Finding the Right Depression Treatment Find out which treatments are available and which ones might be the best for you. Mild depression can be treated with psychotherapy. The use of medication is usually recommended for severe and moderate depression. Psychological therapies teach people how to alter negative thinking patterns and increase their coping skills. You can receive guidance through guided self-help and group sessions as well as individual therapy. Medications Medications can help reduce depression symptoms for certain people. They are usually prescribed to patients suffering from moderate or serious depression. They are not usually advised for those with mild depression in the event that other treatments such as talk therapy do not improve symptoms. Most doctors start patients on the lowest possible dose that could be effective, and slowly increase it over time until they get the desired effect. There are a variety of side effects associated with antidepressants, however they may differ from drug to drug. They may also lessen over time. A physical examination as well as blood tests and other tests may be conducted to identify underlying health problems that could be contributing to your depression. Your doctor will ask you about your thoughts, feelings and symptoms. They will then use the criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to determine a diagnosis. Antidepressants may take a few weeks before they begin to work however, you should continue taking them as prescribed until your doctor instructs you to stop. It is important not to miss any doses, as missing doses can adversely impact the effectiveness of the medication. Contact your doctor immediately when you experience serious side effects. They may reduce your dosage or switch you to a different kind of medication that may have less severe side effects. Some antidepressants target both depression and anxiety, while others only treat one. The most commonly used antidepressants are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants. These include citalopram (Celexa) as well as escitalopram (Lexapro) as well as fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil) and sertraline (Zoloft). If your depression is severe, it might be necessary to seek psychiatric treatment at the hospital if at risk of harming yourself or anyone else. You might also need to stay in a specialized clinic or day treatment program until your mood improves. In certain situations, ECT or transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) can be beneficial as an alternative to medicines. During ECT, electrical currents are pushed through your brain to alter the function and effects of neurotransmitters involved in the regulation of mood. In TMS, a coil that is positioned on your scalp emits short magnetic pulses to stimulate the nerve cells that regulate mood. Medication-Assisted Therapy (MAT) Medication-assisted treatment is a comprehensive method of treatment that combines FDA-approved medications with behavioral health services. The effectiveness of MAT is contingent on the determination of the individual to engage in treatment, and their accountability towards their recovery plan. The medications used in MAT do not replace addictive drugs. They normalize brain chemistry, reduce cravings, and regulate brain chemistry. A person who is MAT receives a behavioral therapy program, as well as support from friends and family. This combination has proven successful in helping people recover from drug use disorders. MAT is offered in many locations, including emergency departments clinics in county hospitals, First Chance Sobering Station and various other community settings. MAT isn't widely accessible despite its many benefits. The current delivery system divides addiction, mental health, and medical treatment, which hampers collaboration. Additionally, stigma prevents people from seeking help for their substance abuse disorder (SUD) or taking part in MAT. This stigma can be triggered by a variety of factors including doctors, other healthcare providers such as self-help groups, friends, family members, and others who do not support the use of MAT. Psychosocial supports are a key component of MAT. However, more research is required to find the most effective kinds of support services. Researchers conducted a literature review and key informant interviews to address this need. They interviewed nine key stakeholders who had expertise in psychosocial support for MAT. These stakeholders comprised researchers as well as healthcare providers and administrators of MAT programs. The review of the literature and key informant interviews demonstrate that a wide range of psychosocial support services are offered in MAT. However, there's a lack of data comparing the impact of these supports on patient outcomes. Future research should focus evaluating the impact of psychosocial support services across a broad variety of MAT delivery models and settings and also by dosage and medication type. Talk Therapy Psychological treatment of depression helps people understand what's causing their symptoms, and how they can alter negative thoughts patterns. Anyone of any age and at various stages of their lives, can benefit from it. However choosing the right therapist could be challenging. It is crucial to find a therapist who is respectful, attentive and open-minded. It's also crucial that there is an "chemistry" between the therapist and the patient. It's not unusual to try more than one therapist before finding the perfect fit. Talk therapy can boost mood by fixing the primary causes of depression. It can also teach people how to manage stress in a healthy way. Psychotherapy can make a person feel better after just a few sessions. In your first visit your mental health professional may be able to ask you about your symptoms, feelings, and thoughts. They may also conduct an examination for physical health and run lab tests to see if any underlying medical issues could be causing your depression. They will also likely use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to determine if you are suffering from depression. There are many forms of psychotherapy available to treat depression. These include cognitive behavioral therapy and psychotherapy for interpersonal relationships. These therapies have been proven to be effective and can help improve depression. https://www.iampsychiatry.com/depression-treatment are often combined with other treatments such as MAT. Guided self-help is another type of psychological treatment for depression. It is typically based on cognitive behavior therapy, and involves the use of online or printed materials with the help of a professional therapist. Self-help guided by a therapist can be done in person, via video or phone calls. Behavioral activation therapy is a form of talk therapy that helps people with depression find ways to be active again. It's generally offered to those with mild to moderate depression who haven't seen results with other treatments. In behavioural activated therapy you'll be working with a therapist to discover the connections between your activities and mood. Then, you'll be encouraged to take small steps, for example, planning out social activities or going for a walk, that can boost your mood. You'll usually have 8 to 16 sessions. Self-Help Self-help therapies are not recommended by clinical professionals, but they are best used as an addition to other treatments for depression. These therapies can be helpful for people suffering from mild depression, or who cannot access other treatments. Self-help for depression could include things such as group support and therapy as well as a structured exercise program or mindfulness based stress reduction (MBSR). Support groups offer a safe, supportive environment where people can share their stories of being depressed. They can also help you develop a network of support that can be beneficial in times of crisis. You can find a group close to you by searching online or asking your physician for an opinion. Self-help for depression can include a behavioural therapy that teaches how to recognize and overcome negative thoughts or behaviors. This kind of therapy can be done face-to-face, over the phone or on the internet. A behavioural treatment plan for depression is usually built around cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT). CBT focuses primarily on how your thoughts and feelings influence your mood and behavior. It also teaches you skills to manage your mood and prevent symptoms from returning. Talking therapies can be a good option for people who suffer from mild to moderate depression who aren't comfortable taking medication. This is particularly relevant for those who are concerned about side effects or who have an allergy history or other health conditions. There are many different types of therapy that can be used to treat depression. This includes psychodynamic therapy and inter-personal therapy. It is also possible to get the combination of medication and psychotherapy, as is typically the case with severe depression. If you're experiencing depression symptoms it is crucial to be diagnosed as soon as possible. The earlier you seek treatment the better your chances of recovery. Be aware that your recovery is likely to have some ups and lows. Do not abandon a treatment in the event that it fails or has unacceptable negative side effects. Continue to experiment with new treatments and stay up-to-date about what works for other people.