Depression Treatment Approaches
There are a variety of ways to manage depression. Some treatment approaches include:
Psychotherapy (also called talk therapy) is a great way to gain support and master new skills. It can be done individually or in groups, and may involve psychiatrists, social workers or counselor. Another important part of the treatment is the use of medication.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of psychotherapy that can reduce symptoms of depression and other mental health issues. It's based on the belief that emotions, thoughts and behaviors are linked. Negative or harmful beliefs, thoughts or perceptions may cause emotional distress and can lead to self-defeating behavior. A therapist can help recognize the negative patterns and develop new ways to respond in different situations.
A therapist will use interactive sessions of question and answer to help you get to the bottom of your emotional issues. They will help you talk about the moments when you feel anxious and depressed. Together, you'll discover unhealthy patterns of thinking, inaccurate perceptions, or behaviors that contribute anxiety and depression.
Your therapist will also help you develop and implement self-help strategies to help you deal with your issues now. They are commonly referred to as "cognitive restructuring methods," and include goal-setting journaling, mindfulness meditation, journaling and exposure therapy. Your therapist might suggest that you practice new behaviors and coping strategies in controlled, safe environments to help you learn.
CBT has been found to be effective in a number of outcome studies for psychiatric disorders, including anxiety disorders, depression and issues with substance abuse. It can be performed on its own or in conjunction with a psychiatric medication.
Cognitive behavioral therapy requires a willingness to change and a commitment to the process. If you want to learn more about this method discuss it with your doctor or find a therapist that specializes in CBT. You can also look into your health insurance to see if they cover these services. Online resources are available for people with low incomes who need financial assistance. The first step towards recovery and a healthier lifestyle is to get assistance when you require it.
Interpersonal Therapy
IPT, developed by the late psychiatrist Gerald Klerman is another talking therapy that addresses specific issues that could contribute to depression. It's based on the belief that depression is a genetic predisposition, and that changes in the social environment of a person can activate it. It also suggests that the interpersonal challenges which trigger depression can be dealt with by solving the relationship issues which can exacerbate symptoms.
IPT is different from other psychotherapies that focus on the unconscious motives of a person's behavior or previous traumas. This approach to treatment recognizes that people suffering from depression are often unable to express and coping emotions like anger and frustrated, and that this can complicate relationships with family, partners, and friends.
The initial phase of IPT can last up to three sessions. It focuses on identifying the area of interaction that could be contributing to depression symptoms. Your therapist will request you reassess all your significant relationships both present and past and group them into four possible problem areas grieving that is unresolved (often related to the loss an individual loved one) or a change in role or a dispute over a role or interpersonal problems.
In the middle of IPT, which usually takes place from session four to 14, your therapist will employ specific strategies to address the issue being addressed, such as helping you work through delayed or distorted grief following the loss of a beloved one, assisting you in navigating difficult relationship transitions, validating and expressing your anger, or establishing more flexible ways of communicating with others.
During the final phase of IPT, which usually takes place after session 14 and lasts for up to eight weeks Your therapist will assist you identify the techniques you've acquired in treatment that you can use at home. They will also advise you to keep in touch with your therapist after sessions, for example, through weekly phone calls or a monthly face-toface meeting, to prevent the relapses from happening and to continue to develop your abilities. Therapists may also suggest maintenance sessions for people suffering from chronic or recurrent mental health issues, such as PTSD.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
DBT is a research-based treatment approach created by psychologist Marsha Linehan for borderline personality disorder (BPD). The therapy is focused on teaching people to manage their emotions and behaviors learn skills that will help them build healthy relationships, and deal with stress. DBT is broken down into four stages. The first stage is focused on changing how you react to situations, such as the way you react when you're sad or angry. The second stage helps you develop a sense of emotional regulation, allowing you to be more comfortable with your emotions. The third phase helps you learn to sustain your efforts at changing and to build a life that's worth living.
The fourth and final stage teaches you to use the skills you acquired in therapy outside of your regular sessions. Your therapist will use tools like homework assignments, telephone coaching and other tools to show you how to apply these skills. A DBT-trained therapist will help you realize that your negative feelings and thoughts are valid and not necessarily "wrong". They're a result of the challenges you've had to face in life. They'll also help you learn to balance and unite seemingly incompatible strategies, like acceptance and changing.
Numerous studies have shown that DBT is effective for many diseases. One study compared DBT standard with treatment as usual for women suffering from BPD. It found that DBT patients had significantly less parasuicidal behaviors, suicide attempts, psychiatric hospitalizations, and suicide-related behavior than the control group. DBT was also associated reduced aggression and improved functioning.
DBT also includes modern approaches to depression treatment with a DBT-trained therapist, participation in the DBT consulting team, and practice at home. The team is made up of therapists who meet regularly to discuss the most frequent clinical issues like how to handle suicidal clients, or how to assist them in maintaining their involvement in therapy.
The team meeting is a time for the therapists are encouraged, even in difficult situations, to be compassionate and nonjudgmental towards their patients. They are also encouraged and supported to avoid burnout and monitored for conformity with DBT procedures.
Medication
Many people who suffer from depression discover that medication can help ease symptoms and encourages recovery. If you're thinking of using antidepressants, speak to your doctor about the various options available. It may take a while before you find the right medication for you. You should also talk to your doctor about any changes to your lifestyle that could alleviate depression, such as exercise or a better sleeping routine.
If you're not finding relief from depression through treatments or medications, it may be time to consult a specialist. They will review your medical history and treatment options, and conduct a a thorough medical exam. They can test to see if there are any underlying medical conditions that may be contributing to depression, like hypothyroidism and rheumatoid arthritis. They can also use tests called pharmacogenetic tests, which can predict your body's reaction to certain medications by using genetic markers. These tests are not currently covered by insurance.
In some instances doctors may also include a medication in a depressant to enhance its effect. This is referred to as an augmentation therapy. FDA-approved medicines like aripiprazole, or quetiapine are used for this purpose. In addition, some physicians may prescribe an anesthetic drug known as ketamine to provide quick relief for people suffering from treatment resistant depression. This procedure is done in a clinic or hospital setting.
Talk therapy is a crucial component of treatment for depression, but some people don't seek help because they think the depression will go away on its own or that therapy isn't effective. Talk therapy can teach you abilities and knowledge that can speed up recovery and keep depression from recurring, even if you require medication.
Therapy for depression can be utilized on their own or in conjunction with other depression treatments such as lifestyle adjustments. Even even if you're not suffering from depression, it's important to follow your treatment program. Make sure you attend all sessions. Don't forget to take your medication. If you stop taking the medication, you will likely be experiencing withdrawal symptoms, and depression may recur.