Common Treatments for Depression

Antidepressant medications and psychotherapy are the 2 most commonly recommended treatments for major depression.

Many studies indicate that for mild to moderate depression, certain forms of talk therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, will work as well as medication to control depressive symptoms.

Anti depressant medications, such as SSRIs, MAOIs and tricyclic anti depressants work very well for about two thirds of people. Medication treatment is almost always indicated for severe major depression and often recommended for mild and moderate depression as well. Doctors will often recommend a combined treatment of psychotherapy and medication, to maximize the likelihood of efficacy.

Because most people tolerate the SSRIs (Prozac, Zoloft, etc.) best, medications from this class are the most commonly prescribed form of anti depressant. Although most people tolerate the SSRIs better than other varieties of anti depressant medications, SSRIs do produce side effects, cause a physical dependency and are associated with an increased risk of suicide for those under 25.

The herbal medication, St. John's Wort, has shown efficacy in several clinical trials, particularly for mild to moderate depression. European mental health professionals recommend the use of this complimentary therapy with far greater frequency than their American counterparts.

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is sometimes used when medication does not help to control the symptoms of severe depression or when suicidal thoughts require an immediate treatment response. Today's ECT bears little resemblance to the ECT treatments of the 1950's. Today, patients are given very small and focused electro stimulation while under general anesthesia. Side effects can include memory problems, but most people find that ECT provides immediate relief from depressive symptoms.

A newer form of therapy, transcranial magnetic stimulation, may provide many of the benefits of ECT with fewer side effects, although this treatment remains experimental.

(Bipolar disorder treatments are somewhat different)

What Lifestyle Changes Can Help?

Although lifestyle changes are rarely an effective substitute for clinical treatment and or medication, making a few easy changes can help to prevent depression, or shorten/reduce the severity of experienced symptoms.

Improving eating habits can have a substantial impact, and in some cases, depressive symptoms result from vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Ensure adequate consumption of vitamin B (complex) vitamin C, folate, calcium, zinc, manganese, magnesium, iron and potassium; and increase consumption of omega 3 fatty acids and whole grain carbohydrates. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, aspartame, white sugar and highly processed carbohydrates; and eat on a regular schedule, 3 or more times daily. You are what you eat and the way you eat affects the way you feel!

Getting enough sunshine can help people with certain forms of depression and regular moderate exercise is a must for anyone with the disorder. Get out for a brisk half hour walk at lunch-time each day and get your sun and exercise at the same time!

Sleep as well as you can, ensuring 8 hours of sleep per night, force yourself to get out of the house and spend time with friends and family and give yourself a break from stress, by limiting your work commitments during a time of depression.

Supporting a Loved One with Depression

It can be painful to watch a loved one experience a clinical depression. Thankfully, friends and family can help to ease the burdens caused by depression.

Help by:

• Getting educated
• Encouraging treatment and treatment compliance
• Being there to listen
• Getting him or her out of the house (plan social and fun activities)
• Help to reduce stress by helping around the house, on the job or with the kids