Treatment Goals for Major Depression

Major depression is a condition that affects 5 to 8 percent of American adults each year. Understanding what treatment options are available and how to construct realistic treatment goals is a necessary step for increasing success with managing major depression.

Types

• Various types of treatment are available for major depression including psychiatric medication management, psychotherapy and case management.

Function

• Psychiatric medication management seeks to address major depressive symptoms by prescribing medications, including various types of antidepressant medications. Psychotherapy has the goal of teaching individuals how to manage depressive symptoms through coping skills and behavioral modifications. Case management typically focuses on training on daily living activities and linking to other necessary treatment services.

Time Frame

• Each treatment goal should be clearly stated and should have a time frame in which to complete the goal. This goal can be as simple as the following: "I will miss fewer than two doses of medications per week for a period of four consecutive weeks" or "I will take a shower when I wake up every morning at least 5 days per week for four consecutive weeks".

Considerations

• Treatment goals should focus on the needs and desires of the depressed person. Treatment should focus on individual strengths that can help a depressed person meet these goals.

Problems

• Lack of adequate insurance coverage and high cost of treatment are major barriers for meeting treatment goals. If coverage is not affordable, self-help materials and community programs are available that may help with learning skills to manage depressive symptoms.