What is the Most Effective Depression Treatment?
The best treatment for depression varies from person to. Talk with your health care provider about what might work for you.
You may need to try a few antidepressants until you find the one that is effective for you. You might also have to combine antidepressants and psychotherapy or a medication to treat a physical or mental illness like an antipsychotic mood stabilizer, anti anxiety drug or thyroid hormone.
Medication
Medication is a very effective treatment for moderate to mild depression treatment diet. Antidepressants alter the levels of certain brain chemicals that play a role in mood. They also can help reduce the frequency of depressive episodes. It is essential to follow the exact dosage 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 citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine paroxetine, sertraline Zoloft or vilazodone. These drugs have been shown to be more effective than placebo in many clinical studies. These drugs could cause serious adverse effects. It is essential to consult your doctor before starting or stopping one of these drugs.
You may have to test various antidepressants before you find one that works for you. It is also possible to combine psychotherapy with antidepressants or another treatment options for depression. Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) could be a viable option for people who have severe depression or a serious condition. This treatment uses electrical impulses to cause controlled seizures in the head. It can rapidly relieve depression and is most beneficial for patients who haven’t responded to other treatments.
The results of a recent study suggest a type of ECT called high-frequency ECT may be as effective or more effective than standard ECT in treating refractory depression disorders. Researchers compared HFECT to standard ECT on 23 patients with a history of treatment resistant depression. All patients had tried other treatments for depression like psychotherapy or physical exercise. The researchers found that HFECT significantly improved the symptoms of depression treatment goals and caused less adverse effects than ECT.
Light therapy is another alternative to treat seasonal affective disorder. This involves sitting in a bright light every day for about 30 minutes. A lamp or light box is available for home use. You can also get light therapy through certain health insurance plans or employee assistance programs as well as churches. Healthy eating, exercise, and adequate sleep are all recommended. It’s also important to avoid drinking and taking recreational drugs because they can exacerbate depression.
Psychotherapy
Depression can zap your energy levels, making it difficult to manage the tasks of daily living. But the positive side is that if you seek treatment, your chances of recovering are good. People suffering from depression can get relief with a combination of therapy by a professional and medication.
Therapists are trained to listen without judgement of them, and can help you examine your feelings and issues in an atmosphere of support. They can also assist you to build coping skills and increase your self-awareness, which can promote mental well-being.
There are a variety of types of psychotherapy for depression, including cognitive therapy, which assists you in identifying thoughts that are negative or untrue and learn healthy ways to cope with difficult emotions. Behavioral therapy can help you improve your interpersonal relationships, discover how to manage stress and develop skills for problem solving. Other therapies, like the dialectical behavior therapy or acceptance and commitment therapy, are often used to address the underlying issues that contribute to depression, such as self-injury behavior and persistent suicidal thoughts.
Psychotherapy can also be a beneficial tool for those who suffer from recurring depression that has not responded to medication or for those who cannot take antidepressants due to allergies or health issues. In certain instances doctors may suggest a complementary or Alternative treatment for depression and Anxiety therapy for depression. This could include transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) A method that utilizes a coil on the scalp to send magnetic pulses that affect the neurotransmitters’ function.
Psychotherapy can aid family members and friends struggling with depression to deal with depression. Family or marital therapy is often recommended for those who are living with a person who is suffering from depression. It can reduce stress and tension between family members and equip the family members with tools to help their loved one in a healthy way. Additionally, a trained therapist can teach them ways to assist their loved ones overcome depression.
Exercise
Exercise is a safe and cost-effective addition 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 your self-esteem. Before starting a new exercise routine or increasing your intensity, it’s essential to consult your doctor.
In large-scale research, men and women who are active develop depression at a much less rate than those who are sedentary. It’s difficult to determine whether exercise can help treat depression that is already present. It is important to research it just like any other medicine. Randomly assigning people suffering from depression either to exercise or the control group, and then monitoring their development.
The largest study on physical exercise as a holistic treatment for anxiety and depression for depression so far suggests that it is effective at least as effectively as standard drugs and psychotherapy. The study gathered data from 41 studies involving 2,265 people. The study found that almost all kinds of exercise can reduce depression symptoms. However some are more effective than others. The most efficient exercises included jogging or walking, yoga and strength training. And the benefits increased as the intensity increased, indicating that even mild exercise is better than nothing.
Researchers suspect that there are a variety of reasons that exercise relieves depression. Exercise increases blood flow and oxygen in the brain. It also boosts certain chemicals like dopamine and seratonin. Other reasons include the social benefits of group exercise and the psychological motivation that motivates people to exercise.
People often cut back or restrict their activities when they are depressed, however, doctors suggest trying to resume those things as soon as possible. Practicing them can help restore joy and pleasure which is essential to beating depression. Engaging in activities you love can give life meaning and meaning.
If you’re not sure where to begin, check out your local gym or group fitness class. Consult your physician for advice if you have a handicap or injury. Black Dog Institute offers interactive resources and a guide on depression and exercise. Beyond Blue also has an exercise plan template that can be used to plan your activity.
Alternative or complementary therapies
Many alternative or “natural” therapies are utilized to treat mental health problems. These include herbal treatments massage, acupuncture, and massage. These treatments have not been scientifically tested, and they may cause side consequences. They can also interfere with other medications, which is why people should only take them under the supervision of their physician or therapist.
Cancer Council does not recommend these therapies because there is limited research conducted on their effectiveness. Certain therapies have been advertised as “cancer remedies” but they are not proven. They may cause discomfort or harm to certain people, particularly if they attempt to replace medical treatments.
The most effective depression treatment typically consists of psychotherapy and medication. Psychotherapy is a general term to discuss your feelings with a trained professional, such as psychologist or psychiatrist. Some psychological treatments are more specific for depression than others. However, all aid in understanding your condition and find new ways to cope. They include:
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a method of changing negative evaluations and thought patterns that make depression worse. Interpersonal psychotherapy is a form of psychotherapy that concentrates on your relationships and how you interact with them. Therapy for couples and families can help you improve communication within your relationships.
Several different formats of therapy are available, including online sessions and computer programs. These sessions are generally less expensive than in-person sessions and may be beneficial for some people. However, not all of them are suitable for everyone and many are not covered by your insurance. Ask your therapist about their experience with such programs and if they think it is suitable for you.
During your conversation with your healthcare provider during your visit, they will review all the medications you use such as herbal supplements and other over-the-counter medications, to determine the impact they have on your depression. They will also assess if you have any physical health conditions that can sometimes be related to depression, such as chronic pain or thyroid disease. They will also consider if another mental health condition like bipolar disorder or personality disorders might be the cause of your depression.
