What is the Most Effective Depression Treatment?

The best treatment for depression varies depending on the individual. Talk to your doctor about what might work for you.

It is possible to test several antidepressants until you find the one that works for you. It is also possible to combine antidepressants with psychotherapy or a medication used to treat another physical or extreme Depression treatment mental illness like an antipsychotic mood stabilizer, anti-anxiety medication or thyroid hormone.

Medication

For people with mild to moderate depression, medication can be an effective treatment for depression. Antidepressants alter the levels of certain brain chemicals involved in mood. They also aid in reducing the frequency of depressive episodes. However, it's important to take these medications as prescribed by your doctor. If you do not, they won't work.

Doctors suggest starting with a selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) such as fluoxetine, escitalopram or citalopram paroxetine and sertraline, Zoloft, or vilazodone. In numerous clinical trials, these drugs were shown to be more effective that placebo. These drugs can have serious adverse effects. It is important to talk with your doctor prior to taking or stopping any of these medications.

You may have to try various antidepressants until you discover the one that works best for you. It is also possible to combine antidepressants and psychotherapy or other treatment. For some people with a severe or life-threatening form of depression electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an option. This treatment uses electrical impulses to induce controlled seizures in the brain. It is efficient in treating depression quickly and is best for those who have not been able to respond to other treatments.

The results of a new study suggest that a particular type of ECT known as high-frequency ECT (HFECT) might be as effective as or better than conventional ECT in treating depression that is refractory. Researchers compared HFECT with conventional ECT on 23 patients with an history of treatment-resistant depression. All patients had tried other treatment options ketamine for treatment resistant depression depression like psychotherapy or physical exercise. Researchers found that HFECT dramatically reduced depression symptoms and produced less side-effects than ECT.

Other treatment options include light therapy that is used to treat seasonal affective disorder (SAD). This is done by sitting in a bright, bright light each day for 30 minutes. You can use the light box or lamp at your home. Certain health insurance plans, employee Assistance Programs and churches provide light therapy. Exercise, healthy eating, and adequate sleep are all suggested. It's also important to stay clear of drinking and taking recreational drugs, as they can worsen depression.

Psychotherapy

Depression can sap your energy, making it difficult to take care of the tasks of daily living. The good news is, If you seek help, the chances of recovery are high. A combination of psychotherapy provided by a professional and medications can help those suffering from depression.

Therapists are trained to listen without judgment you, and help you explore your emotions and challenges in a supportive environment. They can also assist you to develop coping skills and increase your self-awareness, which can promote mental well-being.

There are a variety of types of psychotherapy for people suffering from recurrent depression treatment. Cognitive therapy is one kind that helps you recognize negative patterns of thinking and develop healthy ways to deal with difficult emotions. Behavioral therapy can help you improve your interpersonal relationships, discover how to manage stress and improve your ability to solve problems. Other therapies, such as the dialectical behavior therapy or acceptance and commitment therapy are often used to address the underlying issues that cause extreme depression treatment, like self-injury and suicidal thoughts.

Psychotherapy is a beneficial option for people suffering from recurring depression who have not had a response to medication or are not able to take antidepressants because of health reasons or allergies. In certain instances a psychiatrist might recommend an alternative or complementary therapy for depression like transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) which makes use of a treatment coil that is positioned against the scalp to transmit short magnetic pulses that alter the functioning and effects of neurotransmitters within the brain.

In addition to helping people gain the sense of control and joy in their lives, psychotherapy can assist family members or friends suffering from the effects of depression on their loved family members. Therapy for marital or family members is often recommended for those who live with a loved one who is struggling with depression. It can ease stress and tension among family members and provide the family members with tools to help their loved ones in a healthy manner. Additionally, a trained therapist can teach them ways to help their loved one overcome depression.

Exercise

Exercise is a secure and inexpensive supplement to other treatments for anxiety and depression. It improves the level of brain chemicals, improves balance and flexibility boosts energy and decreases stress. It can also improve 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 studies, both men and women who are active suffer from depression at a less rate than those who are sedentary. But it's trickier to test whether exercise can treat existing depression. It is important to research it the same way as any other medication. Randomly assigning patients suffering from depression either to exercise or a control group, and then tracking their progress.

The largest study on physical activity as a depression treatment to date suggests it works at a minimum, as well as standard psychotherapy and drugs. The study pooled data from 41 studies involving 265 participants. The study revealed that almost all types of exercise can reduce depression symptoms. However, some are more effective than others. Jogging or walking is the most effective type of exercise followed by strength training and yoga. And the benefits increased with intensity, suggesting that even mild exercise is better than none at all.

Researchers suspect that there are multiple reasons why exercise helps with depression. Exercise helps to increase the flow of blood and oxygen into the brain. Another reason is that it boosts certain chemicals, including serotonin and dopamine. Other factors include the social support that comes from exercises in groups and the psychological motivation that keeps people working out.

People often reduce or stop their activities when they are depressed, however, doctors suggest returning to those activities as soon as possible. They can help you regain satisfaction and pleasure. This is vital in beating depression. Being involved in activities that you enjoy can give your life meaning and meaning.

If you're not sure which direction to take, go to the local gym or group fitness class. Speak to your doctor if you have a disability or injury. For more information and interactive resources, Black Dog Institute has an overview of exercise and depression, and Beyond Blue offers a template to help plan your activity.

Alternative or complementary therapies

Many alternative or 'natural' treatments are used to treat mental health problems. These include herbal remedies and massage. These treatments aren't tested in a scientific manner and may cause side negative effects. They may also interact with other medications, so people should only use them with the approval of their therapist or doctor.

Cancer Council does not recommend these therapies because there is limited research conducted on their effectiveness. Some have been promoted as "cancer cures" but they are not established and could cause distress or harm to some 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 psychiatrist or psychologist. Certain kinds of psychological treatments are more specific to depression than others, but all will aid you in understanding your condition and develop new strategies to deal with it. These include:

CBT seeks to change negative thinking patterns and negative assessments that can cause depression to become worse. Psychotherapy for interpersonal relationships is a kind of psychotherapy that is focused on your relationships and how you interact. Therapy for couples and families can aid in improving communication within your relationships.

A variety of different forms of therapy are available in the form of computer programs and online sessions. They are usually cheaper than face-to-face sessions and may be beneficial for certain people. Some are not suitable for all, and a few aren't covered by insurance. Ask your therapist about their experience with these programs and whether one is right for you.

When you have a conversation with your health care provider, your doctor will review the medicines you take, such as herbal supplements and over-the-counter medicines to determine how they are impacting your morning depression treatment. They will also look at your physical health to see if you have any conditions that can be linked to post stroke depression treatment. For instance thyroid disease, chronic back pain. They will also consider if another mental health issue such as bipolar disorder or personality disorders could be the reason behind your depression.