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The Best Treatment for Major Depression

Major Depression is a serious condition that often involved a multifaceted medical approach for treatment. Often one has to seek treatment from specialists to get the proper care for this condition.

  1. Major Depression

    • Major depression is a medical illness that impacts your mind and body. It impacts the manner in which you think, feel and behave in your daily life and causes a variety of problems both emotionally and physically.

    Self-Help

    • Self-help is often the first step to treating depression. This involves lifestyle changes such as avoiding depressants like alcohol. Other self-help activities that have been known to help include exercise, motivational books and support groups. There are many other self-help strategies simply find one that works for you.

    Medications

    • Many sufferers of depression turn to medication for relief. There are four types of medications that work well in relieving the symptoms of depressions. The first and most common options are SSRI (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors) and NDRI (norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors),the next choice in medications are TCA (tricyclic antidepressants) followed by MAOI (monoamine oxidase inhibitors).

    Psychotherapy

    • Psychotherapy is another strong option for managing depression. This involves working with a trained professional and talking through problems and identifying areas where unhealthy thoughts and behaviors can be changed. There is cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy and psychodynamic psychotherapy.

    Electroconvulsive Therapy

    • Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) involves passing electrical currents through the brain which triggers a seizure. This treatment is controversial but has been seen to work quickly and effectively in removing the symptoms of depression.

    Inpatient Hospitalization

    • Psychiatric hospitalization is an option for individuals at high risk of suicide and for those whose symptoms are so severe they are unable to care for themselves. At an inpatient facility patients would receive round-the-clock care and observation.

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