Treatments
By Nancy Schimelpfening, About.com Guide to Depression
If you are suffering from depression, there are several treatments available. Medications and psychotherapy--either alone or in combination--are the most common forms of depression treatment. ECT and VNS are generally only administered when other treatments have failed or when medication might endanger the patient's health. Your doctor can help you select the best depression treatment for you.
- Medications
- Counseling and Psychotherapy
- Electroconvulsive Therapy
- Vagus Nerve Stimulation
- Mothers and Their Children
Medications
The first-line treatment for depression is an antidepressant, as studies show these drugs help a significant number of people experience complete remission, or at least significant improvement, in their symptoms.
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Counseling and Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is a process in which a trained professional enters a relationship with a patient for the purpose of helping her with mental illness, behavioral problems, or personal growth. The process involves the patient and therapist sitting in a room talking, which is why it is often called "talk therapy." Psychotherapy is thought to be most effective for depression when used in conjunction with medication. "Psychotherapy" and "counseling" are often used interchangeably. However, in the context of mental health, counseling generally refers to a relatively brief treatment that is focused mostly upon behavior.
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- DIY Psychotherapy
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Electroconvulsive Therapy
Electroconvulsive therapy, also known as ECT, is a form of treatment for depression that involves the application of a brief electrical pulse to the scalp in order to produce a seizure. ECT might be administered when medications have not been effective, when medications might endanger the patient, or when a rapid response is needed.
Vagus Nerve Stimulation
Vagus nerve stimulation, or VNS, involves the use of an implanted device to provide periodic stimulation to the vagus nerve. The device was originally developed as a treatment for epilepsy. It has since been approved in the U.S., Canada and the European Union for treatment-resistant depression in both unipolar depression and bipolar disorder.
Mothers and Their Children
Mothers and children will face special treatment issues, especially regarding the safety and effectiveness of particular treatments. Pregnant and breast-feeding women must balance their own mental well-being against the needs of their baby. Mothers also have concerns about whether antidepressants are safe for their older child to use.
