Depression is arguably the commonest mental illness worldwide. Like many other mental health disorders, there is significant social and economic dysfunction. While most cases are usually mild, a number of them tend to progress to very severe forms that may lead to death (mainly through suicide). It is important that treatment is instituted promptly so as to prevent this progression. We will review some of the modalities of depression therapy Bethesda residents have access to.
If one has symptoms that suggest that they are depressed, there are a number of things that they need to do so as to get the treatment that best suits them. It is important that they take time to understand their illness as much as possible with regard to the pattern of symptoms, severity and whether or not there is any underlying medical condition. If the latter is the case, then treating the condition effectively cures the mental illness.
The initial management of mild depression should be based on lifestyle modification. The most important of these is engaging in physical exercise regularly. Physical exercise has numerous benefits relevant to the treatment of this condition. For instance, it increases the secretion of serotonin and endorphins both of which are vital to the growth of new brain cells and connections. This is the same principle on which antidepressants are based.
Other forms of lifestyle modification include having proper nutrition, adequate sleep and reducing stress. Proper nutrition is good for both the physical and the mental health of the affected individual. Meals should be small, frequent, well balanced with complex rather than simple carbohydrates. Sleep deprivation has been known to exacerbate symptoms. When diagnosed with depression, one should aim for a minimum of seven hours of sleep.
Failure of the symptoms to resolve with lifestyle changes is a possible indicator of an underlying medical condition. It is important that you see a doctor so that any such conditions are ruled out. Hypothyroidism is one of the conditions that presents with symptoms that are similar to those of depression. Patients with hypothyroidism typically have fatigue, sadness and loss of pleasure. Taking several drugs that interact adversely may cause similar symptoms.
For confirmed depression, psychotherapy and antidepressant can be administered separately or in combination. Psychotherapy seeks to provide insight on the nature of the illness to the patient so that they can participate actively in their own treatment. Patients, learn about the causes, triggers and what can be done to stay healthy. Cognitive behavioral therapy, CBT, is one of the most effective types that exist.
There are various types of drugs that have been shown to have a positive effect. They include tricyclic antidepressants such as amoxapine, doxepine and amitriptyline (for moderate to severe symptoms). Side effects include visual blurring, dry mouth, urinary retention and constipation among others. Other groups of drugs used for severe symptoms include monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) such as moclobemide. Lithium salts, and selective serotonin receptor inhibitors are also effective.
It should be noted that depression is usually treated for a long period of time. There is a need for commitment by the doctor and the patient. Getting the appropriate form of treatment often involves trial and error. It has been shown that the most optimal therapy is attained through the combination of various treatment options.
If one has symptoms that suggest that they are depressed, there are a number of things that they need to do so as to get the treatment that best suits them. It is important that they take time to understand their illness as much as possible with regard to the pattern of symptoms, severity and whether or not there is any underlying medical condition. If the latter is the case, then treating the condition effectively cures the mental illness.
The initial management of mild depression should be based on lifestyle modification. The most important of these is engaging in physical exercise regularly. Physical exercise has numerous benefits relevant to the treatment of this condition. For instance, it increases the secretion of serotonin and endorphins both of which are vital to the growth of new brain cells and connections. This is the same principle on which antidepressants are based.
Other forms of lifestyle modification include having proper nutrition, adequate sleep and reducing stress. Proper nutrition is good for both the physical and the mental health of the affected individual. Meals should be small, frequent, well balanced with complex rather than simple carbohydrates. Sleep deprivation has been known to exacerbate symptoms. When diagnosed with depression, one should aim for a minimum of seven hours of sleep.
Failure of the symptoms to resolve with lifestyle changes is a possible indicator of an underlying medical condition. It is important that you see a doctor so that any such conditions are ruled out. Hypothyroidism is one of the conditions that presents with symptoms that are similar to those of depression. Patients with hypothyroidism typically have fatigue, sadness and loss of pleasure. Taking several drugs that interact adversely may cause similar symptoms.
For confirmed depression, psychotherapy and antidepressant can be administered separately or in combination. Psychotherapy seeks to provide insight on the nature of the illness to the patient so that they can participate actively in their own treatment. Patients, learn about the causes, triggers and what can be done to stay healthy. Cognitive behavioral therapy, CBT, is one of the most effective types that exist.
There are various types of drugs that have been shown to have a positive effect. They include tricyclic antidepressants such as amoxapine, doxepine and amitriptyline (for moderate to severe symptoms). Side effects include visual blurring, dry mouth, urinary retention and constipation among others. Other groups of drugs used for severe symptoms include monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) such as moclobemide. Lithium salts, and selective serotonin receptor inhibitors are also effective.
It should be noted that depression is usually treated for a long period of time. There is a need for commitment by the doctor and the patient. Getting the appropriate form of treatment often involves trial and error. It has been shown that the most optimal therapy is attained through the combination of various treatment options.
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