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What Are General Methods Used To Treat Depression

Serotonin And Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors

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Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors are a newer type of antidepressant that work similarly to SSRIs. The main difference is that they also block the body’s reuptake of norepinephrine, another neurotransmitter involved in mood.

Common medications in this class are Effexor , Cymbalta , and Pristiq . Like with SSRIs, the Food and Drug Administration indicates that SNRIs should not be taken with MAOIs, and care should be followed if you have liver or kidney issues or narrow-angle glaucoma.

Does Depression Look The Same In Everyone

Depression can affect people differently, depending on their age.

Children with depression may be anxious, cranky, pretend to be sick, refuse to go to school, cling to a parent, or worry that a parent may die.

Older children and teens with depression may get into trouble at school, sulk, be easily frustrated feel restless, or have low self-esteem. They also may have other disorders, such as anxiety and eating disorders, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, or substance use disorder. Older children and teens are more likely to experience excessive sleepiness and increased appetite . In adolescence, females begin to experience depression more often than males, likely due to the biological, life cycle, and hormonal factors unique to women.

Younger adults with depression are more likely to be irritable, complain of weight gain and hypersomnia, and have a negative view of life and the future. They often have other disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder, social phobia, panic disorder, and substance use disorders.

Middle-aged adults with depression may have more depressive episodes, decreased libido, middle-of-the-night insomnia, or early morning awakening. They also may more frequently report having gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea or constipation.

What Is The Prognosis For People Who Use Alternative Therapies For Depression

Scientists have yet to agree about the effectiveness of the alternative therapies listed here. It is difficult to predict a prognosis. Part of the journey of using alternative therapies is that you will have to do some experimentation to figure out what works and what doesnt work for you. Some people who have used alternative therapies have had success, and others havent. Stay in contact with your healthcare provider while you use these therapies.

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Negative Thoughts And Depression

Worrying or thinking negatively is common in people with depression. This affects your ability to focus on getting better and makes you more vulnerable to unhealthy emotions.

Tips to help you control worry and reduce negative thinking include:

  • Write down what you are worried about. Go through each concern and think about how realistic your negative thoughts are. Explore alternative thoughts and explanations.
  • Try not to focus on the things you cannot change.
  • Focus on the present. Accept your thoughts without actively engaging with them.
  • Write down your problems and brainstorm solutions. Jot down the pros and cons with each option and choose the one that seems the best. Review whether it worked to overcome the problem.
  • Avoid making major decisions about your life at this time.

Does Depression Always Need To Be Treated

DEPRESSION  Signs, Symptoms and Future of Treatment  Witan World

If someone has mild , or it has only just started, one option is to wait and see whether the symptoms go away again without treatment. This watchful waiting approach doesnt mean that the symptoms are ignored and nothing is done, though. It is important to stay in touch with the doctor and have regular appointments to discuss how you’re feeling and how you can cope with the situation. If the symptoms get worse or last several weeks, further treatment may be needed.

It is also important for people to be able to talk with others. Partners, friends and family play a very important role here. Support and information centers can offer help and guidance too. Sometimes it can help to talk to people who have gone through similar experiences, for example in a support group.

Particularly in moderate or severe , it is usually very important to get immediate treatment because the symptoms are very distressing and can last quite a while. This is also true if someone has chronic depression or is thinking of harming or killing themselves .

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How Effective Is Cbt For Treating Depression

There have been many studies that show CBT is an effective treatment for depression.

One study found that CBT was as effective as antidepressant medications in treating patients with depression. The same study also found that patients who completed the full course of CBT sessions were less likely to experience a relapse of their depression symptoms after treatment than those who received only medication.

Another recent study found that patients treated with CBT showed a marked improvement in their depression symptoms.

However, its important to note that some studies do find mixed results, and patients with the most severe symptoms also typically show the most improvement from therapy.

Recommendations For Adults And Older Adults

Depression is common among young and middle-aged adults. SAMHSA estimates that 6.7% of U.S. adults15.7 million peopleexperience at least one major depressive episode each year. For 10.2 million of them, that episode results in severe impairment. As among adolescents, women are twice as likely to experience depression as men, with a lifetime prevalence of major depression of 21% among women, compared with 12% among men.

For the initial treatment of depression in adults, the guideline recommends either psychotherapy or second-generation antidepressants, which include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors . There was not enough evidence to recommend one psychotherapy treatment over another, but in general, there was support for behavioral therapy cognitive therapy, CBT and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy interpersonal psychotherapy psychodynamic therapies and supportive therapy. For clinicians considering combination treatments, the guideline recommends combining CBT or interpersonal psychotherapy with a second-generation antidepressant.

An estimated 2.6% of older adults experience depression. Research has shown that late-life depression rates are higher among those with more medical problems and with disabilities. Evidence indicates that many older adults prefer psychosocial treatments for depression rather than pharmacotherapy, the panel members note.

