Clinical depression is a severe and persistent condition that leaves patients with long-lasting feelings of sadness or hopelessness. The condition can profoundly affect an individual’s work, social life, and relationships and should be addressed by a professional that is trained in diagnosing and managing the condition.
Thankfully, a variety of treatments are available for clinical depression. In some cases, a number of different approaches may be combined to provide the maximum amount of relief for the patient. However, even after a proper diagnosis, it may still take some time to determine the correct medication or combination of treatments to provide complete relief from clinical depression.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy, also called talk therapy, can often help patients to examine underlying issues that can contribute to clinical depression. A trained and experienced mental health counselor can help individuals to adjust to current crises, identify negative behaviors, explore relationship problems, regain control over their lives, and find new ways to cope with past and current issues.
Medication
A variety of medications are used to manage depression, and patients often go through a period of trial and error to determine the most effective drug for their needs. Categories of pharmaceuticals used to treat clinical depression include:
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
- Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
- Norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs)
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
- Tricyclic antidepressants
- Antipsychotic Drugs
- Mood stabilizers.
Electroconvulsive Therapy
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) uses electrical impulses passed through the brain to affect the amount of neurotransmitter chemicals. This practice (also known as electroshock therapy) is no doubt controversial, as it can lead to problems such as memory loss and confusion. However, it has been proven to be effective and is only used on consenting patients who do not respond to depression medications or are at immediate risk for suicide.
Lifestyle Changes
Many people who are diagnosed with clinical depression are advised to manage their diet and exercise levels to help relieve symptoms. Some studies indicate that junk food diets containing high levels of carbohydrates and fat can increase symptoms of hopelessness, worthlessness, fatigue and lack of enjoyment. Conversely, a healthy diet of fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean meats can help to decrease symptoms. Exercise can also have an effect on mood, by helping to release beneficial brain chemicals that are involved in mood regulation. While lifestyle changes may improve symptoms, they should not be a person's only method of treatment.
Alternative Therapies
Some individuals find that alternative therapies, such as meditation, yoga, acupuncture, biofeedback, and massage can provide additional help for managing depressive symptoms. However, it's important to note that there are currently no double-blind studies that support these treatments as an effective way to deal with clinical depression.
