Depression, a common form of mental illness, consists of a more severe problem than the normal and occasional sad mood. The American Psychological Association indicates that depression is highly treatable and that when individuals fail to seek help, they suffer needlessly. Many types of interventions for depression exist, with varying degrees of effectiveness. Common methods of treatment include medication and psychotherapy.
Medications
According to the National Institute of Mental Health antidepressants work to normalize brain chemicals. Classes of antidepressants include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, tricyclics and monoamine oxidase inhibitors. Strict adherence to medication regimens improves effectiveness. Antidepressants take at least three to four weeks before an individual experiences maximum benefit
Psychotherapy
Types of psychotherapy used to treat depression include cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic and interpersonal therapies. These methods work to alter problematic ways of thinking and behaving. As the risk of relapse for depression is high, prevention is a key component of treatment. According to the "Clinical Handbook for Psychological Disorders," individuals receiving cognitive therapy have a lower risk of future depression relapse.
Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)
Some severe cases of depression appear resistant to medication and psychotherapy. In these situations, ECT provides a potentially helpful alternative. The Mayo Clinic describes the therapy in which electrodes are placed on the head and mild electrical currents are passed through the brain. How ECT works remains unclear, but researchers believe that it alters levels of brain chemicals, thereby relieving depressive symptoms.
St. John's Wort
The National Institute of Mental Health indicates that St. John's wort is frequently used in Europe and the U.S. to treat depression, though studies, including one conducted by the National Institutes of Health, have not found it effective in treating depression. Further, the herb can alter the effectiveness of other medications.
Vagus Nerve Stimulation
According to the Mayo Clinic, this treatment works through a surgically implanted pulse generator that provides electrical impulses to the mood centers of the brain. Individuals who suffer from chronic, treatment-resistant depression may benefit from this form of treatment.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
In this therapy, reports the Mayo Clinic, an electromagnetic coil held against the scalp produces an electrical current in the brain to alter brain function.
Hospitalization and Residential Treatment Programs
In cases where an individual with depression poses a risk to self or others or demonstrates problems caring for herself, admission to a hospital may be necessary. A stable, structured and calm environment provided in these facilities may assist in the recovery and treatment of depression.
Lifestyle and Home Remedies
The Mayo Clinic suggests several strategies to improve self-care, used in conjunction with professional help. These include maintaining medical appointments, psychotherapy visits and compliance to medication. Other interventions include seeking education regarding depression, increasing knowledge of warning signs of depression, frequent exercise, avoidance of drugs and alcohol and getting enough sleep.
References
- American Psychological Association: Depression and How Psychotherapy and Other Treatments Can Help People Recover
- "Clinical Handbook Of Psychological Disorders"; Jeffrey E. Young, Ph. D., Arthur D. Weinberger, Ph. D., and Aaron T. Beck, M.D.; 2001
- The Mayo Clinic: Depression (Major Depression): Treatment and Drugs
- National Institute of Mental Health: How is Depression Detected and Treated?
