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Depression is a clinical disease, which is often ignored by people. Depression patients suffer in silence and refuse to get treated for their condition. The very first step towards depression treatment is the acceptance of the fact that you are depressed. More often than not, people don’t realise that they are suffering from depression, and mistake it for sadness. There are several ways of treating depression and all you have to do is reach out towards the solutions.
One can initially start by making some lifestyle changes which act as a step towards treating depression. This needs to be followed by taking the prescribed antidepressant medicines in the care of a trained psychiatrist. It is one of the combinations that has successfully cured depression patients.
Even after a lot of trials, if nothing significantly affects a depressed patient, then the doctor will suggest going for more complicated measures. Some of the other treatments for acute depression include brain stimulation techniques like electroconvulsive therapy (ECT or electroshock therapy), vagus nerve stimulation and transcranial magnetic stimulation.
The medications for depression are prescribed according to the type and stage of the disorder. For example, if you are suffering from bipolar depression, then your medications will include mood-stabilizing drugs and antipsychotic medicines instead of the standard antidepressants.
The major challenge that defines the treatment of depression is the fact that every individual has a unique case of depression and the treatments need to be personalised depending on the severity and type of depression. The Doctors usually opt for a trial-and-error method before they select a treatment plan that suits best a particular patient. The best contribution from a patient`s side would be his/her candour. The patients need to open their hearts out about what goes on in their minds and the cause of their depression. The Psychotherapies or talking/counselling sessions will only prove fruitful if the patient cooperates with the doctor.
Antidepressants are drugs that help uplift your mood and keep sadness at bay. But these drugs take time to show their complete effect and thus depression treatments require some patience. The major types of antidepressants include:
- SNRIs (Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors): These drugs act on the brain parts that use both serotonin and norepinephrine. Examples: Venlafaxine, Duloxetine, etc.
- SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors): These are the most common types of antidepressant. They work towards the serotonin function of the brain. Examples: Fluoxetine, Citalopram, etc.
- MAOI (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors): These work for people who do not get relief from other antidepressants at all. Examples: Tranylcypromine, Isocarboxazid, etc.
- TCAs (Tricyclic Antidepressants): They affect the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine. They are the oldest type of antidepressant medicines.
Other medications that are usually prescribed with antidepressants are anti-anxiety medicines and stimulants. Exercise is also recommended in the depression treatment regime. It is important to keep the body active, as lethargy is seen to increase depression in patients.
