Clinical Depression Signs & Treatments

Clinical depression is a chronic but treatable condition. Depression can occur alone or with other ailments such as anxiety or substance abuse. Learning to recognize the signs and symptoms of depression is the first step in getting treatment. Choosing a combination of both therapy and medication is considered the most effective treatment method.

Signs of Depression

• Feeling chronically sad, empty, guilty and lethargic are warning signs of depression. Other symptoms include increased or decreased appetite, difficulty sleeping, poor concentration, low self-esteem and/or suicidal thoughts. Depression can be recognized if several of these symptoms are self-reported or observed by others over a period of at least two weeks. Major depressive disorder can be diagnosed with a single episode, recurrent, mild, moderate or severe.

Psychotherapy

• Establishing a trusting relationship with a mental-health professional is recommended for people suffering from clinical depression. Psychotherapy can provide support, help change unproductive and negative thought patterns and heal unresolved emotional wounds. Cognitive behavioral therapy is widely used by therapists as a technique in treating depression. This type of therapy helps replace irrational thinking with more logical and healthy patterns.

Medications

• Using a medication to treat depression is beneficial. There are many types of medications to choose from. The first step includes a visit to a primary-care doctor or psychiatrist to discuss options. Trial an error may be necessary to find the appropriate medication, as individuals respond differently. Medications such as Prozac, Lexapro and Zoloft affect serotonin levels in the brain. Effexor and Cymbalta work on norepinephrine and serotonin neurotransmitters. A combination may be necessary to fully treat symptoms of depression. Medications for depression are usually taken for at least six months to a year to maximize effectiveness.