What is the Most Effective Depression Treatment?
The best treatment for depression varies from person to person. Talk to your doctor about what may work for you.
You might need to try various antidepressants before finding one that helps. It is possible to combine psychotherapy and antidepressants, or with a medication to treat other physical or mental ailments, such as an anxiety medication, a mood stabilizer or thyroid hormone.
Medication
For those suffering from mild to moderate depression, medication is usually an effective treatment for depression. Antidepressants alter the levels of certain brain chemicals that are involved in mood. They also aid in reducing the frequency of depressive episodes. It's important to take these medicines as recommended by your doctor. If you do not, they won't work.
In general, doctors suggest beginning with a selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) such as citalopram (Celexa), the escitalopram (Lexapro) or the fluoxetine (Prozac) or paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva), sertraline (Zoloft) or vilazodone (Viibryd). These medications have been proven to be more effective than placebo in many clinical studies. These medications can cause serious side effects. It's important to consult your doctor before starting or stopping one of these medications.
You may have to try various antidepressants until you discover the one that is most effective for you. You may also have to combine antidepressants with psychotherapy or other treatments. For those who suffer from severe or life-threatening forms of depression electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a possibility. This treatment uses electrical impulses to cause controlled seizures in the head. It is effective in treating depression quickly and is ideal for those who have not been able to respond to other treatments.
The results of a recent study suggest a type of ECT called high-frequency ECT could be just as effective or even better than conventional ECT in treating refractory Depression and treatment disorders. Researchers compared HFECT with conventional ECT on 23 patients with an history of treatment resistant depression. They had all tried a variety of other depression treatment centers treatments like therapy and exercise. Researchers discovered that HFECT significantly reduced depression symptoms, and also had fewer side-effects than ECT.
Other biological treatment for depression options include light therapy that is used to treat seasonal affective disorder (SAD). This involves sitting in front of a bright light for about half an hour every morning. A light box or lamp is available for use at home. Some health insurance plans, Employee Assistance Programs, and churches provide light therapy. Exercise, healthy eating, and sufficient sleep are all essential. It is also essential to stay away from drinking and taking recreational drugs because they can exacerbate depression.
Psychotherapy
Depression can sap your energy and make it difficult to complete the daily tasks. The good news is that If you seek assistance, your chances of a successful recovery are high. People suffering from depression can find relief through the combination of therapy by a professional and medication.
In therapy, therapists listen without judgement to help you explore your feelings and issues in a safe and supportive environment. They also teach you how to cope and encourage self-awareness, which can promote mental health.
There are many different types of psychotherapy that are available for depression. Cognitive therapy is a kind that helps you recognize negative patterns of thinking and develop healthy ways to deal with difficult emotions. Behavioral therapy can change bad habits of behavior by helping you build effective problem-solving abilities, manage stress and improve interpersonal relationships. Other therapies, such as dialectical behavior therapy, as well as acceptance and commitment therapy are often employed to address the underlying issues that can cause depression, like self-injury behavior and persistent suicidal thoughts.
Psychotherapy is a beneficial tool for those suffering from chronic depression, who haven't had a response to medication or are not able to take antidepressants due to health reasons or allergies. In some cases, a psychiatrist might suggest an alternative or complementary therapy for depression such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) which makes use of a treatment coil placed against the scalp to send brief magnetic pulses that affect the function and effect of neurotransmitters within the brain.
In addition to helping people gain the sense of control and pleasure in life Psychotherapy can also assist family members or friends who are suffering from the effects of depression on their loved family members. Family or marital therapy is often recommended for those who are living with a loved one who is suffering from depression. It can reduce tension and stress between family members and provide them with tools to support their loved ones in a healthy manner. A trained therapist can also teach them how to help their loved family members overcome depression.
Exercise
Exercise is a secure and cost-effective alternative to other treatments for depression and anxiety. It changes levels of chemicals in the brain, improves balance and flexibility improves energy levels and reduces stress. It can also aid with the quality of sleep and increase self-esteem. Before beginning a new workout routine or increasing your intensity, you should consult your doctor.
In large-scale epidemiological studies active women and men develop depression at a lower rate than sedentary people. It's a bit more difficult to determine whether exercise can help treat depression that is already present. It is important to research it just like any other drug. Randomly assigning people suffering from depression to exercise or a control group, and then observing their progress.
The most comprehensive study on physical exercise as a treatment for depression so far suggests that it works at least as effectively as standard medication and psychotherapy. The study gathered information from 41 trials that involved 265 participants. The study revealed that almost all types of exercise can reduce depression symptoms. However certain types of exercise are more effective than others. Jogging or walking is the most effective form of exercise, followed by strength and yoga. The benefits grew with intensity, indicating that even mild exercise is better than none at all.
