Treatment of Depression

Depression treatments vary but there are two primary
methods. These treatments, generally used together are
medication and psychotherapy. Recent studies now
indicate changes in lifestyles can have beneficial
effects. These changes can be as simple as exercising
regularly and taking dietary supplements.

Generally one particular medication or combination of
medications can produce significant results. But
occasionally, good responses are harder to achieve.
When depression is resistant to medical treatment,
more through assessment is needed. This may lead to
psychotherapy, focusing on lifestyle changes and
changes or increases in medication.

In emergency cases, hospitalization may be needed. If
a patient is determined to be dangerous to themselves
or to others, hospitalization is needed until they are
responsive to treatment and no longer present any
danger. A less drastic alternative treatment program
is partial hospitalization. This is where the patient
spends most of the day in a psychiatric hospital
setting, but spends the night at home.

Intensive treatment typically includes group therapy,
individual therapy and medication management. This
method is often used with children and adolescents.
Group therapy offers peer support and the knowledge
that they’re not alone, that others experience similar
problems and feelings.

After recovery, evidence shows that continual usage of
antidepressant medication can reduce the chances of a
relapse, possibly by as much as half. This most likely
lasts for at least the first three years. Some
evidence suggests prolong use of these medications may
have adverse physical effects. The exact reasons for
this are unknown.