Depression Treatment

It is helpful to think about treatments of depression as a series of steps.

Medication and Antidepressants - First step of depression treatment

There is a new range of antidepressant drugs which have revolutionized the treatment of depression. Antidepressants drugs are effective for both moderate and severe depression. Doctors tend to take the view that Antidepressants should be the first choice of treatment in most patients with major depression, as well as in persistent minor depression or dysthymia - although psychological treatments such as cognitive therapy or counselling may be offered as well.

Anyone who is taking drugs for depression would do well to know enough about them to feel in control of them, e.g. What type of pills they are, facts and information about antidepressants, the effects they are supposed to have, the side effects etc. Treating depression with antidepressants include -

Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) - TCAs tend to be given for moderate to severe depression when a doctor cannot pinpoint a specific cause for depression.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) - This group of antidepressants works on the neurotransmitter called serotonin.

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) - This group of drugs works on the same neurotransmitters as the TCAs but in a different way.

Psychotherapy

Another first step in depression treatment is psychotherapy. The type of psychotherapy that is effective in depressive illness is Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This is a techniques for looking negative thoughts that lead to low mood. The therapist helps the person to reinterpret these negative thoughts so that they become neutral or even positive thoughts. Learn more - Counselling for depression, Therapies

Herbal Remedy - St John's Wort Herbal remedy for treating depression
Natural Treatments - Diet and Exercise

Light Treatment

This may be used during the winter months for SAD. A person sits in front of a light box, which provides bright artificial daylight.

Second Step of Treatment

If first step treatment of depression does not lead to an improvement in a person's mood, it is worth considering a different approach. The GP may suggest a change in antidepressants or refer someone to the local mental health service, either a community mental health team or to a psychiatrist.

Third step of treatment

It involves admission to a mental health unit. Such circumstances occur when a person's mood becomes profoundly low or when failure to eat or drink is life-threatening. Clearly significant suicidal thoughts or psychotic symptoms becoming overwhelming also mean a person needs 24 hour nursing care and more intensive treatment. ECT (Electro Convulsive Therapy) may be considered in such circumstances.

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