What is the Most Effective Depression Treatment?

The best treatment for depression varies from one person to another. Talk with your doctor about the best treatment options for you.

You may have to test a few antidepressants until you find the one that is effective for you. You may also need to combine antidepressants with psychotherapy or medication used to treat another mental or physical illness, such as an antipsychotic, mood stabilizer, anti anxiety drug or thyroid hormone.

Medication

For those suffering from mild to moderate depression, medication is usually an effective depression treatment. Antidepressants alter the levels of certain brain chemicals that are involved in mood. They also can help reduce the frequency of depression-related episodes. It's important to take these medications as recommended by your doctor. They won't work if you don't.

In general, doctors suggest starting with a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) such as citalopram (Celexa) or escitalopram (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva), sertraline (Zoloft) or vilazodone (Viibryd). These drugs have been shown to be more effective than placebo in numerous clinical studies. They can have serious adverse effects, so it's crucial to talk with your physician before you stop or begin using one of these drugs.

You might have to test various antidepressants until you discover the one that works best for you. You might also have to combine psychotherapy and antidepressants or another treatment. Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) might be an option for some people who have an extreme form of depression or a life-threatening condition. This procedure uses electric impulses to cause controlled seizures in the brain. It is efficient in treating post pregnancy depression treatment quickly and is best for those who have not had success with other treatments.

The results of a new study suggest that a type of ECT called high-frequency ECT (HFECT) could be as good as or superior to conventional ECT in treating refractory depression. Researchers compared HFECT with conventional ECT on 23 patients who had an history of treatment-resistant depression. All patients had tried other treatments for depression such as psychotherapy and physical exercise. The study found that HFECT had a significant effect on the symptoms of depression, and also caused less side effects than ECT.

Other options for treatment 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 lamp or light box is available for home use. You can also obtain light therapy through certain health insurance plans, employee assistance programs and churches. Exercise, healthy eating, and adequate sleep are all recommended. It's also important to stay clear of recreational drugs to treat depression and anxiety and alcohol, as they can worsen depression.

Psychotherapy

Depression can sag your energy and make it difficult to perform the tasks of daily life. The good news is, when you seek help, your chances of recovery are high. A combination of psychotherapy provided by a professional and medications can offer relief to depressed individuals.

Therapists are trained to listen without judgment them, and can help you discover your struggles and emotions in an atmosphere of support. They also teach you coping skills and encourage self-awareness that can help improve your mental health.

There are several different types of psychotherapy for depression, including cognitive therapy that assists you in identifying negative or distorted thinking patterns and learn healthy ways to deal with difficult emotions. Behavioral therapy can change bad habits of behavior by helping you build efficient problem-solving skills manage stress and improve your interpersonal relationships. Other treatments like acceptance-commitment and dialectical behavior therapy are commonly employed to address the root issues that cause depression such as self-injury and the recurring suicidal thought.

Psychotherapy can be a useful option for people suffering from recurring depression, who have not been able to respond to medications or are not able to take antidepressants because of health reasons or allergies. In certain situations doctors might recommend alternative treatment for depression and anxiety or complementary therapies for depression. This may include transcranial magnet stimulation (TMS), a technique which uses a coil on the scalp to transmit magnetic pulses that alter the neurotransmitters' function.

Psychotherapy can aid family members and friends who are struggling with depression to deal with the condition. Family or marital therapy is sometimes recommended for those who are living with someone who is struggling with depression. It can help reduce stress and tension between family members and equip them with tools to support their loved one in a healthy manner. A qualified therapist is able to guide them on how to help their loved ones overcome depression.

Exercise

Exercise is a safe and inexpensive addition to other treatments for anxiety and depression. It improves energy levels, reduces stress, and improves the flexibility and balance. It can also improve sleep and boost your self-esteem. It is important to consult your GP before beginning any new exercise or increasing your exercise routine.

In large-scale epidemiological research, active women and men suffer from depression at much lower rates than sedentary people. It's a bit more difficult to determine whether exercise can treat depression. You have to examine it as you would any other medication, randomly assigning people with depression to exercise or a group that is a control and meticulously tracking what happens.

The largest study on physical exercise as a treatment for depression to date suggests that it is effective at the very least, as psychotherapy and standard medications. The study combined the results from 41 studies that included 2,265 participants. The study revealed that almost all types of exercise can help reduce depression symptoms. However certain types of exercise are more efficient than others. The most effective exercises included jogging or walking as well as yoga and strength training. The benefits increased as intensity of the exercise increased, suggesting that even light exercise can be beneficial.

Researchers suspect that there are a variety of reasons that exercise relieves depression. One reason is that it assists with blood flow and oxygen to the brain. Another is that it increases certain chemicals, such as dopamine and serotonin. Other factors could be the social support that comes from exercise in a group, and the psychological motivation to keep working out.

When people are depressed, they often stop or reduce their activities. Doctors recommend that you try to return to your activities as soon as you are able to. They can help you find joy and satisfaction. This is essential in beating depression. And doing things that you enjoy can give your life an identity and purpose.

If you're not sure what to do, you can try your local gym or group fitness class. If you're suffering from a physical disability or injury ask your doctor regarding the Best Medication To Treat Anxiety And Depression exercise options. Black Dog Institute offers interactive guides and resources on exercise and depression. Beyond Blue also has an exercise plan template that can be used to plan your activities.

Alternative or complementary therapy

Mental health issues are addressed with a variety of alternative therapies or 'natural'. These include herbal treatments and massage. These treatments are not scientifically validated, and they can cause adverse side negative effects. They may also interfere with other medications, which is why people should only make use of them with the permission of their doctor or therapist.

Cancer Council does not recommend these therapies because there is very little research on their effectiveness. Some have been marketed as "cancer remedies" but they are not tested. They could cause distress or harm to some people, especially if trying to replace medical treatments for depression uk.

The most effective treatment for depression typically consists of psychotherapy and medication. Psychotherapy is a general term for discussing your feelings with a trained professional such as psychologist or psychiatrist. Certain psychological treatments are more specific for depression than others. However, they all aid you in understanding your condition and discover new ways to cope. They include:

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) aims to change negative perceptions and thinking patterns that make depression worse. Interpersonal psychotherapy is a type of psychotherapy that concentrates on your relationships and how you interact with them. Couples and family therapy can aid in improving communication in your relationships.

There are a variety of types of therapy, such as computer programs and sessions online. These sessions are generally less expensive than in-person sessions and may be beneficial to some. Some are not suitable for all, and a few aren't covered by insurance. Ask your therapist if they have experience with these types of programs and request a recommendation that might be suitable for you.

During your conversation with your doctor during your visit, they will go over all the medications you take in addition to herbal supplements and prescription medications to determine how they impact your depression. They will also check whether you have any physical health conditions that can sometimes be associated with depression, such as chronic pain or thyroid illness. They will also look to determine if there is another mental condition that could be the cause of your depression, such as personality disorders or bipolar disorder.