Therapy for Major Depressive Disorder

According to the Health Scout website, depression is a medical disorder that causes feelings of pessimism, guilt, sadness and hopelessness. Other results of depression include reduced appetite and loss of interest in occupation, activities and other responsibilities. If these feelings become severe, they could lead to a major depressive disorder. A person with a major depressive disorder usually feels depressed consistently for at least two weeks.

Identifying a Major Depressive Disorder

• Even though researchers are not exactly sure what causes depression, they have been able to identify chemical imbalances in the brains of people who suffer from depression. Studies show that some depression is hereditary while in others it may be caused by stress. According to the Medline Plus website, people who experience a major depressive disorder often experience a lack of energy, feelings of self-hatred and guilt and thoughts of death or suicide. Other symptoms include significant weight loss or gain and problems with basic motor skills.

  According to the Health Scout website, depression may be diagnosed through an extensive psychological and physical examination. Your doctor will ask you how long these symptoms have occurred, how severe they are and if there is a history of depression or other mental disorders in your family. In addition to feelings of sadness for at least two weeks, a person with a major depressive disorder must also be experiencing at least five common symptoms of depression.

Therapy & Treatment

• Treatment often involves medications, psychotherapy or a combination of the two. For example, antidepressant medications work to correct the chemical imbalance found in the brain. Some common antidepressant medications include selective serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, such as 5-hydroxytryptamine or 5-HT, reuptake inhibitors, or SSRI's. Reboxetine, Amineptine, Mirtazapine, Nefazodone, Duloxetine and Venlafaxine are examples of some of these antidepressants, which are sold under brand names such as Cymbalta and Effexor. These drugs help relieve depression, and restore balance to a person's mood, and have been found effective in treating bipolar disorders.

  According to the Psych Central website, speaking with a therapist can also help manage major depressive disorders as well. For example, psychotherapy usually involves a counseling session with a counselor, psychiatrist or therapist. Common psychotherapies include cognitive therapy, behavioral therapy or interpersonal therapy. These therapies analyze behavior, thought patterns and interactions with others.

Other Therapies and Treatments

• Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is used for severely depressed patients. This treatment involves an electric current that produces a shock to the brain, resulting in biochemical changes. Light therapy involves a broad-spectrum light that gives the effect of having a few more hours of daylight. This is helpful in treating people with seasonal affective disorder (SAD). This disorder usually starts in the fall or winter and ends by spring.