Depression Treatment Methods Depression can be treated using a variety of methods. They can avail psychotherapy, alternative treatments and medications. Psychotherapy includes cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps people recognize and alter their thinking patterns. Other options include acceptance and commitment therapy, as well as dialectical therapy for behavior that are both designed for people who have depression that is who are resistant to treatment. Medication The most effective medication is the depression treatment method, and the first method that people attempt. They are particularly effective in cases of severe or moderate depression, or when there is a greater likelihood of suicide. Medication can relieve symptoms quickly and help prevent relapses. Antidepressant medications are used to treat depression. The most popular antidepressant is fluoxetine (Prozac). It is taken orally in tablet form and has been used for a long time. However, newer medications, such as sertraline (Zoloft) and citalopram (Celexa) could be more effective and have fewer adverse effects. Talk therapy is often paired with medication for severe depression. Psychotherapy is designed to help you better understand the causes of depression and to show you how to cope with it. You can do it alone with a professional or in a group with other patients. Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), and interpersonal therapy are two forms of talk therapy which have been proven effective. Other treatments for depression include exercise, light therapy and meditation. A light box that mimics bright sunlight is used to treat seasonal affective disorder (SAD). It can also be used to treat chronic depression disorder in people suffering from bipolar disorders. To improve the effects, your doctor may also prescribe a medication to treat an additional physical or mental disorder in combination with an antidepressant. This is referred to as augmentation. It could involve a mood stabilizer, antianxiety or antipsychotic medication or even thyroid hormone. If your depression is mild your GP might suggest taking a few days off to see if the symptoms go away by themselves. This is called "watchful waiting". It's important to stay in contact with your GP and set up regular appointments for them to keep track of your performance. Many people suffering from depression benefit from other therapies, such as reflexology, which involves pressure being applied to specific points on the body, or for energy healing. Some patients find relief from meditation or yoga. Others find comfort in prayer or chanting. If you're suffering from depression that is severe or thoughts of self-harming, it is crucial to seek treatment immediately. Psychotherapy Talk therapy, also known as psychotherapy, can help people learn how to manage their symptoms and comprehend the reasons behind their depression. It can be utilized alongside medication or by itself. It is important that you start treatment as soon as you can and attend all sessions. There are different types of psychotherapy. Each is suitable for specific situations or clinical circumstances. Group therapy is a mixture of two or more people and you, while family therapy helps your loved ones learn how to support you. Some therapists specialize in certain areas, like family issues or childhood trauma and can provide specialized treatments that are best for you. Psychotherapy can be classified into cognitive therapy, behavioral therapy, and psychotherapy that is interpersonal. Behavioral therapy can teach you new techniques to deal with depression and alter habits of behavior that aren't helping. Cognitive therapy focuses on changing negative evaluations and unhelpful thinking patterns that lead to depression. Interpersonal psychotherapy is a short-term treatment that aims to improve the relationship problems that are the most closely linked to your depression. It could take some time and patience to find the right treatment for you, but the results will be worth it. It's also beneficial to have a support system that can aid you in staying on track with your treatment. Speak to trusted family members or friends, join a depression support group or go through trustworthy self-help books and websites. If you have a serious medical issue, like an injury or illness, it's essential to have a doctor look over you and determine if there is a physical cause for your depression. If there is, that issue must be treated before you can begin therapy. Combining https://www.iampsychiatry.com/depression-treatment with psychotherapy is an effective way to treat depression. Keep in mind that all forms of treatment for depression can take time and you'll experience ups and downs as you work through the process. If you stick to your plan, you will be able to beat depression. Light therapy The act of sitting in front of a light box or special lamp that emits bright light is called light therapy. It's a very popular treatment for people with seasonal affective disorder (SAD). It resembles natural sunlight and can improve mood and energy. It's also proven to improve sleep issues that are often linked with depression. Light therapy is thought to work by altering circadian rhythms in the brain and increasing serotonin. It's possible that light therapy can have an effect positive on other hormones, for instance melatonin, which is released when you are asleep. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence recommends that SAD be treated in the same way as other types depression. This includes talking therapies like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and light therapy, and antidepressants. It's most effective if started at the beginning of winter, before symptoms start to show and then continued until spring. Recent research into the use of light therapy in the treatment of SAD found that most patients who received the treatment achieved remission based on strict criteria. The Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-SAD version, a well-established measurement of symptoms, showed a reduction. The study also showed that the treatment was safe and well-tolerated. Be aware that light therapy is not a panacea for SAD. You should still consult a doctor for advice. It's essential to be active, eat a balanced diet take a good night's sleep, and reduce stress. Antidepressants can also be effective in treating SAD. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most frequently prescribed type of antidepressant to treat SAD, and they can lift your mood within several weeks. Side effects can include a dry mouth or diarrhoea or nausea, as well as constipation. However these symptoms typically diminish quickly. Some people may discover that light therapy does not improve their symptoms or they have unpleasant side effects, such as eye strain, headache and agitation, or skin irritation. These side effects can be minimized by adjusting the duration of treatment and time of day or the medication used. Alternative or complementary therapies Prescription medication is among the most commonly used treatments for depression. However, it might not be suitable for everyone. If a medication isn't effective or causes intolerable negative side effects, it might be time to try an alternative or complementary therapy. These are therapies that focus on your physical or spiritual well-being and can help relieve symptoms of depression, like anxiety and pain. Acupuncture involves inserting needles in various body parts, like your hands, ear or feet. It can help with a variety of symptoms including insomnia, anxiety, and depression. It's been shown to be as effective as antidepressants, however it doesn't have the same side effects. Meditation mindfulness: This type is about learning to be aware of your thoughts actions, feelings and emotions without judgment. It helps you to feel more in control of your emotions. You can do it on your own or work with a trained therapist. Yoga: This kind of exercise can reduce depression and stress. It also improves breathing and creates a sense of well-being. Massage The touch of a hand can be relaxing and deep-tissue massages are a great way to aid in relieving muscle tightness as well as depression and anxiety. Aromatherapy: Inhaling the fragrance of essential oils can help ease a depressed mood. Energy healing: This can be achieved through techniques such as reiki, yoga and tai-chi. They are based on the notion that illnesses are caused by blockages in the energy. Exercise: Walking, swimming or any other kind of exercise can help treat depression. A recent study revealed that 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week reduced depression symptoms. Eye movement desensitization processing (EMDR) is an extremely new therapy, uses repeated exposure to a distressing memory to help the mind process it. It has been demonstrated to be highly effective for PTSD however, it needs more research into its effectiveness for depression. The Royal College of Psychiatrists has examined the evidence for several CAM treatments for depression, such as Acupuncture and bright light therapy. However the reviews were not extensive and some were not without limitations, like the small number of trials included and small sample sizes. Therefore, the Royal College of Psychiatrists is not advocating any CAM treatments for depression.