Depression Treatment

Recently Answered

• QAre there alternative treatments for depression?

  3 Answers

  A

  

  A Sigma Nursing answered

  There are many proposed alternative depression treatments, although none of them have been clinically proved to be effective and they shouldn't replace traditional medical care. There are dietary supplements, the most popular of which is an herb called St. John's wort. S-adenosylmethionine (known as SAMe) and omega-3 fatty acids are also sometimes used. Non-supplement alternatives include acupuncture, meditation, yoga, and exercise.

  Hypnotherapy was shown to be more effective than cognitive-behavioral therapy for reducing depression in a 2007 study. Hypnotherapy uses suggestion and imagery to coax the subconscious mind into managing negative stimuli in a more positive, controlled fashion. New coping skills are imprinted in to the subconscious to ward off depressing thoughts. Hypnotherapy can also dig deep into the subconscious to find the root cause of depression. With this information, the patient is reprogrammed to react in a healthier manner to depressive stimuli. A professional diagnosis of the type of depression should be sought before using hypnotherapy.

  See All 3 Answers
• QWhat are the treatment options for masked depression?

  1 Answer

  A

  

  A Sigma Nursing answered

  Masked depression is a complex emotional response that can be difficult, if not impossible, to prevent. Because it takes the form of indirect behaviors, the true source of the problem is obscured. It usually takes the appearance of symptoms for a person to even be remotely aware of the presence of masked depression.

  The treatment options for masked depression are similar to those used for major depression. Depression is usually treated with a combination of medications and psychotherapy. Because masked depression may involve another medical condition such as substance abuse or alcohol abuse, those conditions may be treated as well.

  Antidepressants are often used to treat masked depression. These medications affect the levels of certain types of chemicals in the brain. Different types of antidepressants may be tried, sometimes in combination, to find a drug regimen that works best with a particular person.

  An alternative treatment for masked depression is the use of certain herbal remedies, most commonly St. John's wort. There is no clinical evidence that St. John's wort is an effective treatment, however. People who take St. John's wort or any other herbal remedy should make their doctor aware in order to consider possible drug interaction problems.

• QWhat are some problems with medication therapy for depression?

  1 Answer

  A

  

  A World Federation For Mental Health (WFMH) answered

  Some people taking medication for depression experience side effects that are often temporary. These include dry mouth, bladder problems, constipation, blurred vision, sexual functioning problems, dizziness, drowsiness, increased heart rate, nausea, nervousness or insomnia, and agitation.

  Several years ago, increased suicidal risk was indicated in connection with some antidepressant medications. Many drug makers were required by the US Food and Drug Administration to include a warning on their packaging to monitor for increased suicidal behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults. Since then, studies have indicated that the benefits of these medications in treating depression and anxiety in this population far outweigh the risks. Studies in adults show no increase in suicide risk. Regardless, careful monitoring for suicidal behavior should be part of any treatment plan for depression.

  Talking to your healthcare provider is important. Be sure to pay attention and discuss how the medication is making you feel throughout your body, and any changes you are experiencing.

• QHow can depression be treated?

  11 Answers

  A

  

  A Dr. Thomas M. Li, MD , Internal Medicine, answered on behalf of Rose Medical Center

  

  Depression is as important to treat as cancer, says Thomas Li, MD, in Advanced Internal Medicine of Rose Medical Center in Denver. In this video, he discusses how depression treatment should involve a team of specialists.

  See All 11 Answers
• QHow does transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) treat depression?

  1 Answer

  A

  

  A NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital answered

  In transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), magnetic fields are sent through the scalp and skull to a particular area of the brain. When the magnetic field enters the brain it creates a small electrical current. This electrical current stimulates the brain cells (neurons) in a targeted brain area and causes them to fire (or send an electrical impulse).

  For the treatment of depression, TMS works by sending a magnetic pulse of less than one millisecond in duration to the brain area known as the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, an area on the left side of the forehead. Magnetic resonance imaging studies have shown that this area is underactive in patients with depression. By stimulating that area with TMS, the area may become more active. When TMS is given for four to six weeks, people may begin to feel improvement in their mood, sleep, appetite and ability to concentrate, and the symptoms of depression may begin to resolve.

• QHow is depression treated in people with diabetes?

  3 Answers

  A

  

  A American Diabetes Association answered

  People with diabetes are at greater risk for depression. In general, there are two types of treatment for depression:

  • Psychotherapy: Psychotherapy with a well-trained therapist can help you look at the problems that bring on depression. It can also help you find ways to relieve the problem. Therapy can be short term or long term. You should be sure you feel at ease with the therapist you choose.

  • Medication: If medication is advised, you will need to consult with a psychiatrist (a medical doctor with special training in diagnosing and treating mental or emotional disorders). Psychiatrists are the only mental health professionals who can prescribe medication and treat physical causes of depression.

  See All 3 Answers