Major depression is one of the more well known types of an illness that affects some 20 million people every year. Doctors and researchers are constantly on the lookout for better a treatment for major depression; one that has few or no side effects and can be used for all patients. Patients can choose from a number of treatments that have some effectiveness alone and work even better when used in combination with one another. The patient and doctor work together to decide the best treatment for major depression and constantly analyze the results to ensure improvement of symptoms.
Treatment for Major Depression
The most common way to treat major depression is through a combination of drugh therapy and psychotherapy (talk therapy). The drug treatment relieves the symptoms of depression and the talk therapy helps the patient come to the root of the problem and possibly resolve the cause of the major depression. Types of psychotherapy include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), group therapy and family therapy; each has its own merits and types of personalities that are benefitted most.
Drug therapy is not for everyone, in fact there are some drugs that have explicit warnings not to be used in individuals under the age of 18. There are usually side effects and possible drug interactions that can cause serious problems (even death) for patients seeking treatment for major depression. The various medications for major depression include:
Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)
Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
New antidepressant drugs (SNRIs)
Lithium and thyroid supplements
antipsychotic medications
Other Therapy
Treatment for major depression can take a more serious form when dealing with people who are severely depressed or are suicidal. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a treatment for major depression that causes a seizure by sending an electric current to the brain to end the episode of depression. This treatment may seem crude but it is incredibly effective, often taking just one dose to relieve the depression.
Another treatment for major depression is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) which is a way to change the way the brain functions in the same way that ECT works but with little or no side effects.
Light therapy is often used for patients who have seasonal depression. This therapy requires the patient to expose the body to additional natural light (or simulated natural light) to improve symptoms of depression and restore a normal sleep cycle which can affect depression.
There are also natural remedies used to treat depression which include St. John’s Wort, Folic Acid, 5-HTP and Omega-3 Fatty Acids. These treatments have some research attached and have proven their effectiveness by having been used over long periods of time.
Prevention
There is no real way to prevent major depression. Unfortunately, once you have suffered an episode of major depression you are at an increased risk of suffering another. It is important that you be aware of the things that can trigger depression to avoid an episode or at least get professional help before you are into a full blown depression. Many things can cause depression so knowing what causes your problem can help you get out of depression before you get into it.
