Depression Treatment

  • Depression
    It is a serious medical illness that affects one’s thoughts, feelings, behaviour, mood and physical health. It may be a lifelong condition in which periods of wellness alternate with recurrences of illness. Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide with more than 350 million sufferers, according to the World Health Organisation. The number is growing in all age groups in every community, and with many young people falling prey to depression.  
Submitted by PatientsEngage on 28 September 2015

Treatment varies based on the severity of Depression

Severe or moderate depression

Antidepressant medicines: These are commonly used to treat moderate or severe depression. Antidepressants can take 2-4 weeks before the effect builds up fully. The newest and most popular antidepressants are called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). The following are examples: 

  • Fluoxetine
  • Sertraline
  • Escitalopram
  • Paroxetine
  • Citalopram

Psychological (Talking) Treatments

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT): The therapist understands your thought patterns to identify any harmful or unhelpful ideas or thoughts which made you depressed. The aim is then to change your way of thinking to avoid these ideas.

Interpersonal therapy (IPT): This is used when your personal relationships are playing a large role in affecting your mood and mental state. The therapist helps you to change your thinking and behaviour and improves your interaction with others.

Electroconvulsive therapy: This is advised as a last resort for severe depression that has not improved with other treatments.

Mild depression

Guided self-help programme: Materials (such as pamphlets, CDs and books) are provided by a trained practitioner, such as doctor, who monitors your progress. This programme consists of 6-8 sessions (face to face and via telephone) for 9-12 weeks.

Computer based therapy (CBT): Computer and internet-based self-help CBT programmes are recent innovations. They are supported by a trained practitioner who monitors progress. This programme is carried out for 9-12 weeks.

Antidepressant medicines: These are usually not recommended for initial treatment of mild depression. Antidepressants can be advised for mild depression in certain circumstances such as 

  • a. Mild depression that persists after other treatments have not helped 
  • b. Mild depression associated with physical illness
  • c. Past episode of moderate or severe depression

Please discuss with your doctor, counsellor, psychiatrist

Community
Mental Health and Wellbeing
Condition
Depression
Changed
Tue, 08/06/2019 - 21:04

Stories

  • 20 things to remember if your loved one suffers from Depression
    According to the World Health Organization, there are more than 350 million people all over the world with depression. With that staggering statistic, it is highly probable that we will all interact at some point with someone experiencing a bout with depression. One of the most devastating aspects of dealing with depression is the stigma and negative criticism that comes from others. Furthermore, people may not even know that their behaviors and comments are being negative or hurtful…
  • Caregiver health and wellness
    You are focused on looking after a patient with a chronic condition. But you, the caregiver, may also be at risk. Rama Murali of Care3 (Care Cubed), a support network and resource bank for caregivers, gives you some tips on how to avoid caregiver burnout. “You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.” – Buddha Why focus on Caregiver health? Although caregiving can be truly rewarding for many, the 24×7 nature of caring for a…
  • Deepika Padukone on Depression : It was a struggle to wake up
    Did you know that as recent as last year, Deepika Padukone was struggling with anxiety and depression, at a time when she was establishing her credentials as one of Bollywood's most sought after actors. She bares her heart for the first time about how she straddled these two aspects of her life and came out a winner. A day earlier, I had fainted due to exhaustion; it was all downhill from there. I felt a strange emptiness in my stomach. I thought it was stress, so I tried to distract…
  • Parkinson's, Depression and the Switch that might turn them off
    Deep brain stimulation is becoming very precise. This technique allows surgeons to place electrodes in almost any area of the brain, and turn them up or down — like a radio dial or thermostat — to correct dysfunction. Andres Lozano offers a dramatic look at emerging techniques, in which a woman with Parkinson's instantly stops shaking and brain areas eroded by Alzheimer's are brought back to life. The multi-disciplinary approach of medicine and engineering has resulted in greater precision of…
  • A man in a suit and with his work bag, sitting on steps, looking downwards and worried
    12 Tips To Help Relieve Anxiety and Depression
    Kam Gillar, Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist, helps you cope with easy strategies. Plus, how to stop the negative chatter in your head. Feeling low, worried, negative? The following strategies will help you cope better and put the spring back in your step.  1. Take time-out Practice slow, relaxed breathing, listen to music, meditate, get a massage, or learn relaxation techniques. Stepping back from the problem helps to calm your mind. Start to form a habit of…
  • Depression
    What is depression It is a serious medical illness that affects one’s thoughts, feelings, behaviour, mood and physical health. It may be a lifelong condition in which periods of wellness alternate with recurrences of illness. Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide with more than 350 million sufferers, according to the World Health Organisation. The number is growing in all age groups in every community, and with many young people falling prey to…

Latest Stories

Booklet