Resident or Outpatient Depression Treatment

Depression is much more prevalent than you probably realize. More than 20 million people in the United States have depression. Depression also can be called clinical depression, dysthymic disorder, major depressive disorder, or unipolar depression, depending on specific symptoms. There are many treatment options available, some of which are outpatient treatments and others which are resident treatments.

Symptoms of Depression

• According to the National Library of Medicine, depression can have a variety of symptoms. If you are experiencing persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest or pleasure in activities, change in weight, difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much, energy loss, feelings of worthlessness, or even thoughts of death or suicide you are probably depressed.

  See a doctor to discuss your feelings and symptoms. Based on your specific symptoms, your doctor will have a plan of action to help reduce symptoms and have you feeling well again.

Out-Patient Treatments

• Antidepressants are the most widely used treatment for depression. Antidepressants work by slowing the removal of certain chemicals, called neurotransmitters, from the brain. Neurotransmitters are needed for normal brain function. Antidepressants make these natural chemicals more available to the brain, thus correcting any abnormal brain functions (reference 1).

  The National Library of Medicine explains that antidepressants will improve your mood, sleep patterns, appetite, and concentration. The one drawback is that they may take several weeks to begin working.

  Antidepressants can cause side effects, which are different for each individual. Just tell your doctor and perhaps a different antidepressant can be prescribed. Antidepressants also can react with other medications you are taking, so be sure to tell your doctor if you are currently taking any other medications.

  Therapy is also an out-patient treatment option. Therapy can help stop the pattern of negative thoughts and can help you fight depression by talking about your feelings with a trained therapist.

Hospital Treatment

• Electroconvulsive therapy, also referred to as ECT, is a treatment option which requires time at the hospital, and must be performed by a psychiatrist. Based on information provided by the Family Doctor.com, ECT works by using an electrical shock to cause a seizure (a short period of irregular brain activity) in the brain (reference 2).

  ECT is only used on those with severe symptoms, such as non-response to antidepressants, depression with insomnia, or severe mania or schizophrenia. ECT can have severe side effects, such as short-term memory loss or even changes in heart rhythm.

Resident Treatment

• Patients requiring resident treatment are usually older. Patients are made aware that depression is a brain disorder during resident treatment. Resident treatment centers are also known as halfway homes (reference 1). At halfway homes, patients are rehabilitated by learning coping strategies. Patients might also participate in various types of therapy, including individual, group, and family sessions. Treatment is usually restricted, so visitors may have specific visiting hours, if any at all.