Treating Depression: An Overview
Many people who are depressed have difficulty admitting that they struggle with depression. They may never receive the treatment for depression that they need. However, according to the Nemours Foundation, approximately 80 percent of people who receive depression treatment go on to have a better quality of life.
The various treatment options for depression include:
- Depression medication
- Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
- Herbal remedies
- Hospitalization
- Light therapy
- Lifestyle choices
- Psychotherapy
- Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)
Depression Medication
Antidepressant medication is often the first depression treatment prescribed. Different types of depression medication are designed to alter the levels of certain neurochemicals in the brain. Doctors may have to try more than one type of depression medication to find one that’s effective for a particular patient.
Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is generally reserved for people who have not responded to other types of depression treatment. During electroconvulsive therapy, electrical currents are passed through the brain in order to stimulate neurotransmitters.
Herbal remedies
A number of herbal remedies have been used to treat depression for centuries. St. John’s Wort is probably the best known among them. Most doctors suggest that herbal remedies should be used only as a complement to medical care rather than as an alternative, and herbal supplements often can’t be taken in conjunction with depression medication.
Hospitalization
Sometimes, depression may become so severe that hospitalization is necessary when patients are incapable of caring for themselves or because they are a threat to themselves.
Light Therapy
Light therapy is a treatment method used for individuals with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). The individual spends a portion of the day sitting by a bright artificial light.
Lifestyle Choices
Lifestyle changes, such as increased exercise, improved eating habits and regular sleep are a necessary part of any treatment for depression.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is a form of talk therapy that is intended to draw out the root causes of depression and stress. The individual learns how to resolve and/or cope with these issues.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is new treatment for depression that has been cleared by the FDA. Like electroconvulsive therapy, TMS is intended to treat individuals who have not responded to other methods of depression treatment. During a painless outpatient procedure, TMS utilizes a powerful magnetic field to stimulate activity in specific areas of the brain.
Which Depression Treatment is Right For You?
Finding an effective treatment for your depression may be a trial-and-error process. Some respond better to a multi-faceted approach to treatment that includes both depression medication and psychotherapy, rather than just one method of treatment for depression. Fortunately, several options (like TMS and ECT) are available for those who don’t respond well to traditional treatment.
Resources
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2008). Light therapy: Definition. Retrieved May 18, 2010, from the Mayo Clinic website: www.mayoclinic.com/health/light-therapy/MY00195.
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2010). Treatment and drugs. Retrieved May 7, 2010, from the Mayo Clinic website: www.mayoclinic.com/health/depression/DS00175/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs.
Lundbeck Institute. (n.d.). Depression: Treatment. Retrieved May 7, 2010, from the Lundbeck Institute website: www.brainexplorer.org/depression/Depression_Treatment.shtml.
National Alliance on Mental Illness. (n.d.). Treatments for depression. Retrieved May 7, 2010, from the National Alliance on Mental Illness website: www.camh.net/About_Addiction_Mental_Health/Mental_Health_Information/ Depressive_Illness/dep_illness_treatments.html.
Nemade, R., Staats Reiss, N., & Dombeck, M. (2007). Major depression and other unipolar depressions. Retrieved May 5, 2010, from the MentalHealth.net website: www.mentalhelp.net/poc/view_doc.php?type=doc&id=438&cn=5.
The Nemours Foundation. (n.d.) Getting Help. Retrieved May 7, 2010, from the TeensHealth® website: kidshealth.org/teen/your_mind/feeling_sad/depression.html#a_Getting_Help.