What kind of Doctor treats depression?
Depression Therapy: Preparing for Your First Appointment If you are suffering from depression, it's important to seek help. Professionals you shold turn toi might include your regular health care provider, a psychologist, social worker or therapist, and possibly a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse.
What is psychotherapy for depression called?
Psychotherapy is also known as talk therapy or psychological therapy. Different types of psychotherapy can be effective for depression, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or interpersonal therapy. Your mental health professional may also recommend other types of therapies. Psychotherapy can help you:
What is the best medicine for depression?
Combining talk therapy with medicine for depression often provides the best results. Doctors follow expert guidelines when diagnosing and managing depression. There are two main types of drugs doctors prescribe to treat depression: Antidepressants. These drugs work by balancing brain chemicals that are involved in depression.
How do psychiatrists choose antidepressants?
Psychiatrists and doctors who prescribe antidepressants choose a particular drug and dosage based on many factors, including the following: Diagnosis. Certain drugs are a better choice for specific symptoms and types of depression. For example, an antidepressant that makes you sleepy may be better when insomnia is an issue.
What is the best treatment for depression?
Based on these and other studies, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) recommends psychotherapy or medication as first-line treatments for mild to moderate depression; for individuals with more severe depression they recommend a combination of both. 2.
How long does a depression treatment last?
Thus the full course of treatment may last from 3 to 6 months, and longer in some cases if needed. The APA recommends that those with a long history of depression continue to receive therapy on an ongoing basis, often with a reduction in frequency of sessions.
Why do people choose not to take medication?
Some people decide against medication because of the side effects, while others choose to tolerate them because of the medication's benefits. While people often promote therapy as having "no side effects," this is not strictly true.
What are the causes of depression?
The basic version of the theory was that depression was caused by low levels of neurotransmitters in the brain—chemicals like serotonin and norepinephrine. If these biological factors were driving depression, it made sense to assume that the best way to fix the underlying problem was with a biological solution.
Does CBT continue after treatment?
In general, the benefits of CBT continue long after treatment has ended. This ongoing benefit is not surprising given CBT's emphasis on acquiring skills that can continue to be used beyond treatment—in effect, becoming one's own therapist.
Is psychotherapy cheaper than medication?
Because of the lasting effects of psychotherapy, it tends to be cheaper than medication, at least in the long run. One analysis suggested that the cost of CBT is about double that of medication for the first 16 weeks of treatment, but that the need for ongoing medication leads to higher costs in the months that follow.
Is CBT a good addition to medication?
Thus treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) were considered to be possibly useful additions to medication, but not serious treatments in their own right (except perhaps for brief, mild forms of depression). When I was in graduate school I thought the chemical imbalance theory was true. So when I reviewed a wide range ...
What tests can a doctor do for depression?
Your doctor may do a physical exam and ask questions about your health. In some cases, depression may be linked to an underlying physical health problem. Lab tests. For example, your doctor may do a blood test called a complete blood count or test your thyroid to make sure it's functioning properly. Psychiatric evaluation.
How to help depression?
But in addition to professional treatment, these self-care steps can help: Stick to your treatment plan. Don't skip psychotherapy sessions or appointments. Even if you're feeling well, don't skip your medications.
What is the term for depression that begins a week before your period?
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder. This involves depression symptoms associated with hormone changes that begin a week before and improve within a few days after the onset of your period, and are minimal or gone after completion of your period. Other depression disorders.
What is the term for a disorder that develops during the teenage years?
This disorder typically develops into depressive disorder or anxiety disorder during the teen years or adulthood. Persistent depressive disorder. Sometimes called dysthymia (dis-THIE-me-uh), this is a less severe but more chronic form of depression.
What is a specifier in psychology?
A specifier means that you have depression with specific features, such as: Anxious distress — depression with unusual restlessness or worry about possible events or loss of control. Mixed features — simultaneous depression and mania, which includes elevated self-esteem, talking too much and increased energy.
How to deal with depression and change behaviors?
Identify negative beliefs and behaviors and replace them with healthy, positive ones. Explore relationships and experiences, and develop positive interactions with others. Find better ways to cope and solve problems. Identify issues that contribute to your depression and change behaviors that make it worse.
