Almost 7 percent of the U.S. population is depressed in any given year, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Symptoms of depression persist over a period of weeks or more, yet many of these people never seek help. A number of conventional and alternative therapies effectively combat depression, however. It is imperative that people report symptoms of depression to a health care professional, as the incidence of recurrence for untreated depression is high.
Antidepressants
SSRIs, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, SNRIs, or selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, and MAOIs, or monoamine oxidase inhibitors, are all antidepressants approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of depression. SNRIs are the newest drugs---names include venlafaxine, brand name Effexor, and duloxetine, brand name Cymbalta. SSRIs are the most popular drugs---names include fluoxetine, brand name Prozac, sertraline, brand name Zoloft, and paroxetine, brand name Paxil. MAOIs are the original antidepressant and carry the most side effects, including potentially severe contraindications with cheese, wines, pickles, decongestants and cold medicine. Patients on antidepressants must keep in close contact with their doctors, as even small changes in dosage may cause severe side effects.
Electroconvulsive Therapy
Electroconvulsive therapy, or ECT, uses electric currents to essentially shock the brain out of its depression. Patients are given general anesthesia and a muscle relaxant prior to the procedure, which usually lasts one minute. Treatments are usually given three times per week for six to twelve weeks, and the success rate is approximately 86 percent, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. ECT is a last measure for those patients who are unresponsive to other treatments.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, is a highly effective combatant against depression. In CBT, patients are taught to restructure the way they think. A therapist helps them identify self-defeating or depressive thoughts, and together, patient and therapist develop a new way to think and, consequently, behave. The active participation of the therapist is crucial in CBT and is quite different from traditional psychotherapy, in which the patient lies on a couch and talks to the unseen and silent therapist.
Acupuncture
A study conducted in 1998 by the National Institute of Health's Office of Alternative Medicine found that acupuncture is an effective treatment for depression. In acupuncture, hair-thin needles are inserted into points that correspond with depression. The ancient Chinese theory is that needles release blocked energy. Treatments may be ongoing, and it is important to seek the treatment of a licensed acupuncturist.
Yoga
Yoga is a popular, effective and natural way to combat depression. Not only does the physical movement trigger the release of endorphins, the body's own feel-good hormones, but the meditative breath work also calms the mind. "Yoga Journal" recommends that students suffering from depression try Sun Salutations, Bridge Pose, Camel Pose and backbends for relief.
