it assists with blood flow and oxygen to the brain. Another reason is that it enhances certain chemicals, like serotonin and dopamine. Other factors include the social connection that is a result of group exercise, and the psychological motivation to continue working out.
People are often forced to stop or limit their activities when depressed, but doctors suggest taking steps to resume these activities as soon as possible. They can help you restore joy and satisfaction. This is vital to beating depression. Being involved in activities you love can provide you with meaning and significance.
If you're not sure where to begin, check out your local gym or group fitness class. If you're suffering from an injury or physical disability consult your physician about how to find suitable exercise options. Black Dog Institute offers interactive tools and a guide to exercise and depression. Beyond Blue also has an outline of how to plan your activity.
Alternative or complementary therapy
A variety of alternative or "natural" therapies are utilized to treat mental health issues. They include herbal remedies and massage. These treatments have not been scientifically validated, and they could cause adverse negative effects. These treatments can also interact with other drugs. Patients should only take these treatments with the permission of a doctor or therapist.
There is little research into the efficacy of these treatments and they are not recommended by the Cancer Council. preventive measures for depression iampsychiatry.com have been marketed as "cancer cures" however they aren't established and could cause discomfort or harm to certain people, especially when they are attempting to substitute medical treatment.
The most effective treatment for depression usually involves both psychotherapy and medication. Psychotherapy is a general term to discuss your concerns with a trained professional, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. Some psychological treatments are more appropriate for depression than others. However, they all aid you in understanding your condition and find new ways to manage it. These include:
CBT is designed to alter negative thoughts and negative assessments that can cause depression to become worse. Psychotherapy for interpersonal relationships focuses on the relationships in your life and how you interact with them. Couples and family therapy can help improve communication in your relationships.
Several different formats of therapy are available in the form of computer programs and online sessions. They are usually cheaper than face-to-face sessions and could be beneficial for some people. Some aren't appropriate for all people, and some aren't covered by insurance. Ask your therapist about their experiences with these programs and whether one is right for you.
When you speak to your healthcare provider during your visit, they will review all the medicines you take in addition to herbal supplements and prescription medications, to determine how they impact your depression. They will also assess your physical health to determine whether you suffer from any medical conditions that may be related to depression. For example thyroid disease, chronic back pain. They will also check whether there is a mental condition that could be causing depression, such as personality disorders or bipolar disorder.