Treatment for depression

Answer 1

Depression is a psychological mood disorder in which a person experiences episodes of extreme sadness. Bouts of sadness could last any period from several weeks to several years. They may occur following a traumatic even or for no defined reason.

Causes of Depression

Several theories exist about the cause of depression. Some psychologists believe chemical imbalances in the brain cause depression. The alleged imbalances cause the person to shift into severe clinical sadness because of the low chemical levels.

Other psychologists believe that environmental factors play a role in the development of depression. For example, an abnormal childhood may trigger depressive episodes. Some medical experts believe that a combination of things cause depression.

Symptoms of Depression

The most obvious sign of depression is a feeling of hopelessness and despair in the sufferer. The individual may also experience lethargy and a lack of desire. Additionally, the sufferer may have trouble concentrating and making decisions. He or she might also lose weight due to a decrease in appetite. The sufferer may experience thoughts of self-hate and suicide in the most extreme cases.

Treatment for Depression

A practitioner may use several methods for treating a patient with depression. Doctors who believe in the chemical imbalance theory tend to lean toward prescribing antidepressants. Antidepressants work by changing the chemical compounds in the brain. Examples of some antidepressants a doctor may prescribe for depression are Prozac, Lexapro, Celexa, Paxil, and Zoloft. These medications are in a class called SSRIs and they work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain.

Doctors may also prescribe tricyclic antidepressants such as Wellbutrin. Medics prescribe tricyclic antidepressants less commonly because they change several of the brain compounds at one time. Patients report more side effects with the use of these types of antidepressants.

Doctors who believe that environmental factors cause depression are more likely to use talk therapy or behavioral therapy to treat someone with the disorder. Behavioral therapy involves discussion between the doctor and patient. The objective is for the doctor to get to the patient's psychological disorder. The practitioner will use different methods to achieve such and then try to come up with effective coping strategies based on the findings. Some medical experts use a combination of both types of treatment.

Answer 2

Depression is treatable and can be controlled through therapy, medication and changes in lifestyle. There are no instant cures, but the following treatments can help over time.

1. Making Lifestyle Changes

Physical health encourages mental health, so changes in your lifestyle can actually have more of a positive effect on your depression than medication. Things as simple as exercising every day, improving nutrition and getting enough sleep can work as well as medication, and without the side effects.

2. Being Social

Cultivating social connections is one of the most effective ways of battling depression. It is hard to get wrapped up in our own thoughts and problems when we are busy interacting with others. Depression breeds in isolation, so having friends and family around in a supportive role can make a world of difference in how you feel.

3. Reducing Stress

Stress is known to aggravate depression and can be trigger for future depressive episodes. Identify the areas in your life that give you stress and then work minimize them. Avoid people with whom you have stressful relationships and avoid overwork. Find time to do things that relax you.

4. Get Regular Checkups

Depression often has a medical component, and only your primary care doctor and help you determine how important the medical component is. Certain illnesses can cause depression such as thyroid conditions, or the interaction between medications or simply the symptoms of aging can all increase the risk of depression. A full medical check up on a regular basis is your best protection against these medically related causes of depression.

5. Try Therapy

Talking with someone who is a specialist in mental health on a regular basis is often helpful to people who suffer from depression. A therapist can help you to look at your depression from new angles and decide what treatments might be most effective. Finding the right therapist for you may take some trial and error, but if you find one that you feel confident in they can become a great partner in your recovery.

Finding the right mix of treatments that works best for you may take time, but it will be worth it!

Answer 3

cupcakes and Melissa Santos