What Is the Most Effective Treatment for Depression?

Feelings of sadness and an overwhelming malaise affect all of us at one time or another in our lives. These feelings should not last for long periods and if they do, you may be experiencing depression. There are many effective treatments for depression; finding the right one for you is a goal you and your doctor should discuss.

Causes

• Changes in body chemistry are responsible for some depression. This can affect the thought processes and moods of an individual. Biological factors such as the death of a loved one can bring on this illness. People who do not get over a bout of depression within two weeks may need medical attention.

Treatments

• Depression is very treatable and the success rate is high according to the American Psychological Association (see reference 1).

  There are two main forms of treatment for depression. The first is to seek counseling help by a qualified psychologist who has experience in the treatment of depression. Psychotherapy can help people identify the main cause of their illness and to deal with negative thought processes that contribute to their feelings of hopelessness. Therapy can help the patient deal with interactions with other people and help them to understand how those interactions can make them feel as if they have no control. Family support is crucial to the depressed person; they can help them use the coping skills they learn during psychotherapy.

  Counseling may be the only treatment needed for depression, but in more serious cases the patient may not have the ability to function well enough to talk about his problems and a combination of medication and psychotherapy is necessary in these cases.

  A doctor may prescribe medications such as Zoloft, Wellbutrin, or Prozac; and close monitoring of these medications is vital. It may take as long as three weeks for the medication to lessen the symptoms of depression. A physician must closely monitor increasing the dosage or coming off an antidepressant. If there is little change noticed within five or six weeks, you need to speak with your doctor about changing the medication (see reference 2).

Considerations

• Exercise releases endorphins into the body according to the healthcentral.com website. This can lead to a feeling of well-being and may be beneficial in decreasing short-term depression, as well as making your body more fit (see reference 3).

Warning

• You should never discontinue depression medications without asking your doctor. Stopping the medications cold turkey may lead to the return of depression, which may lead to suicidal thoughts in some people.