What is the Most Effective Depression Treatment?

The best shock treatment for depression for depression varies from person to. Talk with your doctor about what might work for you.

You may need to try a variety of antidepressants until find the one that you like. You might need to mix psychotherapy and antidepressants or with a medication to treat other physical or mental ailments like an anxiety drug, thyroid hormone or mood stabilizer.

Medication

For people suffering from mild to moderate depression, medication is often an effective treatment for depression. Antidepressants work by changing 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 prescribed by your physician. If you don't, they won't be effective.

In general, doctors recommend beginning with a selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) like citalopram (Celexa), Escitalopram (Lexapro) and fluoxetine (Prozac) or paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva), sertraline (Zoloft) or vilazodone (Viibryd). These drugs have been shown to be more effective than placebo in many clinical trials. These drugs can have serious side effects. It is essential to consult your doctor before starting or stopping one of these medicines.

You might need to test several antidepressants before you can find the one that works best for you. It is also possible to combine antidepressants with psychotherapy or other treatments. Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) may be an option for some patients suffering from a severe form of depression or a serious condition. The procedure utilizes electric impulses to induce controlled seizures in the brain. It can quickly alleviate depression and is particularly beneficial for patients who haven't 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 could be as effective or more effective than conventional ECT for treating depressive disorders. Researchers compared HFECT to standard ECT on 23 patients who had an history of first line treatment for depression-resistant depression. All patients had tried other treatment options for depression such as psychotherapy and physical exercise. Researchers found that HFECT significantly reduced depression symptoms, and also had fewer side-effects than ECT.

Other treatment of depression options include light therapy which is used to treat seasonal affective disorder (SAD). This involves sitting in a bright spot every day for about 30 minutes. A lamp or light box can be used at home. You can also get light therapy through certain health insurance plans, employee assistance programs and churches. Exercise, healthy eating and adequate sleep are also advised. In addition, it's essential to stay clear of alcohol and recreational drugs because they can exacerbate depression and make it difficult to respond to treatment.

Psychotherapy

Depression can drain your energy and make it difficult to perform the tasks of daily life. The good news is that when you seek assistance, your chances of recovering are very high. A combination of psychotherapy provided by a professional and medications can help those suffering from depression.

Therapists are trained to listen without judgment them, and can help you discover your struggles and emotions in an atmosphere of support. They also teach you coping skills and help you recognize your own self-awareness to help improve your mental well-being.

There are many different types of psychotherapy for depression. Cognitive therapy is a type that helps you identify negative thinking patterns and develop healthy ways to deal with difficult emotions. Behavioral therapy can change negative patterns of behavior by helping you build effective problem-solving skills manage stress and improve your interpersonal relationships. Other therapies, like dialectical behavior therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy, are often used to address the underlying issues that contribute to depression, like self-injury behavior and persistent suicidal phobias.

Psychotherapy is also a valuable tool for people who have chronic depression that hasn't responded to medications or for those who cannot take antidepressants due allergies or health reasons. In certain cases, a psychiatrist may recommend an alternative or complementary treatment for depression such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) which utilizes a residential treatment for depression coil placed against the scalp to transmit short magnetic pulses that impact the functioning and effects of neurotransmitters within the brain.

Psychotherapy can help family members and friends who are struggling with depression to cope with the condition. Family or marital therapy is sometimes recommended for those who live with someone who is suffering from depression. It can reduce tension and stress between family members and give them tools to help their loved ones in a healthy manner. A qualified therapist can assist them in helping their loved family members overcome depression.

Exercise

Exercise is a cheap and safe method of treating depression and anxiety. It increases energy, reduces stress, and improves balance and flexibility. It can also improve your sleep and boost your self-esteem. It's important to check with your GP before beginning anything new or increasing your exercise routine.

In large-scale epidemiological studies active men and women develop depression at lower rates than sedentary people. However, it's more difficult to determine whether exercise can treat depression. It's important to look into it just like any other medicine by randomly assigning patients with depression to either exercise or a group that is a control and scrupulously recording the outcomes.

The largest study of physical activity as a depression treatment to date suggests that it is effective at the very least, as psychotherapy and standard medications. The study gathered data from 41 trials that included 265 participants. The study revealed that almost all kinds of exercise can reduce symptoms of depression. However, some are more effective than others. The most effective exercises included jogging or walking, yoga and strength training. The benefits increased as the intensity increased, indicating that even moderate exercise is better than nothing.

Researchers believe there are many reasons why exercising can relieve depression. Exercise helps to increase blood flow and oxygen in the brain. It also increases certain chemical like dopamine and serumtonin. Other factors are the social support that comes from exercises in groups and the psychological motivation that motivates people to exercise.

People are often forced to cut back or restrict their activities when they are depressed, however, doctors suggest returning to those activities as soon as possible. They can help you restore joy and satisfaction. This is essential in beating depression. And doing things that you love can give your life meaning and significance.

If you're unsure of what to do, you can try a local gym or a group fitness class. If you suffer from an injury or physical disability consult your physician regarding the best exercise options. Black Dog Institute offers interactive resources and a guide on depression and exercise. Beyond Blue also has a template for planning your exercise routine.

Alternative or complementary therapies

Mental health issues can be treated with many alternative therapies or 'natural'. They include herbal remedies and massage. These treatments aren't tested in a scientific manner and may cause side effects. They may also interact with other medications, so it is recommended to only take them under the supervision of their therapist or doctor.

There isn't much research on the effectiveness of these treatments and they are not recommended by Cancer Council. Certain therapies have been marketed as "cancer cures" but they're not established and could cause harm or distress to some people, especially when they are attempting to replace medical treatments.

The most effective depression treatment typically includes psychotherapy and medication. Psychotherapy is a broad term to discuss your concerns with a trained professional, like a psychiatrist or psychologist. Some psychological treatments are more appropriate for depression than others. But, they all aid you in understanding your condition and discover new ways to deal with it. This includes:

CBT aims to change negative thinking patterns and pessimistic assessments that can cause depression to become worse. Interpersonal psychotherapy focuses on the relationships you have in your life and how you interact with them. Couples and family therapy can help you improve communication in your relationships.

Different types of therapy are available, including online sessions and computer programs. These are often cheaper than face-to-face sessions and could be beneficial for some individuals. Some are not suitable for everyone, and some aren't covered by insurance. Ask your therapist whether they have experience with these kinds of programs and ask them to recommend one that is suitable for you.

When you have a conversation with your the doctor, they will go over the medications you take, including herbal supplements and over-the-counter medicines, to see how they are impacting your depression. They will also look at your physical health to see whether you have any health issues that can be linked to depression. For instance, thyroid disease or 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.