Treatment
There are three major types of treatments for clinical depression, which are used depending on the patient’s condition and other factors such as the biological one.
The three types of treatment are:
1. Medication - Guided by the doctor, who has to adjust the dosages, a patient can take a series of antidepressant drugs (depending on which of those drugs have an effect over him) such as: fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil) etc. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors are very powerful drugs that are potentially lethal, certain variety of foods must be avoided when taking these drugs.
A major issue is that patients that do not suffer from a severe depression and are only feeling sad or upset because of their life problems, such as their relationship or problems at work, divorce or losing a family member or a close friend, being in a financial crises or having some medical problems, choose to use drugs. The reality is that these are all normal problems that occur in an individual’s life and to resort to medications will not make the problems disappear but only make you forget them.
Warning! Tell your doctor right away if your depression worsens, or you have unusual changes in mood or behavior or thoughts of suicide. Antidepressants can increase these in children, teens and young adults.
2. Psychotherapy can be provided individually or in a group by a psychiatrist or psychologist. It helps the patient escape the sensation of pain and helplessness. The cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) tries to influence emotions by changing the patient’s assumptions, beliefs and behaviors. It is based on the assumption that behaviors are learned and is often as effective as an antidepressant medication. The interpersonal psychotherapy is based on the social and interpersonal things that cause the depression.
The duration of treatment depends on the gravity of the depression. Most of the patients (approximately 80%) will experience significant improvements within 20-30 sessions.
3. Electroconvulsive therapy. Often referred to as electroshock treatment, it is nothing more than short bursts of electricity directed to the brain. It is used in cases where the patient is not responding to other treatments or the patient is seriously considering suicide if not already has attempted suicide. The electric charge is usually set at 0.9 ampere and is administrated only under anaesthesia. The side effects for this treatment are: short-term memory loss, nausea, confusion and headache. The advantage of this therapy is that it takes effect much faster than medication but in order for this effect to be for long term it has to be supported with medication.
Alternative treatments for depression
Light therapy, although not as common as the above methods, is another form of treatment for depression. The subject is exposed to intense light from a bulb daily, usually in the morning. Evidences show that it has an antidepressant effect, affecting the serotonin transport like some medications do. It is also very effective in patients suffering from seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
Acupuncture is another form of treatment that has been found to reduce depression in about 40% of the patients receiving it. In some cases it was even as effective as the antidepressant medication.
Regular exercise can prevent depression from reoccurring. The main benefit of this is that there are no side effects and it is a good change in the subject’s lifestyle as it is known that physical exercise for about 20 minutes a day will strengthen both one’s body and mind. Another easy exercise to help the mind relax and keep a calm mood is meditation.
Depressive symptoms are exacerbated by nutritional deficiencies. Dietary supplements that may help you in your struggle to treat depression: magnesium, zinc and B vitamins.