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NetWellness provides the highest quality health information and education services created and evaluated by faculty of our partner universities.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
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NetWellness provides the highest quality health information and education services created and evaluated by faculty of our partner universities.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
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With depression, it may seem like there is no end in sight to the sadness and helplessness. However, depression is a treatable and manageable condition. By speaking to your health care professional, the option that is right for you can be determined, and you can be on your way to managing depression.
Here are some of the treatment options available:
The three main kinds of antidepressant medications are:
You and your doctor must discuss which type of medicine is right for you and your situation. Make sure to tell your doctor as much about your depression as you can. For example:
Knowing if there are any kinds of mood changes can help your doctor determine what type of drug is best for you. It usually takes a couple of months before an antidepressant is working to its fullest effect. Make sure to ask questions about the side effects of different drugs.[1]
When people suffer from depression, many choose psychotherapy for their treatment. This is where someone meets with a healthcare professional, such as a psychologist, to discuss their problems and what can be done to change them. According to the American Psychological Association, over 75% of patients who continue to go to psychotherapy for six months show a dramatic improvement. In order to find a healthcare professional that best fits your needs, be sure to ask family, friends, and trusted healthcare professionals for referrals.
This type of therapy is usually used in conjunction with other therapies, such as antidepressant medications. By focusing on a person’s patterns of thinking, a healthcare professional can help change negative thoughts and ideas into more positive ones.[2]
Electroconvulsive therapy can help those with severe depression, especially those who do not respond to or cannot take antidepressants. ECT uses an electrical shock to cause a seizure in the brain, which releases neurotransmitters. When the brain releases neurotransmitters, it can help enhance the depressed person's mood.[3]
In order to find the best treatment for your depression, you should speak with your healthcare professional. One of these therapies, or perhaps a combination of therapies, can help improve your mood and keep it that way.
Some of this was taken from the National Institute of Mental Health's information on depression.
This article is a NetWellness exclusive. 
Last Reviewed: Apr 24, 2007
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Lawson Wulsin, MD Professor of Psychiatry and Family Medicine Department of Psychiatry Department of Family Medicine College of Medicine University of Cincinnati |
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Please note: only your personal physician or other health professional you consult can best advise you on matters of your health based on your medical history, your family medical history, your medication history, and how information from any of these databases may apply to you. Neither University of Cincinnati (NetWellness) nor any party involved in creating, producing or delivering this web site shall be liable for any damages arising out of access to or use of this web site, or any errors or omissions in the content thereof. (More) |