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Depression Treatment ModalitiesPsychological therapy, also known as talk therapy or treatment, is an effective treatment for depression. It is essential to choose someone you are comfortable with.In sessions, mental health professionals will review your complete health history and the severity of your symptoms. They may order tests in the lab and perform a physical examination.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Cognitive behavioral therapy is a proven treatment for anxiety and depression. It helps change harmful or ineffective ways of being, feeling, and thinking by combining the most recent research from psychology and neuroscience with practical self-help strategies that are designed to bring immediate improvements in your overall quality of life.CBT helps people understand that their emotions and thoughts are interconnected, and that the way they perceive a situation can influence their response to it. This approach focuses primarily on changing negative thoughts patterns, also known as cognitive distortions. This includes all-or-nothing thinking, catastrophizing, as well as personalization (believing a negative event was your fault). CBT also helps therapists develop a wide range of healthy coping abilities.CBT is a short-term, goal-oriented therapy, unlike psychoanalysis, which is reverse-engineered to find the unconscious cause of a problem. CBT was developed in the 1960s by psychiatrist Aaron Beck, and it integrates various schools of thought like rational emotional behavior therapy (REBT), and the gestalt theory.CBT is a form of therapy that focuses on the present and emotions. The therapist will spend a little bit of time talking about previous events, but most of the time will be focused on the present situation. The therapist will ask specific, rational questions to find out what is bothering you. They will also challenge any unfounded thoughts or beliefs that contribute to your stress.A therapist might also ask you to keep a journal which can be useful in separating negative reactions into categories like “cognitive distortions.” Then the therapist can work with you to find more useful ways of dealing with these situations.You will learn a number of techniques for coping including mindfulness. This is the ability to be in the moment without judgement. Your therapist will guide you how to apply these techniques in controlled conditions to help increase your confidence. In the end, your therapist will aim to make you your own therapist by helping you comprehend your maladaptive coping and thought patterns, and equipping you with the tools needed to change them.Generally, the course of CBT usually lasts between 5 and 20 sessions, though this can be different. Sessions can be scheduled in person, over the phone or online and may be group or individual therapy.Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)Depression is often associated with issues in relationships with patients. This is the reason why interpersonal therapy (IPT) is one of the most common treatments for depression that is extensively used. In the 1970s, it was developed by psychotherapists Gerald Klerman and Myrna Weissman, IPT uses a variety of theories and research to address depression by improving the quality of a patient’s relationships. The approach focuses primarily on the relationship issues that are present prior to or following depression-related episodes.The initial step of IPT is to conduct an inventory of the interpersonal relationship which aids the therapist assess the current situation of a patient’s important relationships and how they are changing. This is a structured conversation that allows the patient to describe how their relationships function and what issues might be impeding them from developing.In the middle of IPT, a therapist will attempt to create a therapeutic alliance that is constructive and encourages emotional expression. They also address the identified interpersonal problem area by helping patients find ways to deal with life situations and to alleviate their distress. This includes role-playing and allowing the patient to practice new responses within the context of the session.The therapist will also offer psychoeducation regarding depression. They will stress that depression is a medical issue and that it is not the patient’s responsibility. This can help dispel feelings of guilt or shame that can accompany depression and increase compliance to treatment.The therapist is able to offer maintenance sessions at end of IPT to prevent relapse. They will discuss the causes of depression, as well as how to identify recurrent symptoms.Individuals who aren’t comfortable dealing with a therapist in person may benefit from online IPT, as well. This type of therapy can be just as effective as in-person therapy for those who are suffering from depression. It is also convenient and eliminates the need for a lot of traffic or public transport. Talk to your therapist if you’re interested in online IPT.MedicinesYour doctor may prescribe medication to ease depression symptoms. Depression medications are often prescribed as part of psychotherapy (also called counseling, talk therapy or counseling). Many studies have shown that combining treatments are more effective than each method by itself. Talk therapy can help you learn skills to cope with the stresses of life and recognize the patterns of thought that can lead to depression.Treatment for depression include antidepressants as well as other medications that regulate mood. Antidepressants work by balancing chemicals in your brain which regulate emotions. Most often, they are prescribed to those suffering from severe depression. Doctors typically offer other treatments, such as a type of talk therapy called cognitive behavioural therapy, prior to prescribing antidepressants.The first-line medication that treat depression are monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). These medications block an enzyme, which raises levels of brain chemicals linked to mood, such as serotonin and norepinephrine as well as dopamine. MAOIs can also be used to treat seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a condition that causes depression during the dark months of winter. Common MAOIs include phenelzine (Nardil), tranylcypromine (Parnate) and isocarboxazid (Marplan).Other medications that are used for depression include selective serotonin reuptake inhibits (SSRIs) which is a kind of medication that increases the amount serotonin within your brain. Examples of SSRIs include fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft). Doctors also use a class of drugs known as SNRIs that are similar to SSRIs but have more specific targets within the brain. These SNRIs include desvenlafaxine, (Feminipe), and venlafaxine, (Effexor).Some depression medications have unpleasant side effects, which is why it’s important to take your medication according to the prescription. If you skip psychotherapy sessions or don’t follow your therapist’s advice the symptoms could return and you could become dangerously suicidal.Getting depression under control isn’t easy and takes time. It can take several treatments before you find the perfect combination. If you’re having trouble finding the best treatment for your depression, consider seeking an opinion from psychiatrists or a psychiatric nurse practitioner. They are experts in treating mental illnesses and have access to research and knowledge about what treatments are most likely to benefit you.Medication ManagementAlthough there isn’t a single treatment for depression, combining therapy with medication remains the most effective way to treat resistant forms of the disorder. depression treatment approaches requires working in conjunction with a mental healthcare professional who can diagnose, assess and prescribe medications. These medications are usually antidepressants and antianxiety medications. These drugs can also be used for sleep disorders, appetite problems and other signs.Medication can help people who are in a severe phase of depression by decreasing the intensity of their symptoms as well as increasing their ability to participate in therapy. Talk therapy is a type of psychotherapy that assists people discover new ways to deal with their emotions and change their destructive thought patterns. It may include learning to detect the warning signs of a depression episode, enhancing problem-solving skills and practicing relaxation techniques. It may also involve family or group sessions that help family members to identify and respond to early warning signs.In addition to individual psychotherapy, other methods for treating depression include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy (IPT) and eye movement desensitization as well as reprocessing therapy (EMDR). CBT is an evidence-based practice that helps people recognize and address the negative thoughts, beliefs and behaviors that cause depression. It can enhance the effectiveness of other therapies for talking and help patients feel more in control of their lives.IPT focuses primarily on interactions and relationships with the belief that these can trigger or exacerbate depression. EMDR helps people who have flashbacks, nightmares or traumatizing memories. It can relieve anxiety and depression that is caused by a negative event such as trauma or a car crash.Natural remedies, such as exercise and diet, can also play an important part in treating depression. Taking steps to simplify your life, obtaining enough sleep and limiting alcohol or other recreational drugs can help lower stress levels. Practicing relaxation and meditation techniques can also boost your mood. Other options for natural treatments for depression include writing in a journal, and locating websites and books that provide ideas and tips.