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Guidelines For Treating Depression There are several different guidelines for treating depression, published by the APA, CANMAT, BAP, NICE, and Texas Medication Algorithm Project. In general, they recommend psychotherapy, exercise and antidepressant medications. Generally, the guidelines recommend using CBT or an SGA prior to starting medications and gradually increasing dosages according to the need. The addition of psychostimulants, lithium SSRIs, SNRIs, or TMAPs can be beneficial in patients who fail to respond to monotherapy. 1. Diagnosis A diagnosis is the first step in treating depression. This is done through a discussion with your doctor or mental health professional and some forms of psychotherapy (talk therapy). Your GP will inquire about your symptoms and how they've affected your life over the past month. They'll also ask whether you've ever had thoughts of self-harming or contemplating suicide. Your GP will also examine your general health, family history and lifestyle to determine if you have depression or another mental health issue. It's essential to be open 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 signs of depression. These symptoms can be used to rule out other illnesses such as cancer or heart disease. After your GP has determined that you might be suffering from depression, they'll rule out other illnesses through tests. Blood tests, for instance, can check thyroid or anemia issues that could be causing depression. They'll also check your blood for deficiencies in vitamins or the presence of drugs and alcohol that can mimic depression. If your GP diagnoses depression, he or she will discuss the reasons and the best treatment options. This could include psychotherapy or the combination of therapies and medication. The most effective treatments for depression are antidepressants, which work by altering the balance of chemicals in the brain. They can be taken orally or through injections, and can take up to some time before they begin to work. They can also cause side effects such as dry mouth and constipation. 2. Medication Many people can benefit from medication. Your doctor may initially prescribe one or several antidepressants. If the initial treatment doesn't provide a satisfactory outcome Your doctor may suggest you try a different medication or alter the dose or duration at which you take it. To get the most benefits of your medication, it is crucial to take it on a regular basis. It is not advisable to stop taking your medication unless you are advised to take it off by your physician. Depending on the symptoms you are experiencing, a general antidepressant may be prescribed or an SSRI. An SSRI increases the amount of serotonin, a chemical in the brain. Examples of SSRIs include citalopram (Celexa) and Escitalopram (Lexapro) and fluoxetine (Prozac). Your doctor might also prescribe a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, or SNRI. SNRIs include duloxetine, (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine, (Effexor XR or Khedezla). If your doctor believes tetracyclics are more effective than SSRIs or SNRIs, they may prescribe them. SSRIs and SNRIs are typically considered safe to use in children and adolescents. Before taking any medication, you should inform your doctor if there are any allergies or health problems. Some medications can cause side effects like stomach upset or dry mouth. Generally, these are mild and disappear on their own within one or two weeks. Avoid driving or operating machines if you're taking medication. holistic depression treatment of alcohol and other recreational drugs can worsen some depression symptoms such as restlessness or difficulty sleeping. These substances should not be used as they can make depression more difficult to treat. In the case of continued use, particularly over an extended period could lead to more serious problems. 3. Psychotherapy Psychotherapy, also referred to as talk therapy, can aid you deal with issues that are contributing to your depression. This type of treatment is a long-term one, but has been shown to be effective in treating depression. Psychotherapy can be done in many different settings, like private therapists' offices, hospitals, clinics for psychiatry, and rehabilitation facilities. It is usually done one-on-one but group therapy is also a possibility. Your therapist will discuss your feelings behavior, thoughts, and relationships with you in a private and secure setting. In the initial few sessions your therapist will get to know you better and suggest a treatment program. This may include medication, psychotherapy, exercise and other treatments such as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) or electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Some of them are short-term and focus on specific problems. For example IPT, or interpersonal therapy (IPT) assists people in understanding the root causes of problems, such as conflicting feelings or grieving over significant others. Depression can be triggered by a variety of causes that range from loss and stress to unresolved traumas and abuse. This may require more intensive therapy and other treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is also referred to as cognitive restructuring, helps people to alter their thinking patterns that trigger symptoms. It also enhances the ability to cope and help them to manage the stress and conflicts of life. Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) incorporates elements of CBT with mindfulness techniques which help you observe and accept your emotions. Psychological treatment can often be more effective than antidepressants in treating acute depression. It can take longer for it to be effective and not everyone responds in the same way. It is important to keep attending sessions for therapy and complete your homework (like journaling or meditation) between sessions. 4. Counseling If you are experiencing depression symptoms that are mild or severe it's crucial to find treatments that help. This could include counseling or psychological therapy. A professional outside can transform your life. You may have to test different therapists before you discover one that you like, but it's worth it. There are a variety of psychotherapy. However, the majority involve discussing your concerns and developing strategies to manage depression. You may also find it beneficial to share your experience with other people who are going through similar issues. Group counseling is available in hospitals, medical clinics and therapists' offices. It can also be conducted via phone using online Telehealth services. Counseling for depression is aimed to change negative thoughts and behaviors which contribute to the condition. A therapist may help, for instance, instruct you on how to manage stress to improve your mood. You might learn how to recognize thoughts that are not rational and challenge the preconceived notions that make you feel down. It is possible to use EMDR to release painful or traumatic memories that may be causing depression. Other treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or behavioural activation can be used to help you understand your behavior patterns and to make changes. For instance behavioural activation therapy can be beneficial when depression causes you to avoid social activities. The aim is to motivate you to engage in more social activities and to understand the ways in which your actions affect your mood. In general, these strategies are used together with medication. You can find a licensed psychotherapist in your area by asking your doctor to refer you or by calling a mental health center in your community. 5. Exercise The benefits of exercising for preventing and treating depression are well-established. However, it's not widely considered a primary treatment, with medication and psychotherapy being more favoured. A growing body of research suggests that exercise is as effective as antidepressants and other talking treatments for treating depression. In fact it's more effective than psychotherapy or medication alone according to a meta-analysis of over 150 studies. The research revealed that on average, those with depression who exercised improved their symptoms by five points with one measure and 6.5 points with another that is clinically significant. And the effects were potent regardless of whether they exercised for just an hour or so or more than an hour per day. Exercise is a great alternative to psychotherapy or medications which are not suitable for all people. It also has the added bonus of keeping us physically fit and helping to ward off other mental health problems like anxiety. What's more exercising doesn't carry the stigma associated with using drugs or going to therapy. Exercise is accessible to everyone, comes with few costs and can be an empowering method. However, it's still difficult to research the effects of exercise on a person, because it can be difficult to monitor factors like how much people exercise regularly and other medications they are taking. Therefore, more research is required to understand the optimal type, frequency and duration of exercise for preventing and treating depression. To aid patients suffering from depression, doctors are prescribing exercise as a part of their treatment plans. The “green prescription” is a program that encourages patients to be active by contacting a fitness professional frequently via phone or face-to-face.