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What Medications Are Used To Treat Depression

  • Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors : Some commonly prescribed SSRIs include citalopram, fluoxetine, paroxetine, etc.
  • Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors : These drugs act by increasing the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. Examples of SNRIs include desvenlafaxine, duloxetine, and venlafaxine.
  • Atypical antidepressants: These medications typically dont fit into other categories of antidepressants. Examples of atypical antidepressants include bupropion, trazodone, etc.
  • Tricyclic antidepressants: While these can effectively treat depression, they have more side effects than newer antidepressants. They are usually prescribed only if SSRIs fail. Examples of tricyclic antidepressants include amitriptyline, doxepin, protriptyline, etc.
  • Monoamine oxidase inhibitors : These are generally prescribed if other medications fail. However, they must be taken with caution because they may interact with certain foods, such as cheese, wine, and pickles. They can also interact with other medications such as SSRIs and cause serious reactions. If you are taking other medications, make sure to inform your doctor. Examples of MAOIs include phenelzine, isocarboxazid, etc.
  • Other medications: Your doctor may also prescribe anti-anxiety medications, mood stabilizers, and antipsychotic medications.

What Are Effective Methods Used To Treat Depression

DEPRESSION differences in men and WOMEN | Women’s Depression

Depression is a condition that often occurs in society. According to research, depression occurs in 80% of people at some time in their lives and can occur at any age. Depression is more common in women than in men. Depression is a condition that is described as a mood disorder that causes feelings of sadness and loss of interest that persists.

Depression can affect your feelings, ways of thinking and behaving, and can make you have various emotional and physical problems. If sadness lasts for a few days or weeks, interferes with work or other activities with family or friends, or is suicidal, this is likely depression. Discuss with your doctor if you feel symptoms of depression.

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Where Can I Find Clinical Trials For Depression

Clinical trials are research studies that look at new ways to prevent, detect, or treat diseases and conditions. Although individuals may benefit from being part of a clinical trial, participants should be aware that the primary purpose of a clinical trial is to gain new scientific knowledge so others may receive better help in the future.

Researchers at the National Institute of Mental Health and around the country conduct many studies with patients and healthy volunteers. Talk to your health care provider about clinical trials, their benefits and risks, and whether one is right for you. For more information, visit NIMH’s clinical trials information.

How To Find Treatment Near You

The first step in getting treatment for depression is making an appointment with your general practitioner. They can recommend doctors in your area.

If youre religious, ask your religious leader if they have counselors to recommend. Some people prefer faith-based counseling, which incorporates their religion into a treatment plan.

You can also check healthcare databases for therapists, psychiatrists, and counselors. These databases can provide you with information such as certifications, accepted insurance providers, and reviews left by other people. You can start with these databases:

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Small Steps Big Impact

Depression can drain your energy, leaving you feeling empty and fatigued. This can make it difficult to muster the strength or desire to seek treatment.

However, there are small steps you can take to help you feel more in control and improve your overall sense of well-being.

Read on to learn how to incorporate these strategies in a way that makes sense for you.

Treating Depression With Changes In Lifestyle

Depression

Changes in lifestyle and ridding yourself of old, unhealthy habits may be the most challenging part of treating your own depression. Here are some ways to improve your outlook:

  • FDA. Statement: FDA approves new nasal spray medication for treatment-resistant depression available only at a certified doctors office or clinic. Press release on March 5, 2019 Available at: www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm632761.htm. Accessed April 10, 2019.
  • PROTO Website. Massachusetts General Hospital. New tools for depression. Clinical research. Available at: http://protomag.com/articles/new-tools-depression. Published June 18, 2018. Accessed April 10, 2019.
  • Kerr, Stacy. Depression & Cannabis. Project CBD. Available at:https://www.projectcbd.org/medicine/depression-cannabis Published June 5, 2018. Accessed April 10, 2019.
  • MDedge. SGAs for resistant depression. Presented by Clinical Psychiatry News.Available at: www.mdedge.com/psychiatry/article/62463/sgas-resistant-depression. Accessed April 10, 2019.
  • Kato M, Chang CM. Augmentation treatment with second-generation antipsychotics to antidepressants in treatment-resistant depression. CNS Drugs. 2013 May 27 Suppl 1: S11-9. doi: 10.1007/s40263-012-0029-7. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23709358. Accessed April 10, 2019.
  • Joffe, Russell T. Hormone treatment of depression. Dialogues Clin Neurosci. 2011 Mar 13: 127138. Available at: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3181966/ Accessed April 10, 2019.
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    Treating Depression With Therapy

    There are 3 common types of therapy available that have good track records for treating depression:

    • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy helps assess and change negative thinking patterns associated with depression. The patient can learn coping strategies by recognizing negative thoughts. This is a structured therapy that is often limited to a certain number of visits, possibly 8-16 sessions.
    • Psychodynamic Therapy encourages the patient to look at negative behaviors and try to recognize and then change them. Its theory is that bad patterns and feelings are rooted in past experiences, which the therapist works with the patient and tries to tap the unconscious processes that have led to problems and then to help change them.
    • Interpersonal Therapy looks at personal relationships and encourages the patient to make changes in life. The focus is to learn from the therapist how to improve problems and how to evaluate interactions to improve how they relate to others.

