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DEPRESSION TREATMENTS |
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Effective treatment can help shorten the length of a depressive
episode, reduce the severity and prevent long-term problems such as
social phobias and poor self-esteem.
Most individuals suffering from depression are successfully treated by their family doctor. A smaller number attend a psychiatrist and a few people with more severe forms of depression may require treatment in hospital. Treatment may involve psychotherapy, drug therapy or a combination of both, depending on the cause, type and severity of the illness. In certain cases electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may be necessary. Psychotherapy involves talking to a therapist about day-to-day relationships (interpersonal psychotherapy); how to change a negative way of thinking into positive thinking (cognitive psychotherapy) and how to change a type of behaviour (behavioural therapy). A diary may be kept to record sleep and mood patterns and to chart appetite and concentration difficulties. During a depressive episode, it is believed that the levels of certain chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters (noradrenaline and serotonin) are reduced. Some antidepressants used in the treatment of depression act to combat this reduction in neurotransmitters.There are three main groups of anti-dpressants: tricyclic antidepressants (TCADs); selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Lithium, which is more commonly used for the treatment of maia may be used to treat severe and recurrent depression. It is important to note that all of these drugs have side effects, which you should discuss with your doctor. Drug treatment can take up to three to four weeks before any effects are felt and is normally prescribed for six to nine months. However, it may be continued for a further six months after the symptoms of depression have been resolved to prevent the depression recurring. If depression does return it is important to speak to your GP as a longer duration of therapy may be considered. ECT involves delivering an electrical impulse to the brain through electrodes, which are placed at specific points on the head. It is given under light anaesthesia. ECT is effective against severe depression and is useful in people who are unable to continue with work or social activities, people who have failed to respond to courses of antidepressants and in those who refuse fluids. |
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