What is the Most Effective Depression Treatment?

The best treatment for severe depression treatment for depression and anxiety for depression differs depending on the individual. Talk with your doctor about the best treatment for you.

You may have to test several antidepressants until you find the one that is effective for you. It is possible to combine psychotherapy and antidepressants, or with a medication that treats another physical or mental condition, such as an anti-anxiety drug, mood stabilizer or thyroid hormone.

Medication

Medication is a very effective treatment for moderate to mild depression. Antidepressants affect the levels of certain brain chemicals involved in mood. They also can help reduce the frequency of depressive episodes. It's important to take these medications according to the dosage recommended by your doctor. They won't work if don't.

Doctors recommend starting with an selective Serotonin-Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) like fluoxetine, escitalopram and citalopram paroxetine and sertraline, Zoloft or vilazodone. In numerous clinical trials, these medications were found to be more effective than placebo. They can cause serious side effects, which is why it's very important to talk with your physician before you stop or begin taking any of these medications.

You might need to test several antidepressants before you can find the one that works for you. You may also have to combine antidepressants with psychotherapy or other treatments. For some people with severe or life-threatening forms of depression electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a possibility. The procedure utilizes electric impulses to induce controlled seizures in the brain. It is efficient in treating depression quickly and is recommended for patients who have not been able to respond to other treatments.

The results of an investigation that was conducted recently suggest that a type of ECT known as high-frequency ECT may be just as effective or even better than conventional ECT at treating refractory depressive disorders. Researchers compared HFECT to standard ECT on 23 patients with a history of treatment resistant depression. They had all tried a variety of other treatments for depression like psychotherapy and exercise. Researchers found that HFECT significantly reduced depression symptoms and had fewer side-effects than ECT.

Light therapy is another option for treating seasonal affective disorder. This is done by sitting in a bright light every morning for around 30 minutes. A light box or lamp is available for use at home. You can also obtain light therapy through some health insurance plans as well as employee assistance programs and churches. Exercise, healthy eating and adequate sleep are all suggested. In addition, it's important to avoid 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 daily tasks. The good news is, if you get help, your chances of recovering are very high. Depressed people can get relief with the combination of professional therapy and medication.

Therapists are trained to listen without judging them, and can help you discover your struggles and emotions in a supportive environment. They can also help you improve your coping skills and your self-awareness, which will boost your mental wellbeing.

There are a variety of types of psychotherapy that are available for people suffering from depression. Cognitive therapy is a type that helps you identify negative patterns of thinking and develop healthy strategies for dealing with difficult emotions. Behavioral therapy helps you improve your interpersonal relationships, discover how to treat Anxiety and depression without medication to manage stress and improve your ability to solve problems. Other therapies, like dialectical behavior therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy, are often used to address the root causes that can cause depression, like self-injury behavior and persistent suicidal phobias.

Psychotherapy is also a valuable tool for those who suffer from persistent depression that has not responded to medications or for those who are unable to take antidepressants due to allergies or health issues. In certain instances, a psychiatrist might suggest alternative or complementary therapies for depression such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) which utilizes a treatment coil that is positioned against the scalp to send brief magnetic pulses that affect the functions and effects of neurotransmitters in the brain.

In addition to helping people find a sense of control and enjoyment in their lives, psychotherapy can assist family members or friends who are experiencing the effects of depression on their loved family members. Couples or families who are living with someone who is depressed may be recommended to undergo family therapy. It can help reduce tension and stress between family members and equip them with the tools they need to help their loved one in a healthy way. A trained therapist can also guide them on how to help their loved ones overcome depression.

Exercise

Exercise is a secure and inexpensive addition to other treatments for depression and anxiety. It changes levels of brain chemicals and improves flexibility and balance, increases energy and reduces stress. It can also aid with sleep and boost self-esteem. It is important to consult your GP before beginning any new exercise or ramping up your workout.

In large-scale epidemiological studies active men and women develop depression at a lower rate than those who are sedentary. It's more difficult to determine whether exercise can help treat depression that already exists. It's important to examine it as you would any other medication by randomly assigning patients with depression to either exercise or a group that is a control and meticulously keeping track of the results.

The largest study on physical activity as a depression treatment to date suggests that it works at a minimum, as well as standard psychotherapy and drugs. The study gathered data from 41 trials that involved 2,265 participants. The study concluded that nearly all types of exercise can reduce depression symptoms. However some are more effective than others. The most efficient exercises were walking or jogging yoga, strength training and yoga. And the benefits increased with intensity, suggesting that even moderate exercise is better than nothing.

Researchers believe there are a variety of reasons why exercise can relieve depression. Exercise increases the flow of blood and oxygen to the brain. Another reason is that it boosts certain chemicals, including dopamine and serotonin. Other factors could be the social support that comes from group exercise, and the psychological motivation to continue exercising.

If someone is depressed, they tend to stop or decrease their activities. Doctors advise that you try to get back to your activities as soon as you are able to. Engaging in them can help restore satisfaction and pleasure which is crucial in beating depression. Being involved in activities you enjoy can provide you with an identity and meaning.

If you're not sure what to do, you can try your local gym or group fitness class. If you have an injury or physical disability, talk to your doctor about how to treat depression and anxiety to find suitable exercise options. For more information and interactive resources, Black Dog Institute has a guide to exercise and depression as well as Beyond Blue offers a template to help you plan your exercise.

Alternative or complementary therapies

Mental health issues can be treated using a variety of alternative or 'natural therapies'. These include herbal treatments and massage. These treatments are not scientifically validated, and they could cause adverse consequences. They can also interfere with other medications, so it is recommended to only take them under the supervision of their doctor or therapist.

There isn't much research into the efficacy of these treatments and they are not recommended by Cancer Council. Some have been promoted as 'cancer remedies', however, they aren't tested. They may cause distress or harm to some people, especially if trying to replace medical treatments.

The most effective treatment for depression typically includes both medication and psychotherapy. Psychotherapy is a broad term for talking about your experiences with a trained professional, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. Certain psychotherapy treatments are more suited for depression than others. But, they all help you to understand your condition and find new ways to deal with it. This includes:

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) seeks to alter negative perceptions and thinking patterns that cause depression to worsen. Interpersonal psychotherapy is a type of psychotherapy that concentrates on your relationships and how you interact with them. Family and couples therapy can help you improve communication in your relationships.

Different types of therapy are available, including computer programs and online sessions. These are often less expensive than face-to-face sessions and may be beneficial for some people. However, they are not suitable for everyone, and some are not covered by your insurance. Ask your therapist about their experiences with such programs and if one might be right for you.

In your meeting with your healthcare provider the doctor will go over all the medications you take such as herbal supplements and other over-the-counter medications, to determine how they affect your depression. They will also examine your physical health to determine whether you suffer from any medical conditions that may be related to depression. For example thyroid disease or chronic back pain. They will also check whether you have another mental condition that could be causing your depression, like personality disorders or bipolar disorder.