Treatment Options for Depression
Treatment depends on personal preference, how severe the symptoms are, and one's history with depression. Medicine, talk therapy, or both are common ways to treat depression.
Talk Therapy - Talk therapy is also sometimes called psychotherapy, cognitive therapy, or behavioral therapy. Many people find talk therapy to be an important part of treatment for depression. Your therapist will help you to recognize problems and then help you to figure out how to solve them. You and your therapist may also work together to identify negative thinking and behavior patterns. Talk therapy can help you to take back control and find pleasure in your life. Many people find that talk therapy can also be combined with medication for an effective one-two punch.
Medication - Medication can be used to correct imbalances of chemicals in the brain that lead to depression. Medication can also decrease the symptoms of depression, especially when someone is suffering from a moderate to severe bout of depression. Different types of medications are described below. Your doctor will work with you to find the best choice for you.
• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Many doctors prescribe SSRIs first because they have the fewest side effects. SSRIs work by increasing the amount of the neurotransmitter serotonin in your brain.
• Tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants. Tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants are usually prescribed to people who are suffering from moderate to severe depression. These medications work by correcting the imbalance of neurotransmitters in the brain.
• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). MAOIs work by preventing the breakdown of particular brain chemicals. Doctors usually only prescribe MAOIs if other medications have failed. MAOIs have potentially serious side effects and need to be closely monitored.
Sometimes, you and your doctor may have to try a few different types of medication to discover what works best for you. Medication can be also combined with talk therapy.
Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) - For some people with severe depression, talk therapy and medication may not be enough. ECT is an option for people who have not been helped by other treatments. ECT can be very effective in treating especially tough cases of depression. It is considered the "gold standard" for treating severe depression. Despite what you may have seen in old movies, ECT is not a barbaric treatment for depression.
Getting treatment is important because:
• The sooner treatment starts, the faster a person begins to feel better.
• As with other serious illnesses, professional help is needed.
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