Treatment FAQ

what is the best treatment option for depression

by Irwin Halvorson Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Webmd.com

1. Get in a routine...setting a gentle daily schedule can help you get back on track...

2. Exercise...regular exercise seems to encourage the brain to rewire itself in positive ways, cook says...

3. Get enough sleep...

4. Take on responsibilities...

5. Challenge negative thoughts...

6. Check with your doctor before using supplements...

Learn More...

Healthline.com

1. St. johns wort...taking st. johns wort has been linked with increasing the amount of serotonin in the body...

2. Omega-3 fatty acids...its ideal to get a higher ratio of dha to epa, which are both types of omega-3 fatty acids...

3. Saffron...

4. SAM-e...

5. Folate...

6. Zinc...

Learn More...

Top10homeremedies.com

1. St. johns wort...it has chemical constituents like hypericin and hyperforin that work like antidepressants...

2. Cardamom...help detoxify the body and rejuvenate the cells...

3. Nutmeg...helps stimulate your brain, eliminate fatigue and stress...

4. Saffron...

5. Cashews...

6. Fish Oil...

7. Apples...

Learn More...

How to beat depression naturally without medication?

How to Fight Depression Without Medication Get More Sleep. Sleep and mood go hand in hand. Get too little of the former and the latter is bound to be affected... Cut Back on Caffeine. Coffee, tea, soda, and even chocolate are steeped in caffeine. It's fine to consume a reasonable... Get More Vitamin ...

Which therapy is best for depression?

The most preferred therapy for depression treatment is CBT. It is a structured treatment approach that focuses on the identification of the thoughts and actions of an individual on the way they feel. This way it covers three important aspects of an individual that include cognition, behavior, and feelings.

What are the most effective ways to treat depression?

A few months ago, on the recommendation of her doctor, Darika tried a new method to overcome her depression: light therapy. Along with doctors, we dug deep into the topic to find out how effective ... of light therapy as a way to treat depression.

What is the most effective medication for depression?

The study found that antidepressants were better than placebo for moderate to severe depression. The five most effective antidepressants, according to this research, are: Agomelatine (known as Melitor, Thymanax and Valdoxan) Escitalopram (known as Cipralex, Lexapro and others) Paroxetine (known as Paxil, Pexeva, Seroxat and others)

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What treatment for depression is the most effective?

Many experts agree that a combination of antidepressant medication and psychotherapy is the best treatment for severe clinical depression.

What is the best and safest form of treatment for depression?

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) The methods have been refined in the past 20 years in order to minimize side effects. Today, ECT is considered as safe or safer than many drugs used to treat depression and for some people, more effective.

What are the three treatments for depression?

There are many types of therapy available. Three of the more common methods used in depression treatment include cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, and psychodynamic therapy. Often, a blended approach is used.

What is the first line treatment for depression?

People with severe major depression usually need to be seen by a psychiatrist and sometimes need to be hospitalized. Choosing an antidepressant — For the initial treatment of severe depression, we use serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

Is depression cured completely?

There's no cure for depression, but there are lots of effective treatments. People can recover from depression and live long and healthy lives.

Is depression a treatable condition?

Depression is among the most treatable of mental disorders. Between 80% and 90% percent of people with depression eventually respond well to treatment. Almost all patients gain some relief from their symptoms.

What are the 4 main causes of depression?

Here are four of the main ones.Genetics. One of the most influential factors in the onset of major depression is outside your control: your genetic code. ... Substance Abuse. ... Early Childhood Experiences. ... Major Life Events (Both Immediate and Prolonged)

How can depression be treated and prevented?

But you can:Find ways to handle stress and improve your self-esteem.Take good care of yourself. Get enough sleep, eat well, and exercise regularly.Reach out to family and friends when times get hard.Get regular medical checkups, and see your provider if you don't feel right.Get help if you think you're depressed.

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.

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.

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 ...

Is mental health treatment cheap?

Good treatment is not cheap, and the cost varies greatly depending on several factors: Insurance coverage. Many mental health professionals practice outside of insurance networks because of the low payments in-network providers must agree to and the administrative burden, among other factors.

Is depression a generic drug?

The vast majority of drugs used to treat depression are available in generic form, making them much more affordable than brand- name medication. Insurance coverage might also vary depending on the drug, which can greatly affect the cost of treatment. Length of treatment.

What is the best treatment for depression?

Electroconvulsive therapy can work for severe depression that doesn’t respond to other treatments. Also called electroshock therapy, it’s the best proven option for such people. You’ll be given medicine to go to sleep while a doctor sends a brief and painless electric current through your scalp to your brain.

How to treat depression?

Exercise is another good treatment for mild depression. In one review of studies on the topic, experts concluded that it works as well as drugs or psychotherapy in easing depression symptoms and keeping them at bay. Different “doses” of exercise may work for different people.

What is the best treatment for mood disorder?

Mood-stabilizing drugs or certain antipsychotic meds also can help treat the condition. Everyone is unique. You may need to try different drugs and at different dosages to find the best treatment for you. It also takes a while for an antidepressant to take full effect.

What can help with bipolar depression?

Exercise can help, too. If that’s not enough, you have still more options. For example, your doctor may suggest brain stimulation techniques such as electroconvulsive therapy or transcranial magnetic stimulation. If you have bipolar depression, your doctor may or may not prescribe antidepressants, depending on your symptoms and medical history.

