What is the Most Effective Depression Treatment?

The best treatment for depression differs from individual to individual. Talk with your doctor about the best treatment options for you.

You may need to try a variety of antidepressants until find the one that is effective for you. You may also need to combine antidepressants and psychotherapy or a medication to treat a physical or mental illness, such as an antipsychotic mood stabilizer, anti anxiety drug or thyroid hormone.

Medication

Medication is a very effective treatment for mild to moderate depression. Antidepressants alter the levels of certain brain chemicals that are involved in mood. They can also help reduce the frequency of depressive episodes. But, it's crucial to take these medications according to the dosage prescribed by your doctor. They won't work if you don't.

In general, doctors suggest starting with a serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) like citalopram (Celexa), the escitalopram (Lexapro) and the fluoxetine (Prozac) or paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva), sertraline (Zoloft) or vilazodone (Viibryd). In many clinical trials, extreme Depression treatment these drugs were proven to be more effective that placebo. They can have serious side effects, so it is essential to speak with your physician before you begin or stop taking one of these medications.

You might have to test several antidepressants before you can find the one that works best for you. It is also possible to combine antidepressants with psychotherapy or other treatments. For some patients with a severe depression treatment or life-threatening form of depression electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a viable option. This procedure uses electrical impulses to cause controlled seizures in the brain. It can quickly alleviate depression and is most effective for people who haven't had success with other treatments.

The results of a recent study suggest that a form of ECT known as high-frequency ECT could be as effective or better than conventional ECT for treating depressive disorders. Researchers compared HFECT with standard ECT on 23 patients with an history of treatment resistant inpatient depression treatment centers. All patients had tried other depression treatments like psychotherapy or physical exercise. The study found that HFECT significantly improved the symptoms of depression and produced less adverse effects than ECT.

Light therapy is another treatment option for seasonal affective disorder. This involves sitting in front of the bright light for approximately half an hour each day. A light box or lamp can be used at home treatment for depression. Some health insurance plans, Employee Assistance Programs and churches provide light therapy. Healte suffering from the effects of depression on their loved family members. Therapy for marital or family members is often recommended to those who live with a person who is suffering from depression. It can ease tension and stress among family members, and provide them with the tools to support their loved ones in a healthy and positive way. A qualified therapist is able to guide them on how to help their loved family members overcome depression.

Exercise

Exercise is a cost-effective and safe method of treating depression and anxiety. It changes levels of brain chemicals it improves balance and flexibility improves energy levels and reduces stress. It can also improve sleep and boost self-esteem. It is essential to talk to your GP before beginning any new exercise or ramping up your workout.

In large-scale studies, both men and women who exercise develop depression at a much less rate than those who are sedentary. It's harder to test whether exercise can treat depression that is already present. It's important to look into it just like any other medicine by randomly assigning patients with depression to exercise or a control group, and scrupulously keeping track of the outcomes.

The largest study of physical exercise as a treatment for depression to date suggests that it is effective at least as well as psychotherapy and standard medications. The study gathered data from 41 studies that included 265 participants. It concluded that nearly any type of exercise can reduce Extreme Depression Treatment symptoms, though certain forms of exercise are more effective than others. Jogging or walking was the most effective type of exercise followed by yoga and strength training. The benefits increased with intensity, suggesting that even mild exercise is better than none at all.

Researchers suspect there are several reasons why exercise can help relieve depression. One is that it assists with oxygen flow and blood flow to the brain. Another reason is that it enhances certain chemicals, like dopamine and serotonin. Other factors are the social benefits of exercises in groups and the psychological motivation that motivates people to exercise.

People often stop or limit their activities when they're depressed, however, doctors suggest returning to those activities as soon as possible. Practicing them can bring back pleasure and enjoyment which is crucial to beat depression. Being involved in activities you enjoy can give your life meaning and a sense of purpose.

If you're unsure of what to do, you can try a local gym or a group fitness class. If you have an injury or physical disability ask your doctor about the best exercises. For more information and interactive resources, Black Dog Institute has a guide to exercise and depression and Beyond Blue offers a template to help you plan your activities.

Alternative or complementary therapy

Many alternative or 'natural' treatments are used to treat mental health issues. They include herbal remedies and massage. These treatments have not been studied scientifically and can cause adverse side effects. They may also interact with other medications, which is why users should only make use of them with the permission of their therapist or doctor.

Cancer Council does not recommend these treatments because there is very little research on their effectiveness. Some have been promoted as 'cancer cures' but they're not established and could cause discomfort or harm to certain people, especially when they attempt to replace medical treatment.

The most effective treatment for depression typically includes psychotherapy and medication. Psychotherapy is the term used to describe speaking about your feelings and thoughts with an experienced professional, like a psychologist or psychiatrist. Certain psychological treatments are more appropriate for depression than others. However, they all aid in understanding the condition and come up with new ways to treat depression to manage it. They include:

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a method of changing pessimistic evaluations and unhelpful thinking patterns that make depression worse. Interpersonal psychotherapy is a form of psychotherapy that is focused on your relationships and how you interact with them. Therapy for couples and families can aid in improving communication in your relationships.

Several different formats of therapy are available that include computer programs and online sessions. These sessions are typically cheaper than in-person sessions and may be beneficial for some people. However, not all are suitable for everyone, and some are not covered by your insurance. Ask your therapist whether they have experience with these kinds of programs and request a recommendation that is suitable for you.

When you speak to your doctor, he or she will review all the medicines you take such as herbal supplements and over-the-counter medicines, to determine how they affect your depression. They will also assess if you suffer from any physical conditions that may be linked to depression, like chronic pain or thyroid illness. They will also determine if you have another mental health issue, such as bipolar disorder or personality disorders, could be a cause of your depression.