Depression is a serious condition that interferes with daily life and normal functioning. Depression is characterized by extreme sadness, hopelessness, helplessness and sometimes self-hatred. Depressed people may experience poor concentration and have physical complaints such as headache and fatigue. Given all this, it's no surprise that people with depression often withdraw, isolate themselves and avoid activities they once found pleasurable. It is important to get treatment for depression to get your life back on track.
Therapy
Psychotherapy is an effective treatment for depression. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) challenges individuals to identify and correct false thoughts related to their depressive symptoms. The behavioral component of CBT encourages patients to engage in pleasurable activities and develop problem-solving skills.
Interpersonal therapy looks at an individual's relationships and how they affect his mood. Interpersonal therapy is short-term and consists of one session a week for up to 20 weeks.
Medications
Many classes of medication are used to treat depression, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclics, atypical antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Antidepressants are not a cure for individuals with depression, but when combined with therapy, they are effective in relieving depressive symptoms. Side effects are common when using antidepressants and can include nausea, vomiting, insomnia, sexual problems, fatigue and weight gain. Antidepressants can increase the risk of suicide in children and young adults, especially in the first two months of treatment.
Electroconvulsive Therapy
According to the Mayo Clinic, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) helps treat depression in individuals who haven't found relief with medication or talk therapy or who need rapid relief because of a risk of suicide. ECT is a treatment in which electrical currents are passed through an anesthetized individual's brain to trigger a seizure. ECT usually is administered six to 12 times over two to three weeks. The exact mechanism of why ECT works is not known, but provoking a seizure is thought to cause an alteration in the neurotransmitters of the brain, which relieves depression symptoms. ECT also alters the stress hormones of the brain.
Common side effects of ECT include cognitive impairment, especially immediately after a treatment, and memory loss. A patient may not remember weeks or months before the treatment or the weeks or months after treatment. Memory improves a few months after the last treatment; permanent memory loss is rare. Some individuals complain of nausea, muscle aches and headaches following an ECT treatment. These usually subside and can be treated with medications.
Alternative Treatments
For mild cases of depression, regular exercise may help manage depression symptoms. Exercise increases endorphins and serotonin. The Mayo Clinic recommends 30 minutes of exercise three to five times a week.
St. Johns wort, omega-3 fatty acids, SAMe and 5-HTP are natural remedies for depression. While these are natural treatments, they are not without side effects. Before taking a natural product, always talk to your doctor about benefits, risks and drug interactions.
Avoiding caffeine, sugar and processed food can help alleviate depression symptoms. A diet high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains can supply the body with vitamins and minerals that help stabilize mood.
References
- Amercian Academy of Family Physicians: Cognitive Therapy for Depression
- UNC School of Medicine: Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) Services
- University of Michigan Depression Center: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Mayo Clinic: Electroconvulsive Therapy
- Mayo Clinic: Depression and Anxiety - Exercise Eases Symptoms
