Depression and anxiety affect millions of Americans each year, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Although depression and anxiety may produce different symptoms, the treatments for both typically fall into two categories: medication and psychotherapy. Scientific research, such as a study published in the "Journal of the American Medical Association" in 2004, supports both as effective treatments. Speak with a professional to learn more about choosing between treatment options.
Emergency Treatments
Most treatments for depression and anxiety involve scheduling an appointment with a health care professional. If the symptoms of depression or anxiety become overwhelming or debilitating, however, local hospitals, walk-in clinics and crisis centers offer immediate help for those in distress. Many of these facilities remain open 24 hours a day. Call the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-8255, or dial 911 for immediate help dealing with thoughts of suicide or harm.
Medication
Medical professionals such as psychiatrists, primary physicians or nurse practitioners may prescribe psychotropic medications to treat depression or anxiety. The term "psychotropic" refers to the ability of a drug to affect states of mind. These drugs work to modulate specific chemicals in the brain--called neurotransmitters--that help to regulate moods and emotions. By adjusting the levels of these chemicals, antidepressant and anti-anxiety medications aim to relieve the symptoms of depression and anxiety. Research such as a study published in the journal "Human Pharmacology" in 2003 has shown that these medications can indeed be effective in treating these symptoms.
Psychotherapy
Psychologists and mental health counselors practice psychotherapy, or talk therapy, as a way to uncover and resolve the underlying cognitive, emotional or behavioral causes of depression and anxiety. Psychotherapy typically involves a discussion between client and therapist aimed at identifying these causes, though the structure of a psychotherapy session can vary greatly depending on the style of the practitioner. For example, a cognitive therapist may focus purposively on identifying maladaptive thinking patterns that contribute to anxiety, whereas a therapist with a client-centered approach may allow the client to completely direct the session's content. In his book "The Great Psychotherapy Debate," Bruce Wampold, Ph.D., reports that research has consistently shown that psychotherapy is effective in treating psychological disorders such as depression and anxiety.
Alternative Modalities
Alternatives to both medication and psychotherapy for treating depression and anxiety exist, such as acupuncture and herbal remedies, though according to an article published on MayoClinic.com, many of these modalities have failed to show consistent scientific efficacy. Exercise caution when exploring these options, as many such treatments are unregulated and potentially unsafe. Talk to a licensed professional to gain the best and most reliable information about effective treatments, and to ensure the best possible care.
References
- National Institute of Mental Health: The Numbers Count: Mental Disorders in America
- "Journal of the American Medical Association"; Fluoxetine, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, and Their Combination for Adolescents With Depression; John March et al.;2004
- "Human Pharmacology: Clinical and Experimental"; Efficacy of diazepam as an anti-anxiety agent; Toshiya Inada et al.; 2003
- "The Great Psychotherapy Debate"; Bruce Wampold, Ph.D.; 2001
- Mayo Clinic: Alternative Medicine
