Post by Mel on Dec 24, 2005 14:11:12 GMT -5
Clinical depression is one of the most readily treatable illnesses, and getting treatment can truly save lives. The most common ways to treat depression are with antidepressant medication, psychotherapy (talk therapy), or a combination of both. The choice of treatment depends on the severity of the depressive symptoms, history of the illness and consumer preference. Research has shown that a combination of psychotherapy and medication is often most effective. When you talk with your doctor or a qualified mental health professional, make sure he or she discusses all of these treatment options with you.
Medication
Recent research strongly supports the use of medication for the treatment of moderate and severe cases of clinical depression. Antidepressant medication acts on the chemical pathways of the brain related to mood. Many highly effective antidepressants are available, and they are not habit-forming. The two most common types are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). Other new types of antidepressants [e.g., alpha-2 antagonists, selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) and aminoketones], and an older class, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are also prescribed by some doctors.
Although some symptoms (such as insomnia) often improve within a week or two after beginning the medication, it may take three to four weeks before people feel noticeably better. The full benefit of the medication may require six to eight weeks of treatment. Sometimes changes need to be made in the dosage or medication type before improvements are noticed. Usually it is recommended that medications be taken for at least four to nine months after the depressive symptoms have improved. Those with chronic depression may need to stay on medication to prevent or lessen further episodes.
People taking antidepressants should be monitored by a doctor who knows about treating depression, to ensure the best treatment with the fewest side effects. It is also very important that your doctor be informed about all other medicines that are taken (even herbal supplements) to avoid dangerous interactions.
It is important that people consult with their doctor before they stop taking their medication, since some medications cause problems if stopped abruptly.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy (talk therapy) with a qualified mental health professional can help teach people better ways of handling problems. Therapy can be effective in treating clinical depression, especially depression that is less severe. Scientific studies have shown that short-term courses of psychotherapy (10 to 20 weeks) are often helpful in treating depression.
Cognitive/behavioral therapy is a type of psychotherapy that helps people change negative thinking patterns and behaviors that may contribute to or worsen clinical depression.
Interpersonal therapy is another type of psychotherapy that focuses on dealing more effectively with other people and working to change/improve relationships that may contribute to or worsen clinical depression.
Also keep in mind that joining a patient support group as a complement to other treatments can be very helpful during the recovery process.
Other Treatments
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a procedure only considered for people with severe cases of depression who can not take or do not improve with medication, are at an extreme risk for suicide, or are debilitated due to an unrelated physical illness or to severe depression itself.
ECT relieves symptoms by stimulating the brain with brief, controlled series of electrical pulses. After general anesthesia and a muscle relaxant are given, electrodes are placed at precise locations on the head to deliver the electrical impulses. The effectiveness and safety of ECT remains under debate, as do the incidence and degrees of possible side effects, ranging from headaches to memory loss
Medication
Recent research strongly supports the use of medication for the treatment of moderate and severe cases of clinical depression. Antidepressant medication acts on the chemical pathways of the brain related to mood. Many highly effective antidepressants are available, and they are not habit-forming. The two most common types are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). Other new types of antidepressants [e.g., alpha-2 antagonists, selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) and aminoketones], and an older class, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are also prescribed by some doctors.
Although some symptoms (such as insomnia) often improve within a week or two after beginning the medication, it may take three to four weeks before people feel noticeably better. The full benefit of the medication may require six to eight weeks of treatment. Sometimes changes need to be made in the dosage or medication type before improvements are noticed. Usually it is recommended that medications be taken for at least four to nine months after the depressive symptoms have improved. Those with chronic depression may need to stay on medication to prevent or lessen further episodes.
People taking antidepressants should be monitored by a doctor who knows about treating depression, to ensure the best treatment with the fewest side effects. It is also very important that your doctor be informed about all other medicines that are taken (even herbal supplements) to avoid dangerous interactions.
It is important that people consult with their doctor before they stop taking their medication, since some medications cause problems if stopped abruptly.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy (talk therapy) with a qualified mental health professional can help teach people better ways of handling problems. Therapy can be effective in treating clinical depression, especially depression that is less severe. Scientific studies have shown that short-term courses of psychotherapy (10 to 20 weeks) are often helpful in treating depression.
Cognitive/behavioral therapy is a type of psychotherapy that helps people change negative thinking patterns and behaviors that may contribute to or worsen clinical depression.
Interpersonal therapy is another type of psychotherapy that focuses on dealing more effectively with other people and working to change/improve relationships that may contribute to or worsen clinical depression.
Also keep in mind that joining a patient support group as a complement to other treatments can be very helpful during the recovery process.
Other Treatments
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a procedure only considered for people with severe cases of depression who can not take or do not improve with medication, are at an extreme risk for suicide, or are debilitated due to an unrelated physical illness or to severe depression itself.
ECT relieves symptoms by stimulating the brain with brief, controlled series of electrical pulses. After general anesthesia and a muscle relaxant are given, electrodes are placed at precise locations on the head to deliver the electrical impulses. The effectiveness and safety of ECT remains under debate, as do the incidence and degrees of possible side effects, ranging from headaches to memory loss