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Guidelines For Treating Depression There are many different guidelines for treating depression published by the APA, CANMAT, BAP, NICE, and Texas Medication Algorithm Project. In general, they recommend exercise, psychotherapy and antidepressant medication. The guidelines suggest that patients who do not respond to monotherapy use CBT or SGA prior to starting medication and then increase dosages as needed. Patients who are not responding to monotherapy could benefit from augmentation with lithium, psychostimulants or SSRIs. 1. Diagnosis A diagnosis is the first step towards treating depression. This can be done by having a conversation with a mental health professional or your doctor, as well as some forms of talk therapy. Your GP will ask about your symptoms, and how they have affected your life in the last month. They'll also ask whether you've had any thoughts of suicide or self-harm. Your GP will also look at your general health, family history, and lifestyle to determine if you have depression or another mental health issue. It is essential to be honest and honest with your GP, so they can get the most precise picture of what's going on for you. This will allow them to recognize the symptoms of depression. These symptoms can be used to rule out other diseases like cancer or heart disease. Once your GP has decided that you may be suffering from depression, they'll rule out the possibility of other conditions by conducting tests. For example blood tests can look for anemia or thyroid problems that might be causing your depression. They can also test your blood for vitamin deficiencies or alcohol and drugs which may also be a sign of depression. If your GP has diagnosed depression the doctor will explain the causes and the best treatment options. This could involve psychotherapy, or a combination between therapy and medication. The most effective drugs for depression are antidepressants, which alter the balance of chemicals within the brain. These can be taken orally or through injections, and it could take several weeks before they start to work. They may also cause side effects such as dry mouth and constipation. 2. Medication The use of medications can benefit many who suffer from depression. At first, your doctor may prescribe one or more antidepressants. If the initial treatment does not provide a satisfactory outcome your doctor might suggest that you try another medication or to alter the dosage or frequency at which you take it. It is crucial to take your medication on a regular basis to get the most benefit. You should never stop taking your medication unless you are advised to do so by your doctor. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, you could be given a prescription for a general antidepressant or an SSRI. An SSRI is an antidepressant that increases the levels of the chemical serotonin in the brain. Examples of SSRIs include citalopram (Celexa) as well as escitalopram (Lexapro) and fluoxetine (Prozac). Your doctor might also prescribe a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, or SNRI. Examples of SNRIs include duloxetine (Cymbalta) and Venlafaxine (Effexor XR, Khedezla). Other antidepressants, like tetracyclics, can be prescribed if your physician believes that these medications will be more efficient than an SSRI or SNRI. SSRIs or SNRIs may be used safely by adolescents and children. Before taking any medication, inform your doctor if you are any health issues or allergies. Medication may cause side effects, such as stomach upset or dry mouth. These side effects are typically minor and will disappear by themselves in around a week. If you're taking a medication, don't drive or operate machinery until you feel relaxed and clearheaded. Some depression symptoms such as restlessness and trouble sleeping, could be worsened by alcohol and other recreational drugs. These substances should not be used as they can make depression more difficult to manage. Continued use, especially over an extended period can result in more serious problems. 3. Psychotherapy Psychotherapy, also referred to as talk therapy, can help you address issues that contribute to your depression. This type of treatment is long-term however it has been proven to be effective in treating depression. Psychotherapy can be found in a variety of settings, including private therapy offices and hospitals, psychiatric clinics and rehabilitation facilities. It is typically conducted one-on-one however group therapy is also possible. Your therapist will ask about your emotions, behavior and relationships, and discuss them with you in a private and confidential environment. During the first few sessions, your therapist will get to know you and suggest a treatment plan. This may include psychotherapy, medications, activity and exercises or other treatments like repetitive transcranial magnet stimulation (rTMS), or electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Some are short-term, and they concentrate on specific issues. For instance IPT, or interpersonal therapy (IPT) assists people in understanding the root causes of problems, such as unresolved grief or conflicts with significant others. Depression can be triggered by a range of factors including loss and stress to unresolved traumas, abuse and other issues. This may require therapy for a longer period and other treatments. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), also known as cognitive restructuring, assists people to change their thinking patterns, which cause symptoms. It also enhances coping skills and helps them cope with the stresses and conflicts of life. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) blends CBT elements with mindfulness techniques that help you accept and observe your emotions. Psychotherapy can often ease acute moderate to severe depression as effectively as antidepressants do. depression treatment and recovery can take a bit longer for it to be effective and not everyone will respond the same way. It's important to continue to attend therapy sessions and do your homework (like journaling or meditation) between sessions. 4. Counseling It is crucial to find an effective treatment whether your depression symptoms are mild. This can be done through counseling or psychotherapy. A professional outside can transform your life. You may need to try different therapists before you discover one that you like however, the process is worth it. There are many types of psychotherapy, but the majority involve discussing your problems and developing new strategies to deal with the depression. You may also find it helpful to talk about your experience with other people who are experiencing similar problems. Group counseling is available at medical clinics, hospitals and therapists' offices. It is also carried out over the phone via online telehealth services. Counseling for depression aims to reduce negative thoughts and behavior patterns that contribute to the disorder. A therapist might, for example, coach you on how to manage stress to improve your mood. You may learn to recognize thoughts that are not rational and question preconceptions that make you feel depressed. You could try EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) to relieve traumatic or painful memories that may contribute to depression. Other treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or behavioural activation are utilized to help you identify your patterns of behavior and make adjustments. For instance the behavioural activation therapy is beneficial when depression causes you to avoid social activities. The aim is to encourage you to take part in more social activities and to understand how your actions influence your mood. Generally, these methods are employed in conjunction with medications. Ask your doctor for a referral or contact the local community mental health center to find a licensed therapist. 5. Exercise Exercise is a proven way to reduce and treat depression. It's not a common treatment. The use of medication and psychotherapy is more frequently used. However, a growing body research suggests that exercising can be as effective at treating depression as psychotherapy and antidepressants, and perhaps even better. A meta-analysis of more than 150 studies found that it was more efficient than drugs or psychotherapy alone. The study found that, on average those suffering from depression who exercised improved their symptoms by five points with one measure and 6.5 points with another, which is clinically significant. And the effects were potent regardless of whether they exercised just a few minutes a day, or for more than an hour a day. Exercise can also be an effective alternative to medication or psychotherapy, which might not be appropriate for everyone. Exercise also helps to keep us physically fit and can aid in preventing other mental health issues, like anxiety. What's more, exercise doesn't have the stigma associated with using drugs or going to therapy. It's open to everyone, has few costs and can be an extremely positive approach. However, it's not easy to examine the effect of exercise as a medication, because it can be difficult to determine the impact of things like how much people typically exercise and the other medications they are taking. Therefore, more research is needed to determine the best kind, frequency and duration of exercise for preventing and treating depression. To help patients with depression, GPs are prescribing exercise as a part of their treatment plans. It's referred to as a “green prescription' and involves writing a fitness program that is based on the needs of the patient and encouraging them to get active by maintaining regular face-to-face or phone calls with a fitness professional who is trained like an exercise physiotherapist or physical educator.