Researchers suspect there are several reasons why exercise can relieve depression. One is that it helps by increasing blood flow and oxygen to the brain. It also increases certain chemical such as dopamine and serotonin. Other factors include the social benefits of exercises in groups and the psychological motivation that motivates people to exercise.
When people are depressed, they often stop or reduce their activities. Doctors suggest that you attempt to resume your activities as soon as you are able to. Practicing them can help restore joy and pleasure, which is important to beating depression. Doing things you enjoy gives your life meaning and purpose.
If you're unsure where to begin, check out your local gym or 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 exercise and depression. Beyond Blue also has an outline of how to plan your exercise routine.
Alternative or complementary therapies
Mental health problems are treated using a variety of alternative therapies or 'natural'. They can include herbal remedies massage, acupuncture, and massage. These treatments are not tested in a scientific manner and may cause side effects. These treatments can also interact with other drugs. It is recommended to only use these treatments under the supervision of a therapist or doctor.
Cancer Council does not recommend these treatments because there is very little research on their effectiveness. Some have been marketed as "cancer cures" but they are not tested and may cause harm or distress to some people, especially when they attempt to replace medical treatments.
The most effective depression treatment usually includes medication and psychotherapy. Psychotherapy is the term used to describe speaking about your thoughts and feelings with an experienced professional, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. Some types of psychological treatment are more specific to depression than others, however all will aid you in understanding your condition and learn new ways to deal with it. They include:
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) seeks to alter negative evaluations and thought patterns that can cause depression to become worse. Psychotherapy for interpersonal relationships is focused on the relationships in your life and how you interact with them. Family therapy and couples therapy can help improve communication in your relationships.
Several different formats of therapy are available that include online sessions and computer programs. These are often cheaper than face-toface sessions and may be beneficial for some individuals. Some are not suitable for all, and a few aren't covered by insurance. Ask your therapist about their experience with such programs and if one is right for you.
When you have a conversation with your the doctor, they will review the medications you are taking, including herbal supplements and prescription drugs to treat depression and anxiety, to see how they affect your depression. They will also check whether you suffer from any physical conditions that may be related to depression, such as chronic pain or thyroid illness. They will also determine whether you have another mental condition that could be contributing to depression, such as bipolar disorder or personality disorders.
The best treatment for depression varies from person to person. Talk to your doctor about what may work for you.You might need to try various antidepressants before finding one that helps. It is possible to combine psychotherapy and antidepressants, or with a medication to treat other physical or mental ailments, such as an anxiety medication, a mood stabilizer or thyroid hormone.
Medication
For those suffering from mild to moderate depression, medication is usually an effective treatment for depression. Antidepressants alter the levels of certain brain chemicals that are involved in mood. They also aid in reducing the frequency of depressive episodes. It's important to take these medicines as recommended by your doctor. If you do not, they won't work.
In general, doctors suggest beginning with a selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) such as citalopram (Celexa), the escitalopram (Lexapro) or the fluoxetine (Prozac) or paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva), sertraline (Zoloft) or vilazodone (Viibryd). These medications have been proven to be more effective than placebo in many clinical studies. These medications can cause serious side effects. It's important to consult your doctor before starting or stopping one of these medications.
You may have to try various antidepressants until you discover the one that is most effective for you. You may also have to combine antidepressants with psychotherapy or other treatments. For those who suffer from severe or life-threatening forms of depression electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a possibility. This treatment uses electrical impulses to cause controlled seizures in the head. It is effective in treating depression quickly and is ideal for those who have not been able to respond to other treatments.
The results of a recent study suggest a type of ECT called high-frequency ECT could be just as effective or even better than conventional ECT in treating refractory Depression and treatment disorders. Researchers compared HFECT with conventional ECT on 23 patients with an history of treatment resistant depression. They had all tried a variety of other depression treatment centers treatments like therapy and exercise. Researchers discovered that HFECT significantly reduced depression symptoms, and also had fewer side-effects than ECT.
Other biological treatment for depression options include light therapy that is used to treat seasonal affective disorder (SAD). This involves sitting in front of a bright light for about half an hour every morning. A light box or lamp is available for use at home. Some health insurance plans, Employee Assistance Programs, and churches provide light therapy. Exercise, healthy eating, and sufficient sleep are all essential. It is also essential to stay away from drinking and taking recreational drugs because they can exacerbate depression.
Psychotherapy
Depression can sap your energy and make it difficult to complete the daily tasks. The good news is that If you seek assistance, your chances of a successful recovery are high. People suffering from depression can find relief through the combination of therapy by a professional and medication.
