Clinical depression, which is also known as major depression or unipolar depression, is a condition that causes prolonged episodes of severe sadness. In some cases, this condition can lead to suicide or self mutilation. When properly diagnosed through psychiatric testing, clinical depression can be successfully treated.
Inpatient
One way to treat clinical depression is through inpatient mental health care. This is usually reserved for the severe cases in which the patient is suicidal, homicidal or unable to properly care for himself. The constant supervision and frequent therapy sessions, along with monitored medication administration often help the patient to begin the recovery process.
Medication Therapy
The exact medication prescribed depends upon the specifics of the case presented. Antidepressant medications usually help patients with clinical depression as long as the medication regime is followed. Often, the patient will stop taking the medicine as prescribed within a month; however, the National Alliance on Mental Illness reports that most antidepressants take 6 to 12 weeks before the full effect of the medication is noticed. Lithium and antipsychotic drugs are sometimes used when a patient with clinical depression is delusional.
Psychotherapy
Interpersonal therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy are the two types of psychotherapy that are commonly used to treat clinical depression. Interpersonal therapy places the focus of the patient's recovery on improving important relationships, such as the relationship with a spouse. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps the patient to learn ways to cope with negative situations and feelings. While one type of psychotherapy may help a patient with mild to moderate forms of clinical depression, both types are often needed for serious cases.
Other Treatments
The U.S. National Library of Medicine lists electroconvulsive therapy as a therapy that is used to manage clinical depression cases that are severe and unresponsive to other treatment avenues. This type of therapy uses an electric current to produce small seizures in the brain. Transcranial magnetic stimulation is a treatment option that is currently being tested. The method is done in a similar manner as electroconvulsive therapy; however, transcranial magnetic stimulation is considered safer and just as effective.
