What is the Most Effective Depression Treatment?

The best treatment for depression varies from individual to individual. Talk to your doctor about what may work for you.

You might need to try various antidepressants before finding one that is effective. You might need to mix psychotherapy and antidepressants, or with a medication to treat another physical or mental condition like an anxiety medication, a mood stabilizer or thyroid hormone.

Medication

For those suffering from mild to moderate depression, medication can be an effective depression treatment. Antidepressants work by changing the levels of certain brain chemicals involved in mood. They also help reduce the frequency of depressive symptoms. It's important to take these medications according to the dosage prescribed by your physician. They won't work if don't.

Doctors recommend starting with a selective Serotonin Reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) like fluoxetine, escitalopram or citalopram paroxetine, sertraline Zoloft or vilazodone. In numerous clinical trials, these drugs were shown to be more effective that placebo. They can have serious side effects, which is why it is essential to speak with your doctor before you stop or begin using one of these drugs.

You might have to test several antidepressants until you find the one that works best for you. It is also possible to combine antidepressants with psychotherapy or other treatments. Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) might be an option for some people who have severe depression or a life-threatening illness. This procedure uses electrical impulses that cause controlled seizures in the brain. It is effective in treating depression fast and is best for those who have not responded to other treatments.

The results of an investigation that was conducted recently suggest that a particular form of ECT known as high-frequency ECT may be as effective or better than conventional ECT in treating refractory depression disorders. The researchers compared HFECT to conventional ECT in 23 patients with a history of treatment-resistant depression. All patients had tried other Lithium treatment for depression options for depression such as psychotherapy and physical exercise. Researchers discovered that HFECT significantly reduced depression symptoms and had less adverse effects than ECT.

Light therapy is another treatment option for seasonal affective disorder. This involves sitting in front of an intense light for around half an hour every morning. A light box or lamp is available for use at home. You can also get light therapy through certain health insurance plans, employee assistance programs and churches. Healthy eating, exercise and adequate sleep are also advised. It's also important to avoid alcohol and recreational drugs, as they can worsen depression.

Psychotherapy

Depression can drain your energy and make it difficult to complete the daily tasks. But the positive side is that if you seek treatment your chances of recovery are very high. Depression sufferers are able to find relief using a combination of therapy by a professional and medication.

In therapy, therapists listen without judgement and assist you in exploring your feelings and challenges in a supportive atmosphere. They can also help you improve your coping skills and your self-awareness. This can help you improve your mental health.

There are a variety of types of psychotherapy to treat agitated depression treatment. Cognitive therapy is a kind that helps you recognize negative thinking patterns and develop healthy strategies to handle difficult emotions. Behavioral therapy can alter bad habits of behavior by helping you develop effective problem-solving abilities as well as manage stress and improve interpersonal relationships. Other therapies such as dialectical behaviour therapy and acceptance-commitment therapy are commonly utilized to address the underlying issues which contribute to depression, such as self-injury or the recurring suicidal thought.

Psychotherapy is a beneficial tool for those with recurring depression who have not responded to medication or who are not able to take antidepressants due to health reasons or allergies. In certain cases, a psychiatrist may recommend alternative or complementary therapies for depression such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) which makes use of a treatment coil that is positioned against the scalp to send short magnetic pulses that alter the functioning and effects of neurotransmitters within the brain.

Psychotherapy can aid family members and friends who are suffering from depression to cope with the condition. Family or marital therapy is sometimes recommended for those who live with a loved one who is suffering from depression. It can ease stress and tension between family members and equip them with the tools they need to help their loved one in a healthy way. A trained therapist can also assist them in helping their loved ones overcome depression.

Exercise

Exercise is an inexpensive and safe method of treating depression and anxiety. It improves energy levels, reduces anxiety, and helps improve the flexibility and balance. It can also improve your sleep and boost your self-esteem. Before beginning a new workout regimen or increasing the intensity, you should consult your doctor.

In large-scale studies, men and women who exercise suffer from depression at a lower rate than those who sit. It's difficult to determine whether exercise can help treat depression that already exists. You must look into it just like any other medicine, randomly assigning people with depression to either exercise or a control group, and carefully recording what happens.

The largest study on 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 combined data from 41 trials involving 2,265 people. It found that almost any kind of exercise can help reduce depression symptoms, but some forms are more effective than others. Jogging or walking was the most effective exercise, followed by strength training and yoga. And the benefits increased as the intensity increased, indicating that even moderate exercise is better than nothing.

Researchers believe there are a variety of reasons why exercise can help relieve depression. Exercise increases the flow of blood and oxygen to the brain. It also increases certain chemical like dopamine and serumtonin. Other factors may include the social support that comes from exercise in groups, as well as the psychological motivation that motivates you to keep doing the exercise.

When people are depressed, they tend to stop or decrease their activities. Doctors advise that you attempt to resume your activities as soon as you are able to. Doing them regularly can bring back satisfaction and pleasure, which is important in beating depression. Being involved in activities you enjoy can give your life meaning and meaning.

If you're unsure of what to do, you can consider an exercise facility near you or a group fitness class. Talk to your doctor in case you suffer from a disability or injury. Black Dog Institute offers interactive tools and a guide to depression and exercise. Beyond Blue also has an exercise plan template that can be used to plan your activity.

Alternative or complementary therapy

Mental health issues can be treated with many alternative therapies or 'natural'. These include herbal treatments and massage. These treatments haven't been scientifically tested, and they can cause adverse side consequences. These treatments may also interact with other drugs. People should only use these treatments with the approval of a doctor or therapist.

Cancer Council does not recommend these treatments due to very little research on their effectiveness. Certain therapies have been advertised as "cancer remedies" but they are not established. They may cause discomfort or harm to certain people, especially if trying to replace medical treatments.

The most effective treatment resistant bipolar depression for depression can be treated typically includes psychotherapy and medication. Psychotherapy is the term used to describe speaking about your feelings and thoughts with a trained professional such as a psychologist or psychiatrist. Some psychological treatments are more appropriate for depression than others. But, they all aid you in understanding the condition and come up with new ways to cope. These include:

CBT is designed to alter negative thinking patterns and pessimistic assessments that can make depression worse. Psychotherapy for interpersonal relationships is focused on the relationships in your life and how you interact with them. Family and couples therapy can help you improve communication within your relationships.

Several different formats of therapy are available in the form of computer programs and online sessions. These sessions are usually cheaper than in-person sessions, and could be beneficial to some. 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 might be right for you.

In a discussion with you the doctor, they will review the medications you are taking, including herbal supplements and prescription drugs to determine how they are impacting your depression. They will also assess your physical health to determine if you have any conditions that are sometimes associated with depression. For instance thyroid disease or chronic back pain. They will also check whether there is a mental condition that could be contributing to your depression, like personality disorders or bipolar disorder.