Depression Treatment

Depression treatment involves a complex process and the therapeutic management of this condition is assisted by various mental health professionals such as psychologists and psychiatrists.

The first step in the treatment process includes a thorough examination of the patient’s mental and physical health. It then follows a diagnostic process to determine what type of depression is being experienced as well as its severity. Upon completion of the assessment, a comprehensive treatment plan is created.

Understanding Treatment for Depression

Depression treatment is the process of providing medical and mental care for people who are struggling with depression. Although depression is not considered an entirely curable disease, it can be treated successfully with medication psychotherapy, or talk therapy.

If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of depression, a treatment centre like PROMIS can help you find the best treatment options to manage your condition.

Both medication and psychotherapy can be effective in treating the symptoms of depression. Medications may include antidepressants while psychotherapy is used to equip you with coping skills in managing your symptoms better.

Types of Depression Treatment

There are a variety of treatments for depression. They include psychotherapy, medication, brain stimulation therapies, and alternative or holistic therapy.

Psychotherapy is a form of talk therapy that examines the underlying factors that cause depression and teaches you some skills on how you can handle your symptoms. Some of the common psychotherapies include:

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, or CBT, is a type of psychotherapy that has been scientifically proven to be an effective treatment for depression. It focuses on changing your thought patterns and behaviours and restructuring or replacing them with healthier ones. Treatment usually consists of several sessions with a therapist, with each session lasting 45 to 60 minutes. CBT can be delivered in a range of settings, including individual and group therapy sessions. It is often used to complement medication treatment for depression.

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy

Another evidence-based therapeutic approach to treating people with depression is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). This modality is a variant of CBT that emphasizes the development of emotional regulation and enhancement of interpersonal relationships. DBT sessions are typically held every week and generally last for one hour. Given its structured nature, DBT encompasses various modules designed to help equip you with essential skills aimed at reducing symptoms and fostering a more fulfilling life.

Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)

This type of therapy for depression focuses on teaching you some skills for improving your interactions with yourself and others, as well as understanding and managing your stressors or problems.

IPT is time-limited problem-focused psychotherapy. The clinician’s goal in IPT is to help you learn healthier ways of coping with the internal and external stresses that trigger depressive symptoms. This treatment form is designed for patients with mild to moderate depression or dysthymia (chronic, low-grade depression).

We offer a wide range of mental health programmes to suit everyone’s needs. This includes counselling for depression or anxiety, a 24-hour telephone helpline, and a range of workshops.

Medication for Depression

Similar to psychotherapy, medication plays an important role in treating depression. This treatment helps relieve symptoms of your depression, allowing you to function well in your day-to-day activities. Some of these medications include:

Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are a group of antidepressant drugs that have been used for many years to treat different forms of depression. Even though they are among the oldest antidepressants, MAOIs are still an important choice, especially for patients who do not improve with other treatments.

Norepinephrine and Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitors

This type of medication inhibits the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine by the neurons that initially released them. As a result, an increased concentration of these active neurotransmitters persists in the brain, potentially leading to alterations that contribute to alleviating depressive symptoms over time.

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors

MAOIs work by blocking the action of monoamine oxidase, an enzyme that breaks down neurotransmitters like serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. By stopping the breakdown of these substances, MAOIs help keep their levels higher in the brain, which may enhance mood and emotional balance.

Brain Stimulation Therapies

An anxiety attack usually involves fear or worry about a specific event or issue that may occur. It’s normal to experience anxiety attacks from time to time. These attacks can come with physical symptoms like a fast heartbeat, shaking, feeling cold, or sweating.

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Alternative and Holistic Therapies

Depression is usually managed with therapy and medication in Western medicine. However, some people respond to these treatments better if they are given alternative therapies such as yoga, acupuncture, yoga, massage therapy, and aroma therapy.

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Types of Depression

Major Depressive Disorder

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), most commonly known as depression, is a medical condition that can affect people of any age, but it usually begins in late adolescence or early adulthood. Some of the symptoms may include depressed mood, loss of interest in activities once enjoyed, weight gain or loss, feelings of worthless, and suicidal ideation.

Antidepressants are the most commonly prescribed medications to treat major depression because they improve mood and reduce other associated symptoms. In addition, therapy can also help you learn psychological skills to manage them.

Persistent Depressive Disorder

Persistent depressive disorder (PDD) is a complex mental health condition and a long-lasting form of depression. It affects a person’s mood for at least two years. PDD is often mild or moderate and can start in childhood or adulthood. It was previously known as a dysthymic disorder or dysthymia.

Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression is a mental health condition that a woman can experience after pregnancy. It may begin during pregnancy or any time in the first 12 months following childbirth. Postpartum depression can last for a few days or more than one year.

It is important to know the symptoms of postpartum depression may be similar to those of other types of depression but may vary in severity. In some cases, it is possible for a woman with postpartum depression to feel better without treatment. However, the symptoms of severe depression require immediate professional help.

Major Depressive Disorder with Seasonal Patterns

Major Depressive Disorder with a Seasonal Pattern, previously called seasonal affective disorder (SAD), involves repeated episodes of depression that occur in late fall and winter, followed by times of normal mood during the rest of the year.

Causes of Depression

Recognizing the complex nature of a mental health condition such as depression means understanding its causes and risk factors. This knowledge helps professionals identify people who are more likely to experience depression and allows them to design tailored treatments. While the exact cause of depression is still not fully understood, studies have found several factors linked to its development and intensity.

Biological Factors

Changes in brain chemicals and hormone levels can lead to mood issues. In addition, having family members with depression can also raise the chances of developing this condition.

Psychological Factors

Certain traits, like low self-esteem, a negative outlook, or being overly perfectionistic, along with unhealthy coping methods like substance abuse or smoking, can make someone more likely to experience depression.

Environmental Factors

Experiencing trauma, such as abuse or neglect, and facing significant life changes like losing a loved one, going through a divorce, or losing a job can trigger or worsen symptoms of depression.

How Can I Access Treatment Options For Depression

Depression poses a distinct challenge for both the affected individual and healthcare professionals. While the precise causes and origins of depression continue to be debated within the scientific community, early intervention can result in more effective symptom management and enhanced long-term results.

If you suspect that you are experiencing symptoms of depression or any other mental health condition that substantially disrupts your daily life, reach out to us at PROMIS.

Our qualified and highly trained professionals are ready to develop a tailored treatment program to meet your needs.