Why do people need hospitalization for depression?
This may be necessary if you can't care for yourself properly or when you're in immediate danger of harming yourself or someone else. Psychiatric treatment at a hospital can help keep you calm and safe until your mood improves.
What to do if depression is getting worse?
If one type of treatment alone isn't helping you— and especially if your depression is getting worse— don't hesitate to do both, medication and psychotherapy. For more on diagnosing and finding the right treatment for depression, read Understanding Depression, a Special Health Report from Harvard Medical School.
Why do you need combination therapy and medication?
Earlier research suggested that one reason therapy and medication may complement each other is that they have different effects on the brain. In addition to relieving depression, combination therapy may help ward off recurrences.
How many people avoided recurrence of interpersonal therapy?
Of those who received monthly interpersonal therapy and who also took an antidepressant medication, 80% avoided a recurrence. In contrast, the same could be said for only 57% of those who received the drug alone, 36% of those given just interpersonal therapy, and a mere 10% in the placebo group. If your symptoms are mild or moderate, it is often ...
Can you start depression with medication?
If your symptoms are mild or moderate, it is often reasonable to start with either medication or psycho-therapy. If your depression is mild, there is an excellent chance that you will respond well to psychotherapy alone. Generally, as symptoms become more severe, it is more important to consider medication earlier in your treatment.
Can you use medication for depression?
Medication or therapy for depression? Or both? No single treatment—whether it's an antidepressant drug or a style of talk therapy— can ease depression in every case. However, research suggests you will improve your chances of getting relief if you combine drugs and therapy.
What type of counseling involves a group of people who struggle with depression working together with a psychotherapist?
Group psychotherapy. This type of counseling involves a group of people who struggle with depression working together with a psychotherapist. Mindfulness. Mindfulness involves paying attention and accepting one's thoughts and feelings without judging them as "right" or "wrong" in a given moment. Behavioral activation.
What is the best treatment for depression?
Psychological counseling. Psychological counseling (psychotherapy) by a psychiatrist, psychologist or other mental health professional can be very effective. For many people, psychotherapy combined with medication works best. It can help identify underlying concerns that may be adding to your depression.
What to ask a psychiatrist about depression?
Consider your response to treatment, including medications, psychotherapy or other treatments you've tried.
What type of therapy is used to help with depression?
Interpersonal psychotherapy focuses on resolving relationship issues that may contribute to your depression. Family or marital therapy. This type of therapy involves family members or your spouse or partner in counseling. Working out stress in your relationships can help with depression.
How to help someone with depression?
If you have trouble sleeping, research ways to improve your sleep habits or ask your doctor or mental health professional for advice. Get regular exercise. Exercise has a direct effect on mood. Even physical activity such as gardening or walking can reduce stress, improve sleep and ease depression symptoms.
How to get better from depression?
Stick to your treatment plan. Don't skip therapy sessions or appointments. It'll take time to get better. Even if you feel well, don't skip your medications. If you stop, depression symptoms may come back, and you could experience withdrawal-like symptoms. If side effects or drug costs are a problem, talk with your doctor and pharmacist to discuss options.
Can depression be treated with antidepressants?
By Mayo Clinic Staff. If you've been treated for depression but your symptoms haven't improved, you may have treatment-resistant depression. Taking an antidepressant or going to psychological counseling (psychotherapy) eases depression symptoms for most people. But with treatment-resistant depression, standard treatments aren' t enough.
What are the two main types of depression medications?
Doctors follow expert guidelines when diagnosing and managing depression. There are two main types of drugs doctors prescribe to treat depression: Antidepressants. These drugs work by balancing brain chemicals that are involved in depression. There are various classes of antidepressants;
How long does it take for an antidepressant to work?
Many people see improvement in some symptoms soon after starting an antidepressant. However, it can take a few weeks to see the full effects of these medications. It is important to give antidepressants some time to work. If you do not see progress after four weeks, talk with your doctor.
How long does it take for side effects to go away from antidepressants?
