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Guidelines For Treating Depression There are many different guidelines for treating depression that have been published by the APA, CANMAT, BAP, NICE, and Texas Medication Algorithm Project. They recommend psychotherapy, exercise and antidepressant medication. The guidelines suggest that patients who do not respond to monotherapy use CBT or SGA prior to beginning treatment and then increase dosages as needed. Patients who are not responding to monotherapy could benefit from augmentation using lithium, psychostimulants or SSRIs. 1. depression treatment options Iampsychiatry to treat of depression is getting an accurate diagnosis. This includes a discussion with an expert in mental health or a doctor, and certain types of talk therapy. Your GP will ask about your symptoms, and how they have affected your life in the last month. They'll also ask whether you've ever had thoughts of self-harm or suicide. Your GP will also examine your general health, family history and life style to determine if you suffer from depression or another mental health condition. It is important to be honest and open with your doctor, so that they can get a true picture of how you're feeling. This will allow them to recognize the symptoms of depression. They can then analyze these symptoms to rule out other illnesses, such as cancer or heart disease, which can cause similar symptoms. When your GP determines that you have depression, he / will conduct tests to rule out any other issues. Blood tests, for instance tests for thyroid or anemia issues which could be the cause of depression. They'll also check your blood for vitamin deficiencies or alcohol and drugs that can mimic depression. If your GP discovers you have depression, they'll discuss the root of the problem and the best way to manage it. This could include psychotherapy or a combination between therapy and medication. The most effective drugs for depression are antidepressants, that work by altering the balance of chemicals within the brain. They can be administered in the form of injections or orally and it could take several weeks before they start working. These medications can also cause side effects such as constipation and dry mouth. 2. Medication The use of medications can benefit many who suffer from depression. In the beginning, your doctor might prescribe antidepressants or a combination of them. If the initial treatment doesn't produce a satisfactory result, your doctor may recommend that you try another medication or to alter the dosage or frequency at which you take it. To get the most benefits of your medication, it's important to take it regularly. Do not stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval. Based on your symptoms the general antidepressant might be prescribed or an SSRI. An SSRI boosts the levels 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). Other antidepressants, like tetracyclics, can be prescribed if a doctor believes that these medications will be more efficient than an SSRI or SNRI. SSRIs or SNRIs may be used safely by adolescents and children. Before taking any medication, it is important to inform your doctor if there are any health issues or allergies. The medication can cause side effects, such as an dry mouth or stomach that is upset. These side effects are usually mild and will go away on their own within a week or so. If you're taking medication, avoid driving or operating machines until you feel calm and clear. Certain depression-related symptoms like restlessness or trouble sleeping, could be made worse by alcohol and other recreational drugs. These substances should be avoided, since they can make depression more difficult to manage. If you continue to use them, especially for an extended period of time, can also cause more serious issues. 3. Psychotherapy Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, can assist you address issues that are contributing to your depression. This type of treatment can be long-lasting, but it has been proven beneficial for many people suffering from 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 therapy therapist will discuss your thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and relationships with you in a private and secure environment. In the initial sessions your therapist gets to know you better and recommends a treatment program. This could include psychotherapy, medication, activity and exercise or other treatments such as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) or electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Some are short-term and they concentrate on specific issues. For example IPT, or interpersonal therapy (IPT) helps people understand underlying problems such as unresolved grief or conflicts with significant others. Depression can be caused by a variety of reasons including loss and stress to unresolved traumas, abuse and other issues. These may require more intensive therapy or other treatments. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is also referred to as cognitive restructuring, assists people change their thinking patterns that trigger symptoms. It also improves resilience and helps people to manage the stress and challenges of daily life. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) combines CBT elements with mindfulness techniques to allow you to accept and be aware of your emotions. Psychotherapy can often help with acute, moderate or severe depression just as antidepressants can. However, it takes longer to effect results and not everyone responds in the same way. It is important to continue attending therapy sessions and do your homework (like journaling or meditative) between sessions. 4. Counseling If your symptoms of depression are mild or severe, it's important to find treatments that help. This can include psychological therapy or counseling. Having an outside expert help with your issues could be life-changing. It may be necessary to try several therapists before you find one that clicks with you However, it's worth it. There are a variety of psychotherapy. However most involve talking about your issues and learning strategies to deal with depression. It is also beneficial to share your experiences with a group of others who are dealing with similar issues. Group counseling is available at medical clinics, hospitals and therapists' office. It can also be conducted via phone using online Telehealth services. Counseling for depression is designed to change negative thoughts and behavior patterns that contribute to the disorder. A therapist may be able to, for instance, guide you on how to manage stress to improve your mood. You might learn how to recognize irrational thoughts and question preconceptions that cause you to feel down. You can utilize EMDR to let go of painful or traumatic memories that may be causing depression. Other therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or behavioural activation therapy, can be used to help you identify and change your behaviour patterns. For example the behavioural activation therapy is helpful when depression causes you to avoid social activities. The goal is to promote more social interaction and discover the ways your actions impact your mood. These approaches are usually used as a complement to medication. Ask your doctor for a referral or call a local mental health center in your community to locate a therapist who is certified. 5. Exercise The benefits of exercise for the prevention and treatment of depression are well-established. But it's rarely considered a core treatment in the same way as psychotherapy and medication being more favoured. However, a growing body of research suggests that exercising can be as effective at treating depression as talk therapies and antidepressants, perhaps even more effective. In fact it's more effective than drug or psychotherapy in its own right according to a meta-analysis of over 150 studies. The research found that, on average, those suffering from depression who exercised improved their symptoms by five points with one measure and 6.5 points using another that is clinically significant. The results were similar regardless of whether they exercised for in a few minutes or for an hour each day. Exercise is an excellent alternative to psychotherapy and medication which are not suitable for all. Exercise also helps to keep our bodies fit and aid in preventing mental health issues, like anxiety. Exercise is not stigmatized like the use of drugs or therapy. Exercise is available to everyone and comes at a low cost and can be a powerful approach. But it's still a challenge to study exercise as a medicine as it is difficult to control for things like how much people exercise regularly and other medications they are taking. More research is needed to determine the most effective kind, frequency and duration of exercise for treating and preventative treatment for depression. To help those suffering from depression, doctors are prescribing exercise as a part of their treatment plans. The 'green prescription,' is a program designed to encourage patients to exercise by contacting a fitness expert regularly by phone or face-toface.