Depression Treatment Methods
Depression can be treated with various methods. These include psychotherapy, alternative treatments and medications.
Psychotherapy is a form of cognitive behavior therapy, which assists people to identify and correct their negative thinking patterns. Other options include acceptance and commitment therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy, which are both specifically designed to help people with depression who are who are resistant to treatment.
Medication
The most popular and effective treatment for depression is medication. They are particularly effective in cases of moderate or severe depression or when there is a greater risk of suicide. Medication can relieve symptoms quickly and help prevent relapses.
Antidepressant medication can be used to treat depression. The most well-known is fluoxetine (Prozac). It is taken orally as a tablet and has been around for a long time. But newer drugs, such as sertraline (Zoloft) and citalopram (Celexa) are more effective and have less side effects.
Talk therapy is usually combined with medication for severe depression. Psychotherapy helps you recognize your depression and teach you ways to manage it. It can be carried out by yourself, in conjunction with a health professional or with other patients in groups. Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), and interpersonal therapy are two forms of talk therapy which have been proven to be effective.
Meditation, exercise and light therapy are all other treatments for depression. A light box that mimics bright sunlight is used to treat seasonal affective disorder (SAD). It is also used to treat chronic depression in bipolar disorder sufferers.
Your doctor might also use a drug that treats another mental or physical condition in conjunction with an antidepressant to increase the effectiveness. This is called an augmentation. It could involve a mood stabilizer, antianxiety or antipsychotic medication, or it might involve thyroid hormone.
If your depression is not severe, your GP may suggest taking a few days off to see if symptoms improve on their own. This is called "watchful waiting". It's essential to stay in touch with your GP and make regular appointments so that they can examine your improvement.
Some people with depression may benefit from other treatments like reflexology or energy healing, which involves applying pressure to specific points on the body. Some sufferers find relief through yoga or meditation. Others find comfort through chanting or prayer. If your depression is very serious, or you're having thoughts of suicide, it's crucial to seek treatment as quickly as you can.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy can help people discover why they are depressed and discover new ways to cope with their symptoms. It may be used alone or in combination with medications. It is important that you start treatment as soon as you are able and attend all sessions.
There are different types of psychotherapy. Each one is better for specific situations or clinical circumstances. Individual therapy is a session with you and a therapist group therapy is for two or more persons, and family therapy teaches your loved ones how to support you. Therapists who specialize in specific areas, such as childhood trauma or relationship issues. They can offer you specialized treatment.
Some types of psychotherapy include cognitive therapy, behavioral therapy and psychotherapy that is interpersonal. Behavioral therapy helps you learn to manage depression and can help you change your behavior patterns that aren't helping. Cognitive therapy focuses on changing pessimistic thinking and unhelpful assessments that can lead to depression. Psychotherapy for interpersonal relationships is short-term and seeks to fix problems in relationships that are most closely associated with your depression.
It can take a bit of time and patience to find the right therapy for you, but the outcomes will be worth it. It's also helpful to have a system of support to help you stay on the right track with your treatment. Talk to your trusted family members or friends, joining a depression support group, or reading reputable self-help books and websites.
It's important that you see your doctor if you are suffering from a serious condition like an injury or illness. This will help determine if your depression caused by a physical issue. If you suffer from an illness that is serious like an injury or illness it is essential to visit an expert doctor to determine if there's an actual cause for your depression. Combining psychotherapy and medication is an a successful method of treating depression. Keep in mind that all types of treatment for depression take some time, and you may have a few ups and downs as you progress through the process. If you adhere to your plan, you will be able to beat depression.
Light therapy
A sitting position in front of an illuminated box or a special lamp that emits bright light is referred to as light therapy. This is a popular treatment option for those suffering from seasonal affective disorder. It mimics natural sunlight and can improve mood and energy levels. Light therapy has also been proven to alleviate sleep issues, which are often associated with depression. It is believed that light therapy can help by altering circadian rhythms and increasing serotonin in the brain. It is possible that light therapy can have an effect positive on other hormones, such as melatonin, which is released when you sleep.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence recommends that SAD is treated the same manner as other types of depression. This can include talking therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), antidepressants and light therapy. It's most effective if began at the beginning of winter, before symptoms appear and continued until spring.
A recent study on the treatment of light therapy in the treatment of SAD has revealed that the majority of patients who utilized it had a remission, based on strict criteria for diagnosis. Hamilton Depression Rating Scale - SAD version, a well-known measure of symptoms, showed a reduction. The study concluded that the treatment is safe and well-tolerated.
Be aware that light therapy is not a panacea for SAD. It's still necessary to see a doctor and follow their advice. It's important to stay active, eat a balanced diet and get enough rest to reduce stress.
Antidepressants are also effective for treating SAD. The most frequently prescribed antidepressant for SAD is called selective serotonin reuptake inhibits (SSRIs). They can improve your mood in a matter of weeks. The side effects could include dry mouth, nausea, diarrhoea, or constipation. However these symptoms typically disappear quickly.
Certain people may feel that light therapy doesn't improve their symptoms or they experience uncomfortable side effects like headache, eye strain, agitation or skin irritation. These adverse effects can be controlled by altering the duration of treatment and time of day or the medication used.
Alternative or complementary therapies
The use of prescription medications is a common treatment option for depression, but it's not the best choice for everyone. If a treatment isn't working or causes intolerable negative side effects, it might be time to try an alternative or complementary therapy. These treatments concentrate on your physical and spiritual health and can ease depression-related symptoms such as anxiety and chronic pain.
Acupuncture is the practice of inserting needles into different parts of the body such as your hands, ears, or feet. It can alleviate various symptoms, including anxiety, insomnia, and depression. It's been proven to be effective as antidepressants, however it does not have the same side effects.
Mindfulness meditation: This form of therapy focuses on learning to be aware of your thoughts and feelings without judgement that will help you feel more in control of your emotions. You can practice it on your own or with a qualified therapist.
types of therapy for depression : This type of exercise helps reduce stress and depression. It also improves your breathing and provides you with a an overall feeling of wellbeing.
Massage is a soothing experience and deep-tissue massages are a great way to aid in relieving muscle tightness, anxiety and depression. Aromatherapy: Inhaling certain essential oils can lift a depressed mood.
Energy healing: This can be achieved through techniques such as reiki, yoga, and tai chi. These methods are based on a belief that illness is due to blockages in energy.
Exercise: Swimming, walking or any other type of exercise has been proven to help combat depression. Recent research revealed that 150 minutes per week of moderate exercise decreased symptoms associated with depression.
Eye movement desensitization reprocessing (EMDR), an extremely new therapy that relies on repeated exposure to a distressing memory to help the mind process it. It has been demonstrated to be highly effective for PTSD, but needs more research into its effectiveness for depression.
The Royal College of Psychiatrists has looked at the evidence regarding various CAM treatments for depression, including bright light therapy and acupuncture. The reviews were small, and some had limitations like a limited number of trials included and small sample sizes. The Royal College of Psychiatrists does not recommend any CAM therapy for depression.