Depression Behavior Treatments

Most depression is situational, which means that it is triggered by events that create a response. The patient cannot control the events and reacts by turning emotions inward instead of finding healthy outlets in which to relieve the pain. Situational depression and depression that is caused by a chemical imbalance are treated in different ways.

Stress

• When stress mounts, some people react by turning inward and becoming depressed. Treatment for this situational depression, referred to as unipolar, often begins with behavior modifications and exercises meant to divert attention from the situation causing the stress. Group therapy, sports and exercise, work, family and school all can be the focus used to draw attention away from the inner strife causing the depression.

Therapy

• Cognitive therapy that helps the depressed person see reality more clearly is very beneficial for treating depression and the behaviors that accompany it. One-on-one counseling can help patients to set priorities and understand that the areas of stress that are causing the depression are only one aspect of the person's life. Cognitive behavior therapy provides a safe place for people to air their feelings and look openly at the fears and anxieties creating the depression. By understanding and acknowledging a situation, patients can then move on to create activities that will reinforce positive messages that were lacking prior to the onset of depression.

Psychotherapy

• Psychotherapy usually combines a number of treatments into a complete plan to deal with behavioral depression. To help alleviate the conditions causing the depression behaviors, family or marital counseling may be introduced. Medications to relieve anxiety can calm a person down long enough to address behavioral issues. Combined with personal cognitive therapy, psychotherapy offers a plan to treat depression and prevent further episodes.

Dementia

• People with dementia and their caregivers are at risk for developing depression because of the lack of control they have over worsening conditions with no relief in sight. Behavioral treatments should focus on providing pleasant activities for the patients, while giving caretakers guidance on outlets for stress and education about the degenerative disease. Both therapies can work well when administered simultaneously.

Bipolar

• Bipolar disease, which is characterized by behavior swings that range from severe depression to frantic mania, must be treated with medications before behavioral issues can be addressed. Since the chemically induced moods are not necessarily connected to any event, behavioral therapy cannot be successful until a consistent level of functioning is achieved. Once settled with the right combination of drugs, behavior counseling can be appropriately applied.