Skip to main content

Top Treatment and Medications for Depression

5 minute read

By Check

Clinical depression is more than just the common sadness that everyone experiences. It is a medical illness that affects your emotions, cognition, and action. It can also affect you physically.

The symptoms of depression can include the following and can range from mild to severe:

The symptoms of depression must last at least two weeks for a diagnosis of clinical depression. Luckily, depression nowadays can be treated effectively through a variety of methods.

Medications for Depression

There are many types of medications for depression. They are called antidepressants. Antidepressants treat depression by increasing the level of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters or increasing their availability. It is believed that these chemicals can help regulate brain circuits that affect emotions.

The major kinds of antidepressants fall into the following groups:

Tricyclic antidepressants

These were some of the first drugs used to treat depression. They directly affect the levels of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and serotonin. Since these drugs cause a lot of side effects, they are not the first choice for the current care of depression.

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors

These were also an early form of treatment for depression. These work well in patients who have not been successfully treated with other forms of antidepressants. They are also not the first option taken by doctors because they interact with many foods and drugs.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors

These are a newer form of antidepressant medication. They work by allowing the neurotransmitter serotonin to remain in the synapse between neurons for a longer period of time.

Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors

These are also a newer form of antidepressant. They work by preventing reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin in the synapse as well.

Supplements for Depression

There are many products on the market that are dietary supplements that are claimed to boost mood and alleviate depression. You always need to check the evidence that supports the action of these supplements. Many of them have not been studied yet or haven’t been studied very well. The following are a few supplements that are currently being marketed:

Fish oil

The research on omega-3s and depression is still developing. One study in 2009 reported that, when women consumed more omega-3s and oily fish, their depression symptoms were diminished. However, another study done on coronary heart disease patients showed that combining antidepressants with an omega-3 supplement did not improve their depression levels.

B-complex vitamins

It has been discovered that many people who have depression symptoms are low in certain B-complex vitamins. If you supplement with vitamins B6 and B3, then it will help convert the amino acid tryptophan into serotonin.

5-HTP

This substance is another natural way that you can increase serotonin levels. 5-HTP is converted into serotonin in the body. The advantage of using a substance like this one is that you don’t get the side effects of an antidepressant.

Therapy for Depression

There are many types of talk therapy that can help depression. In cases of severe depression, therapy may not work by itself. However, it can work well in combination with another treatment, such as medication. Here are a few types of therapy that may be effective:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

This kind of therapy focuses on how your thoughts and behaviors contribute to your depression. In this therapy you can learn new ways to react to situations and challenge your preconceptions.

Interpersonal Therapy

This form of therapy concentrates on how your relationships with others play a role in your depression. It concentrates on practical issues.

Psychodynamic Therapy

In this traditional form of therapy, your therapist will help you figure out your behavior patterns and motivations that contribute to your depression. These may be subconscious. You will also focus on traumas from your childhood that may be adding to your depression.

Electroconvulsive Therapy

If you have depression that has not responded to other forms of therapy, then you may wish to try electroconvulsive therapy or ECT. In ECT, electrodes are placed on the patient’s scalp, and an electric current is run through the patient’s brain. The current causes a small seizure within the brain. ECT has a very good rate of success on treatment-resistant depression.

Top Treatment and Medications for Depression 368105075

Lifestyle Changes and Depression

To treat depression effectively, you need to do more than just take your medication and go to therapy. You need to insure that you are taking good care of both your body and your mind. The following are some ways that you can improve your lifestyle to help treat your depression:

Diet for Depression

What you put into your body in the way of food affects the health of your body and mind. You need to avoid foods that are high in refined sugar and saturated fats. When you begin to include healthy foods, you should include the following:

Exercise

Exercise can help you produce natural antidepressants in your body. Endorphins are one of these substances. Research has shown that exercise reduces stress, improves mood, boosts self-esteem, and helps with healthy sleep patterns.

Weight Loss

Losing weight is not only good for self-esteem. It helps both keep your body and mind in good condition.

Meditation

Meditation can help alleviate the stress and anxiety that many times accompany depression. It can help calm the mind also to help with healthy sleeping patterns.

Sleep

The fatigue that comes from a lack of sleep can add to the symptoms of depression. Therefore, you need to always make sure that you get the proper amount of restful sleep.

Stress Management

Stress can also help compound depression. You can help combat stress with calming, soothing experiences. Some ideas to consider are the following:

Conclusion

Long-term clinical depression can be debilitating. However, nowadays there are many treatments available to address the condition. New medications are coming out all the time that are treating depression more completely and with fewer side effects. ECT is an effective way to treat depression that is misunderstood by the public at large. The treatment has been refined and improved over the years and has few side effects. Finally, lifestyle changes are necessary to ensure that you remain in good physical and mental condition.

Explore

Considering Live-in Care: How It Could Positively Impact You and Your Loved One Health

Considering Live-in Care: How It Could Positively Impact You and Your Loved One

Key Takeaways A live-in caregiver provides more than continuous medical care, offering emotional support and companionship as well. The costs of in-home care can vary significantly, depending on whether your loved one requires hourly, daily, or overnight rates. As we age, health issues can render us less independent, prompting the need for additional support. Caring […]

Read More about Considering Live-in Care: How It Could Positively Impact You and Your Loved One

4 minute read

The Gift of Pure Water: The Benefits of Installing a Water Filter in Your Household Health

The Gift of Pure Water: The Benefits of Installing a Water Filter in Your Household

Key Takeaways Tap water can contain harmful pollutants that cause gastrointestinal illnesses, lead poisoning, and Hepatitis A. A water filter is a one-time investment that saves you money year-round, reducing the need for water bottles and possibly medical bills. Investing in water filtration also has a positive effect on the environment, reducing the amount of […]

Read More about The Gift of Pure Water: The Benefits of Installing a Water Filter in Your Household

4 minute read

These Surprising Benefits Of Gut Health Can Reshape Your Mind And Body Health

These Surprising Benefits Of Gut Health Can Reshape Your Mind And Body

Key Takeaways To maintain a variety of microbes for optimal gut health, consume a variety of healthy foods, get exercise, and sleep well. Poor gut health can not only lead to chronic illnesses, but mental illnesses as well. Probiotics can help you boost your microbiome and discover all of the positive effects of a healthy […]

Read More about These Surprising Benefits Of Gut Health Can Reshape Your Mind And Body

4 minute read