Guidelines For Treating Depression

There are a variety of guidelines for treating depression private treatment published by the APA, CANMAT, BAP, NICE, and Texas Medication Algorithm Project. They recommend exercise, psychotherapy and antidepressant medication.

The guidelines suggest that patients who do not respond to monotherapy use CBT or SGA prior to starting medication and increase dosages as necessary. Patients who do not respond to monotherapy may benefit from augmentation using psychostimulants, lithium or SSRIs.

1. Diagnosis

The first step in treatment of depression is to get a diagnosis. This includes a discussion with an expert in mental health or your doctor, as well as certain types of talk therapy.

Your GP will ask you about your symptoms and how they've affected your life over the past month. They'll also ask if you have ever had thoughts of self-harm or suicide. Your GP will also take into consideration your general health as well as your family history and lifestyle when determining whether you have depression.

You must be honest and open with your doctor, so they get a complete picture of how you are feeling. This will enable them to identify the symptoms of depression. They can then utilize these symptoms to rule out other conditions such as cancer or heart disease, that could cause similar symptoms.

After your GP has concluded that you may be suffering from depression, they'll rule out the possibility of other illnesses through tests. Blood tests, for example tests for thyroid or anemia problems that could be causing depression. They can also test your blood to check for deficiencies in vitamins as well as alcohol and other substances that mimic depression.

If your GP discovers you have depression, they'll discuss the root of the problem and the best method to treat it. This could include psychotherapy or an array of therapies and medication. Antidepressants are the most effective medications to treat depression. They alter the balance of chemicals in the brain. They can be administered either orally or via injections and it could take some time before they begin to work. They may also cause side effects, including constipation and dry mouth.

2. Medication

Medications can help many people who suffer from depression. Your doctor may initially prescribe one or several antidepressants. If the initial treatment does not produce a satisfactory result your doctor might suggest you try a different medication or alter the dosage or time that you take it. To get the most benefit of your medication, it is essential to take it regularly. Do not stop taking your medication without doctor's consent.

Based on the severity of your symptoms, you may be prescribed a general antidepressant or an SSRI. An SSRI is an antidepressant that increases the levels of the chemical serotonin in the brain. Examples of SSRIs include citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro) and fluoxetine (Prozac). Your doctor might also prescribe a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, or SNRI. SNRIs include duloxetine (Cymbalta), and venlafaxine, (Effexor XR or Khedezla).

Other antidepressants, including tetracyclics, may be prescribed if your doctor thinks that these medications would be more efficient than an SSRI or SNRI. SSRIs and SNRIs are typically considered safe for use in children and adolescents.

It is recommended to inform your doctor whether you suffer from any allergies or health problems before starting treatment. The medication can cause side effects like an upset stomach or dry mouth. Generally, these are mild and go away by themselves in a week or two. If you're taking medication do not drive or operate machines until you feel calm and clearheaded.

Other recreational drugs and alcohol can worsen some depression symptoms such as insomnia or restlessness. These substances should not be used as they can make depression difficult to manage. In the case of continued use, particularly over a prolonged period, can lead to more serious issues.

3. Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, can help you address issues that are causing your depression. This type of treatment is long-lasting, but has been shown to be effective in treating depression. Psychotherapy can be carried out in a variety of settings including private therapists' offices, hospitals, clinics for psychiatry, and rehabilitation facilities. It is usually done one-on-one however group therapy is also possible.

Your therapy therapist will discuss your thoughts, feelings behavior, thoughts, and relationships with you in a confidential and secure environment. During the first few sessions your therapist will get to know you and suggest a treatment plan. This could include psychotherapy, medication, exercises and other treatments such as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) or electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).

Some are short-term, and they focus on specific issues. Interpersonal therapy (IPT), for example helps people comprehend the root issues, such as unresolved grievances or conflicts with other people. Depression can be triggered by a variety of reasons including loss and stress to unresolved traumas and abuse. This may require therapy for a longer period and other treatments for depression.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), also known as cognitive restructuring, helps people to change their thinking patterns that trigger symptoms. It also enhances coping skills and helps them deal with the stresses and challenges of daily life. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a combination of CBT elements with mindfulness techniques to assist you in recognizing and observing your emotions.

Psychological treatments can be as effective as antidepressants in treating depression that is acute. However, it takes longer to effect results, and not everyone responds to it in the same way. It's important to continue to attend therapy sessions and complete your homework (like journaling or meditation) between sessions.

4. Counseling

It's important to find a treatment that works, regardless of whether your symptoms of extreme depression treatment are not severe. Often, that includes counseling or psychological therapy. A professional outside can alter your life. It could take a number of therapy sessions to find one who resonates with you. However, it's worth the effort.

There are many types of psychotherapy, however the majority involve talking about your issues and learning new strategies to cope with depression. You might also find it helpful to talk about your experiences with other people who are dealing with similar struggles. Group counseling is offered in medical clinics, hospitals, therapists' offices, and even via your phone via online telehealth services.

Counseling for depression is aimed at transforming negative thoughts and behaviors which contribute to the condition. For instance, a therapist could help you to manage stress to improve your mood. You can learn to recognize irrational thought patterns and challenge preconceptions which make you feel down. You can use EMDR to let go of painful or traumatic experiences that could contribute to depression.

Other therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy or behavioural activation are used to help you understand your patterns of behavior and make adjustments. For instance, behavioural therapy can be beneficial if depression makes you stop social activities. The goal is to encourage you to take part in more social activities and to understand the ways in which your actions affect your mood. These methods are typically used in conjunction medication. Ask your doctor for a referral, or call a local mental health clinic to find a qualified therapist.

5. Exercise

The benefits of exercising for combating depression and preventing it are well-established. It's not a standard treatment. Psychotherapy and medication are more commonly utilized. However, a growing body research suggests that exercising can be as effective in treating depression as psychotherapy and antidepressants, perhaps even better.

In fact it's more effective than psychotherapy or drugs to treat depression and anxiety (Check This Out) by itself, according to a meta-analysis of more than 150 studies. The research found that people who exercised for depression saw their symptoms improve by five points on one scale and 6.5 points on another which is clinically significant. The results were the same whether they exercised only a few minutes or an hour per day.

Exercise can also be an effective alternative to medication or psychotherapy, but it may not be appropriate for everyone. It also has the added bonus of keeping us physically fit and helping us fight off other mental health issues such as anxiety.

Exercise isn't viewed as a stigmatizing practice like drugs or talk therapy. It's accessible to everyone, comes with no costs attached and can be an extremely positive approach.

However, it's still difficult to research the effects of exercise on a person as it is difficult to monitor things like how much people typically exercise and the other medications they are taking. More research is needed to determine the best treatment for severe depression type, frequency, and duration of exercise for treating and preventing depression. And to help with that, GPs and other health professionals are increasingly prescribing exercise for their patients as part of their treatment plan. The 'green prescription,' is a program that aims to encourage patients to be active by contacting a fitness professional frequently via phone or face-to-face.