Cardio and Heart Disease SectionDepression
Treatment choice will depend on the outcome of the evaluation. There are a variety of antidepressant medications and psychotherapies that can be used to treat depressive disorders.
Some people with milder forms may do well with psychotherapy alone.
Treating Depression
People with moderate to severe depression most often benefit from antidepressants. Most do best with combined treatment: medication to gain relatively quick symptom relief and psychotherapy to learn more effective ways to deal with life's problems, including depression.
Depending on the patient's diagnosis and severity of symptoms, the therapist may prescribe medication and/or one of the several forms of psychotherapy that have proven effective for depression.
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is useful, particularly for individuals whose depression is severe or life threatening or who cannot take antidepressant medication. ECT often is effective in cases where antidepressant medications do not provide sufficient relief of symptoms.
In recent years, ECT has been much improved. A muscle relaxant is given before treatment, which is done under brief anesthesia. Electrodes are placed at precise locations on the head to deliver electrical impulses. The stimulation causes a brief (about 30 seconds) seizure within the brain. The person receiving ECT does not consciously experience the electrical stimulus. For full therapeutic benefit, at least several sessions of ECT, typically given at the rate of three per week, are required.
HOW TO HELP YOURSELF IF YOU ARE DEPRESSED
Depressive disorders make one feel exhausted, worthless, helpless, and hopeless. Such negative thoughts and feelings make some people feel like giving up. It is important to realize that these negative views are part of the depression and typically do not accurately reflect the actual circumstances. Negative thinking fades as treatment begins to take effect.
In the meantime:
Set realistic goals in light of the depression and assume a reasonable amount of responsibility
Break large tasks into small ones, set some priorities, and do what you can as you can
Try to be with other people and to confide in someone; it is usually better than being alone and secretive
Participate in activities that may make you feel better
Mild exercise, going to a movie, a ballgame, or participating in religious, social, or other activities may help
Expect your mood to improve gradually, not immediately Feeling better takes time
It is advisable to postpone important decisions until the depression has lifted. Before deciding to make a significant transition-change jobs, get married or divorced-discuss it with others who know you well and have a more objective view of your situation
People rarely "snap out of" a depression. But they can feel a little better day-by-day
Remember, positive thinking will replace the negative thinking that is part of the depression and will disappear as your depression responds to treatment
Let your family and friends help you
Treating Depression in Children and Adolescents
It is estimated that less than one-third of children and adolescents with depression receive treatment. This may be due, in part, to the old belief that young people do not get depression or that it is normal behavior for their age. More on Treating Children and Adolescents
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