Researchers have stated that 20 million people suffer from depression in America. That may seem like a huge number but there are a lot of different types of depression and different levels of depression. At least 80% of all types of depression has been declared treatable, most of them easily so with psychotherapy and drug treatment. Depression treating is simple for a trained mental health care professional and can lead to incredible improvements in the quality of life for people who suffer from depression. If you think you are suffering from depression it is important to see a medical professional for an evaluation and referral to a depression specialist. There are many causes of depression symptoms that are easily explained and treated. For depression that does not have an obvious cause, there are various treatments available but it may take a little extra time to see actual results.
Diagnosing Depression
When you visit a mental health care professional you will be evaluated for depression because treating depression is dependant upon many factors. The doctor will do a complete medical history to determine if there is a physiological reason for your depression or a chemical one due to drugs you may be taking. You will also have to give a complete family mental health history because if there is a history of depression among close relatives you may be at greater risk. In some instances the doctor will request blood tests or other medical exams, but these are relatively rare instances and come up only if the doctor thinks there is an underlying cause that has not yet been realized.
Treating Depression
There are various methods available for treating depression and it is up to you and your doctor to decide which depression treating method is right for you. When you are prescribed antidepressant medication for depression treating, it is necessary that your doctor supervise the entire treatment. If there is any increase or decrease in dosage needed the doctor will be able to make the changes immediately. Most drugs take four to six weeks before true results are seen and side effects diminish.
Drug treatments for depression include:
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) - which are prescribed for patients who suffer from feelings of despair, helplessness and displeasure. This is usually given to people who suffer from mild to moderate depression. The side effects are bothersome but manageable.
Serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) - which are prescribed for mild to moderate depression and treat the hormonal imbalance that results from low levels of serotonin in the brain.
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) - which are used when depressive symptoms also have symptoms of an anxiety disorder. These drugs have the worst known side effects and require a very specific diet to avoid interactions.
Lithium - this is one of the most well known depression drugs. It is prescribed for people who suffer from severe forms of depression. It is also used to prevent recurring depression.
Other depression treatments include:
There are non-chemical methods for treating depression that are effective. These methods can be used alone in cases of mild depression or in conjunction with drug treatments when necessary. These include:
Psychotherapy – known as talk therapy, this traditional method of treating depression looks for the root of the depression problem as a way to find a cure for the depression
Electroconvulsive Therapy – formerly known as electroshock therapy, this method of depression treatment uses electrical impulses to cause seizures that work to almost instantly relieve depression in severe cases
Photo Therapy – usually used for people who suffer from seasonal depression, this therapy uses natural light or simulated natural light to adjust the internal body clock and relieve depression symptoms