It may be necessary to adjust the dose or switch medicines. Like symptoms, side effects from antidepressants may improve or go away within a few weeks of starting. However, you should contact your doctor for severe side effects or side effects that continue after 2 to 4 weeks.
What is add on therapy?
Add-on therapy. These drugs augment treatment with antidepressants. There are a few types of add-on therapy medicines. This includes a second antidepressant, thyroid hormone, and other medicines with effects on mood and anxiety. Many people see improvement in some symptoms soon after starting an antidepressant.
How does depression develop?
Experts do not fully understand how depression develops. Genes, brain chemicals, stress, and other environmental factors likely play a role. Depression treatment has two main components. The first one is talk therapy—or psychotherapy. It promotes healthier ways to think, behave and cope. The second part is using medications to manage symptoms.
What is the most common mood disorder in the United States?
259. Depression—or major depressive disorder—is a mood disorder. It is one of the most common mood disorders in the United States. Symptoms can be disabling and include long-term feelings of sadness, guilt or despair. People with depression may lose interest in daily activities. They can experience anxiety, sleep problems, and suicidal thoughts.
Is citalopram a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor?
Citalopram (Celexa) is an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor). SSRIs increase the amount of serotonin in the brain. This type of antidepressant usually has fewer side effects than other kinds. However, some people have a decrease in their sex drive or ability.
What can a primary care doctor do for depression?
They can provide testings and treatment and help rule out medical conditions that may contribute to your symptoms .
What is the best treatment for depression?
There are specific forms of psychotherapy that have been shown to be helpful for depression - such as cognitive behavior therapy or interpersonal psychotherapy . Many therapists use a mix of styles.
What is the best phone number to call for depression?
If that should happen to you, seek immediate treatment. A local emergency room, 911 or crisis hotline such as the SAMHSA national crisis hotline 1-800-273-8255 should be contacted. Depression Therapy: Preparing for Your First Appointment. It's not always easy to open up about your personal issues with someone..
How long does it take to get better at depression?
Once you've settled on a therapist and doctor, you need to give therapy and medication a chance to work. Getting better takes time, often several months. Treatment for depression can be hard at first. Opening up to someone about very personal things in your life isn't easy. But most people do get better with treatment.
Who can help with depression?
Professionals you shold turn toi might include your regular health care provider, a psychologist, social worker or therapist, and possibly a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse.
How to keep track of mood?
Keeping track of your mood changes in a diary can be helpful to you, your doctor, and your psychologist or therapist. Just jot down a few lines each day. In each entry, include: 1 How you're feeling that day 2 Your current symptoms 3 Any events that might have affected your mood 4 How much sleep you got the night before 5 The exact doses of any medicines you took
Diagnosis
Treatment
- Medications and psychotherapy are effective for most people with depression. Your primary care doctor or psychiatrist can prescribe medications to relieve symptoms. However, many people with depression also benefit from seeing a psychiatrist, psychologist or other mental health professional. If you have severe depression, you may need a hospital st...
Clinical Trials
- Explore Mayo Clinic studiestesting new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition.
Lifestyle and Home Remedies
- Depression generally isn't a disorder that you can treat on your own. But in addition to professional treatment, these self-care steps can help: 1. Stick to your treatment plan.Don't skip psychotherapy sessions or appointments. Even if you're feeling well, don't skip your medications. If you stop, depression symptoms may come back, and you could also experience withdrawal-lik…
Alternative Medicine
- Alternative medicine is the use of a nonconventional approach instead of conventional medicine. Complementary medicine is a nonconventional approach used along with conventional medicine — sometimes called integrative medicine. Make sure you understand the risks as well as possible benefits if you pursue alternative or complementary therapy. Don't replace conventional medical …
Coping and Support
- Talk with your doctor or therapist about improving your coping skills, and try these tips: 1. Simplify your life.Cut back on obligations when possible, and set reasonable goals for yourself. Give yourself permission to do less when you feel down. 2. Write in a journal.Journaling, as part of your treatment, may improve mood by allowing you to express pain, anger, fear or other emotions. 3. …
Preparing For Your Appointment
- You may see your primary care doctor, or your doctor may refer you to a mental health professional. Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment.