Finding the Right Depression Treatment
Find out what treatments are available and which may be best for you. Depression that is mild is treated with psychotherapy (talk therapy). It is common to prescribe medication for severe and moderate depression.
Psychological therapies help people learn to break destructive patterns of thinking and enhance their coping abilities. You can receive guidance through guided self-help, group sessions or individual therapy.
Medications
Certain people may benefit from medications to help manage depression symptoms. Most commonly, they are prescribed to those suffering from severe or moderate depression. Other treatments like therapy for talk haven't worked to alleviate symptoms, they are not generally recommended for those with mild depression. The majority of doctors start patients with the lowest dosage possible that is effective and gradually increase it until the desired effect is achieved. Side effects are common with antidepressants, but they do differ from drug to drug. They can also decrease with time.
A physical exam, blood tests and laboratory tests can be conducted to check for underlying medical issues that could be causing depression. Your doctor will ask you about your feelings, thoughts and symptoms. They will use the criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to make a diagnosis.
Antidepressants may require several weeks before they begin working, but you should keep taking them as prescribed until your doctor advises you to stop. It is crucial to not miss any doses since missed doses can affect the effectiveness of the drug. Inform your doctor right away if you experience severe side effects. They may reduce your dosage or switch you to a different kind of medication that could 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 drugs include citalopram (Celexa), Escitalopram (Lexapro), the fluoxetine (Prozac) and paroxetine (Paxil) and sertraline (Zoloft).
If alternative depression treatment is severe, it may be necessary to undergo psychiatric treatment in the hospital if at risk of harming you or anyone else. It is also possible to be in a special clinic or a day treatment program for a time until your mood improves. In some cases, ECT (or transcranial magnet stimulation) can be a good alternative to medication. During ECT, electrical currents flow through your brain to impact the effects and function of neurotransmitters involved in mood regulation. In TMS, a wire is put on your scalp, and it emits magnetic pulses that stimulate nerve cells to regulate mood.
Medication-Assisted Therapy (MAT)
Medication-assisted therapy is a complete treatment approach that utilizes FDA-approved medications in combination with behavioral health services. The effectiveness of MAT depends on the willingness of the person to engage in treatment and take accountability towards their recovery plan. The drugs used in MAT are not substitutes for addictive drugs. They normalize the brain's chemical chemistry, reduce cravings, and improve brain chemistry. A person who is MAT receives behavioral therapy along with assistance from family and friends. This combination has been proven to be efficient in helping people recover from substance use disorders. Mat is offered in a variety of locations, including emergency departments, county primary care clinics, First Chance Sobering Station and other community settings.
MAT is still not widely accessible despite its benefits. The current delivery system is a barrier between mental health, medical and addiction treatment, which reduces possibilities for collaboration. In addition, stigma keeps people from seeking help for their substance abuse disorder (SUD) or engaging in MAT. This stigma can be triggered by a variety of sources like doctors, other healthcare providers, self-help groups, and family members, friends, and peers who don't support the use MAT.
Psychosocial supports are an essential component of MAT, but more research is needed to determine which kinds of support services are the most effective. To address this need, researchers conducted a literature search and key informant interviews with nine key stakeholders with expertise on psychosocial supports in MAT. These participants included healthcare professionals, researchers and administrators of MAT programs.
The results of the literature review as well as key informant interviews indicate that there is a broad range of psychosocial services that are available as part of MAT. However, there is also an absence of data that compares the effects of these services on the outcomes of patients. Future research should focus on evaluating the impact of psychosocial services in a wider variety of MAT delivery models and settings and also by specific medication type and dosage.
Talk Therapy
Psychological treatment for depression helps people understand the root of the symptoms and how to alter negative thinking patterns. All people, and at different stages of their lives, can benefit from it. Finding the right therapist is not always straightforward. It is crucial to find a therapist that is open-minded, respectful and sensitive. It's also vital that there's a "chemistry" between the therapist and patient. It's normal to try multiple therapists until you find the right fit.
Talk therapy can boost mood and reduce symptoms by addressing the root causes of depression. It can also help people learn to manage stress and challenges in a healthy manner. It's not uncommon for someone to feel better after only a few sessions of psychotherapy.
During your first appointment the mental health professional will ask you questions about your symptoms thoughts and feelings. They may also conduct physical examinations and tests in the lab to determine if there are any medical conditions that could be impacting 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 types of psychotherapy that are available for depression. This includes cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal psychotherapy. Research has proven that these treatments are effective and may help alleviate depression. They're often combined with other treatments, like MAT.
Self-help guided is another form of psychological treatment for depression. It's usually built on cognitive behavioural therapy, and involves the use of workbooks or online resources along with support from a therapist. You can usually do guided self-help in your private time, whether in person or via video or phone calls.
Behavioral activation therapy is a form of talk therapy that assists those suffering from depression to take steps to enjoy activities again. It's usually provided to those with moderate to mild depression who haven't seen results with other therapies. In behavioural activated therapy, you'll work with a therapist to determine the connection between your activities and mood. You'll be encouraged to make small adjustments, like organizing social events or taking a walk, which will boost your mood. It's typical to have 8 to 16 sessions with a therapist.
Self-Help
Self-help treatments may not be recommended by medical professionals however they can be utilized in conjunction with other treatments for depression. These therapies can be helpful for people suffering from mild depression or who are unable to access other treatment options. Self-help for depression can include therapy in groups, group support or a structured exercise program or mindfulness based Stress Reduction (MBSR).
Support groups can provide a secure and supportive space to share experiences of living with depression. They can also help you build a community of support that can be helpful during times of need. You can search the internet for local groups or ask your physician for recommendations. Self-help for depression can also include a behavioural therapy programme which teaches you to recognize and overcome negative thoughts and behaviors. This kind of therapy can be carried out face-to-face, on the phone or online.
A behavioural treatment plan for depression is usually built around cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT). CBT is focused on how your thoughts and feelings influence your mood and behaviour. It also teaches you how to manage your emotions and stop symptoms from reoccurring.
Talking therapies can be a good alternative for those suffering from mild to moderate depression and do not want to take medications. This is especially true for those who are worried about side effects, or have allergies or other health issues. There are a variety of types of psychotherapy for depression. They include psychodynamic therapy and inter-personal therapy. It's also possible to have the combination of medication and psychotherapy, as is typically the case with severe depression.
If you're experiencing signs of depression, it's essential to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you seek treatment, the greater your chances of recovery. Remember that your recovery will likely be a mixture of highs and lows. Don't give up on an option when it isn't working or has undesirable side effects. Continue to experiment with new treatments and keep informed about what other patients have found to be effective.