In therapy, therapists listen without judgement to help you explore your feelings and issues in a safe and supportive environment. They also teach you how to cope and encourage self-awareness, which can promote mental health.
There are many different types of psychotherapy that are available for depression. Cognitive therapy is a kind that helps you recognize negative patterns of thinking and develop healthy ways to deal with difficult emotions. Behavioral therapy can change bad habits of behavior by helping you build effective problem-solving abilities, manage stress and improve interpersonal relationships. Other therapies, such as dialectical behavior therapy, as well as acceptance and commitment therapy are often employed to address the underlying issues that can cause depression, like self-injury behavior and persistent suicidal thoughts.
Psychotherapy is a beneficial tool for those suffering from chronic depression, who haven't had a response to medication or are not able to take antidepressants due to health reasons or allergies. In some cases, a psychiatrist might suggest an alternative or complementary therapy for depression such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) which makes use of a treatment coil placed against the scalp to send brief magnetic pulses that affect the function and effect of neurotransmitters within the brain.
In addition to helping people gain the sense of control and pleasure in life Psychotherapy can also assist family members or friends who are suffering from the effects of depression on their loved family members. Family or marital therapy is often recommended for those who are living with a loved one who is suffering from depression. It can reduce tension and stress between family members and provide them with tools to support their loved ones in a healthy manner. A trained therapist can also teach them how to help their loved family members overcome depression.
Exercise
Exercise is a secure and cost-effective alternative to other treatments for depression and anxiety. It changes levels of chemicals in the brain, improves balance and flexibility improves energy levels and reduces stress. It can also aid with the quality of sleep and increase self-esteem. Before beginning a new workout routine or increasing your intensity, you should consult your doctor.
In large-scale epidemiological studies active women and men develop depression at a lower rate than sedentary people. It's a bit more difficult to determine whether exercise can help treat depression that is already present. It is important to research it just like any other drug. Randomly assigning people suffering from depression to exercise or a control group, and then observing their progress.
The most comprehensive study on physical exercise as a treatment for depression so far suggests that it works at least as effectively as standard medication and psychotherapy. The study gathered information from 41 trials that involved 265 participants. The study revealed that almost all types of exercise can reduce depression symptoms. However certain types of exercise are more effective than others. Jogging or walking is the most effective form of exercise, followed by strength and yoga. The benefits grew with intensity, indicating that even mild exercise is better than none at all.
Researchers suspect there are several reasons why exercise can relieve depression. One is that it helps by increasing blood flow and oxygen to the brain. It also increases certain chemical such as dopamine and serotonin. Other factors include the social benefits of exercises in groups and the psychological motivation that motivates people to exercise.
When people are depressed, they often stop or reduce their activities. Doctors suggest that you attempt to resume your activities as soon as you are able to. Practicing them can help restore joy and pleasure, which is important to beating depression. Doing things you enjoy gives your life meaning and purpose.
If you're unsure where to begin, check out your local gym or 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 exercise and depression. Beyond Blue also has an outline of how to plan your exercise routine.
Alternative or complementary therapies
Mental health problems are treated using a variety of alternative therapies or 'natural'. They can include herbal remedies massage, acupuncture, and massage. These treatments are not tested in a scientific manner and may cause side effects. These treatments can also interact with other drugs. It is recommended to only use these treatments under the supervision of a therapist or doctor.
Cancer Council does not recommend these treatments because there is very little research on their effectiveness. Some have been marketed as "cancer cures" but they are not tested and may cause harm or distress to some people, especially when they attempt to replace medical treatments.
The most effective depression treatment usually includes medication and psychotherapy. Psychotherapy is the term used to describe speaking about your thoughts and feelings with an experienced professional, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. Some types of psychological treatment are more specific to depression than others, however all will aid you in understanding your condition and learn new ways to deal with it. They include:
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) seeks to alter negative evaluations and thought patterns that can cause depression to become worse. Psychotherapy for interpersonal relationships is focused on the relationships in your life and how you interact with them. Family therapy and couples therapy can help improve communication in your relationships.
Several different formats of therapy are available that include online sessions and computer programs. These are often cheaper than face-toface sessions and may be beneficial for some individuals. Some are not suitable for all, and a few aren't covered by insurance. Ask your therapist about their experience with such programs and if one is right for you.
When you have a conversation with your the doctor, they will review the medications you are taking, including herbal supplements and prescription drugs to treat depression and anxiety, to see how they affect your depression. They will also check whether you suffer from any physical conditions that may be related to depression, such as chronic pain or thyroid illness. They will also determine whether you have another mental condition that could be contributing to depression, such as bipolar disorder or personality disorders.