    How Can I Help A Loved One Who Is Depressed

    If someone you know has depression, help them see a health care provider or mental health professional. You also can:

    • Offer support, understanding, patience, and encouragement.
    • Invite them out for walks, outings, and other activities.
    • Help them stick to their treatment plan, such as setting reminders to take prescribed medications.
    • Make sure they have transportation to therapy appointments.
    • Remind them that, with time and treatment, the depression will lift.

    Take comments about suicide seriously, and report them to your loved ones health care provider or therapist. If they are in immediate distress or thinking about hurting themselves, call 911 for emergency services or go to the nearest hospital emergency room.

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    Or Spend Time With Loved Ones

    Depression can tempt you to isolate yourself and withdraw from your friends and family, but face-to-face time can help wash away those tendencies.

    If youre unable to spend time together in person, phone calls or video chats can also be helpful.

    Try to remind yourself these people care about you. Resist the temptation to feel like youre a burden. You need the interaction and they likely do, too.

    When you do the same thing day after day, you use the same parts of your brain. You can challenge your neurons and alter your brain chemistry by doing something entirely different.

    Research also shows doing new things can improve your overall well-being and strengthen your social relationships.

    To reap these benefits, consider trying a new sport, taking a creative class, or learning a new cooking technique.

    Knock out a few birds with one stone spending time with other people and doing something new by volunteering and giving your time to someone or something else.

    You may be used to receiving help from friends, but reaching out and providing help may actually improve your mental health more.

    Bonus: People who volunteer experience physical benefits, too. This includes a reduced risk of hypertension.

    When you do something you love, or even when you find a new activity you enjoy, you may be able to boost your mental health more by taking time to be thankful for it.

    Research shows gratitude can have lasting positive effects on your overall mental health.

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    More info on this topic

    Just as no two people are affected the exact same way by depression and anxiety, there is no one size fits all treatment. What works for one person might not work for another.

    The best way to treat depression or anxiety is to become as informed as possible about the treatment options, and then tailor them to meet your needs. In many cases, it is helpful to work with a professional to determine the best fit.

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    Do The Opposite Of What The Depression Voice Suggests

    The negative, irrational voice in your head may talk you out of self-help. However, if you can learn to recognize it, you can learn to replace it. Use logic as a weapon. Address each thought individually as it occurs.

    If you believe an event wont be fun or worth your time, say to yourself, You might be right, but itll be better than just sitting here another night. You may soon see the negative isnt always realistic.

    A lengthy to-do list may be so weighty that youd rather do nothing. Instead of compiling a long list of tasks, consider setting one or two smaller goals.

    For example:

    • Dont clean the house take the trash out.
    • Dont do all the laundry thats piled up just sort the piles by color.
    • Dont clear out your entire email inbox just address any time-sensitive messages.

    When youve done a small thing, set your eyes on another small thing, and then another. This way, you have a list of tangible achievements and not an untouched to-do list.

    All goals are worthy of recognition, and all successes are worthy of celebration. When you achieve a goal, do your best to recognize it.

    You may not feel like celebrating with a cake and confetti, but recognizing your own successes can be a very powerful weapon against depressions negative weight.

    The memory of a job well-done may be especially powerful against negative talk and overgeneralization.

    Focus on times when you feel the most disorganized or scattered.

    How To Find A Therapist For Depression

    It is easy to find free online depression counseling, as these services are location-independent. Also, since listing their therapy service online is quite cheap, they will usually pass on the savings to their customers. It is even possible to find free online therapy for depression. You should note that online therapy professionals are highly reliable and cannot be listed on company websites if they do not have the necessary qualifications. Another advantage of the online free therapy for depression is that these services are typically available 24/7.

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    How Is Depression Treated

    Depression treatment typically involves medication, psychotherapy, or both. If these treatments do not reduce symptoms, brain stimulation therapy may be another treatment option. In milder cases of depression, treatment might begin with psychotherapy alone, and medication added if the individual continues to experience symptoms. For moderate or severe depression, many mental health professionals recommend a combination of medication and therapy at the start of treatment.

    Choosing the right treatment plan should be based on a persons individual needs and medical situation under a providers care. It may take some trial and error to find the treatment that works best for you. You can learn more about the different types of treatment, including psychotherapy, medication, and brain stimulation therapies on the NIMH’s depression webpage. For information on finding a mental health professional and questions to ask when considering therapy, visit NIMHs psychotherapies webpage.

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