Treatment
Treatment for depression can involve a variety of different approaches; these could include antidepressant medication, psychological therapy, or self-help options. Often people find that a combination of these work best.
When talking to your doctor about the most appropriate treatment for you, it's often useful to have a basic understanding of the options. For more information, contact the Depression Alliance that produces a series of information leaflets on different types of treatment available, including self-help options.
Antidepressant medication
There are a wide variety of different types of antidepressant medications available. Antidepressants work by normalising the activity levels of brain chemicals which affect our mood. Antidepressants cannot cure depression but can alleviate the symptoms to allow you to function normally and move towards dealing with the depression yourself. The drugs can take two to four weeks to take effect.
Talking treatments
Although medication can help lift your mood, it does not tackle any underlying problems you may be experiencing. Psychological therapies can help to explore what may have contributed to your depression in the first place, and what might be keeping you depressed.
There are lots of different psychological therapies. None have been proven to be 'better' than any other, and so it is more a question of finding a therapy, and therapist, which suits you. Your GP may be able to advise you, and also let you know which therapies are available in your area. All sorts of therapies are available on the NHS, but be prepared for waiting lists. If you decide to choose private therapy, make sure that you select a registered or accredited therapist.
There are lots of different kinds of therapy, the most common of which are:
Cognitive therapy
How you think largely determines how you feel; when you are depressed, you feel very negative. Cognitive Therapy works by challenging these negative thought patterns, and suggesting changes to destructive behaviour.
Interpersonal therapy
This focuses on your relationships with other people. It teaches you how to communicate more effectively and improve your view of yourself.
Psychodynamic therapy
This helps people to understand past conflicts, release aggression and reduce feelings of guilt or inadequacy.
Counselling
The term refers to a wide range of techniques and approaches, some of which draw from the above therapies. As a general rule, counselling offers people the opportunity to talk through issues in their everyday lives that may be contributing towards their depression, rather than aiming to treat more deep-rooted problems.
Other treatments:
Complementary, or 'alternative' treatments
These can support or even, in some case, replace conventional treatments for depression. Research on acupuncture, herbal medicines (including St John's Wort), and aromatherapy for example suggests that these treatments can help to reduce anxiety and to alleviate mild depression. You should always talk to your GP before opting for a complementary treatment.
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
Very occasionally offered to people with severe depression, usually if other treatments are found to be either unsuitable or unhelpful. Ask your GP for more information about this treatment.
Contacts
The contacts database contains details of organisations that may be able to offer information or assistance on this issue.
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Based on information kindly provided by the Depression Alliance - www.depressionalliance.org