What is the best medication for sadness?

Called antidepressants, these help lift your mood and ease the sadness and hopelessness you might feel. Work with your doctor to find the one that works best for you with the fewest side effects.

How to treat depression with antidepressants?

If your depression is mild to moderate, psychotherapy may work as well as an antidepressant. You can get talk therapy on your own, with your family, or in a group. Your doctor will help you find the best type for you. Exercise is another good treatment for mild depression.

How do antidepressants work?

How Antidepressants Work. It’s all about the brain circuitry that helps manage your mood. The three key chemicals are norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine. Research shows that in depression, brain circuits that use these chemicals don't work right.

What is major depressive disorder?

Depression is a serious mood disorder that can cause many symptoms, including feelings of numbness, emptiness, and sadness. It can cause withdrawal from normal activities and impact close relationships, school, and work.

What types of therapy can be used for depression?

Psychotherapy can be an essential part of treatment for major depression. It may be used on its own or together with antidepressant medication. Psychotherapy may help within a few weeks. Or, it can take longer depending on your situation.

What medications can be prescribed for depression?

There are many antidepressant medications to treat depression. You and your provider will work together to find a medication or combination of medications that reduce your symptoms. The types of medications used to treat depression include:

What natural treatments can help for major depressive disorder?

Some natural and over-the-counter supplements may help for depression. It’s important to note that while these may help some mild forms of depression, they likely will not be effective in treating major depression.

What lifestyle changes might help treat major depressive disorder?

There are some important lifestyle changes and daily habits that can help manage your depression symptoms. These include:

Where can you find healthcare providers for depression treatment?

If you think you may have depression, reach out to a healthcare provider. You can start with your primary care provider (PCP). They might be able to provide a referral to a qualified mental health professional.

The bottom line

Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions. It will likely impact you or someone you love at some point in your life. While it may be scary or overwhelming to seek help for depression, it’s important to know that many treatment options are available.

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 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.

What to ask a psychiatrist about depression?

Consider your response to treatment, including medications, psychotherapy or other treatments you've tried.

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.

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 is the best treatment for depression?

Several studies suggest, however, that the combination of an antidepressant and psychotherapy is the best approach, because of the complex mix of causes of mood disorders like depression. 1 . Psychotherapy is the process of treating psychological disorders with verbal and psychological techniques.

What are the causes of depression?

Interpersonal conflict and poor social support can also contribute to feelings of depression. Interpersonal therapy is a type of therapy that focuses on these issues by addressing past and present social roles and interpersonal interactions.

How can psychotherapy be delivered?

In some cases, your treatment may incorporate two or more formats, such as meeting individually with your therapist followed by the occasional group session where you can practice new skills with others. Common approaches to psychotherapy include:

How does cognitive therapy affect emotions?

Cognitive Therapy. At the heart of cognitive therapy is the idea that our thoughts can affect our emotions. For example, if we choose to look for the silver lining in every experience, we will be more likely to feel good, as opposed to if we only focus on the negative . Negative thoughts can contribute to and exacerbate depression.

How long does cognitive therapy last?

Cognitive therapy usually lasts between six weeks to four months. 3 .

How does cognitive therapy help you feel better?

It's hard to feel good when you're stuck in a constant loop of negative thoughts. Cognitive therapy helps people learn to identify common patterns of negative thinking (known as cognitive distortions) and to turn those negative thought patterns into more positive ones, thus improving mood. 2 . Cognitive therapy is usually short-term ...

Why do people have depression?

The goals of this type of therapy are for the patient to become more aware of their full range of emotions, including contradictory and troubling ones, and to help the patient more effectively bear these feelings and put them in a useful perspective.

What is the best treatment for depression in older adults?

APA's Clinical Practice Guideline recommends three psychotherapy interventions as well as a second-generation antidepressant (selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitors — SSRIs, selective-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors — SNRIs or norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors NDRIs ) for the treatment ...

What are the symptoms of depression?

Depression symptoms: Symptoms are seen as having both biological (e.g., sleep/wake functioning, eating patterns) and psychological (e.g., sadness; feelings of guilt) underpinnings . Social functioning: The way one interacts with significant others and responds to social situations.

What is the second generation of antidepressants?

Second-generation antidepressants (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors — SSRIs, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors — SNRIs or norepinephrine/dopamine reuptake inhibitors — NDRIs) are recommended for older adults due to the reduced risk of side effects and safety in the event of overdose.

Why do older people need SSRIs?

Second-generation antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs or NDRIs) are recommended for older adults due to the reduced risk of side effects and safety in the event of overdose. If considering medication for older adults with depression, the panel recommends combining it with interpersonal psychotherapy.

What is cognitive behavioral therapy?

Cognitive-behavioral therapy targets current problems and symptoms and focuses on the relationship among behaviors, thoughts, and feelings, and aims to change those patterns that reduce pleasure and interfere with a person’s ability to function at his/her best.

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Diagnosis

  • Your doctor may determine a diagnosis of depression based on: 1. Physical exam.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. 2. Lab tests.For example, your doctor may do a …
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Clinical Trials

  • Explore Mayo Clinic studiestesting new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition.
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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…
See more on mayoclinic.org

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 …
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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. …
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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.
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