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 you suspect that you are suffering from the disorder, there are a number of things that you should do so as to optimize on the treatment. The first is to make an effort to learn as much as possible about the condition. This will not only help in identifying the cause of the problem but will also help in determining its severity. If the cause is an underlying medical condition, treating the condition will help eliminate the symptoms.
Mild cases are initially managed using lifestyle changes. Physical exercise is one of the most effective interventions that exist under this category. Engaging in at least 30 minutes of intense aerobic activity has been shown to be as effective as antidepressants. The secretion of important body chemicals such as endorphins and serotonin is increased. These chemicals in turn stimulate the growth of new brain cells and interconnections.
Other lifestyle changes should focus on proper nutrition, getting adequate sleep and stress reduction. Eating well takes care of both physical and mental health. Ensure that the meals are well balanced with plenty of complex carbohydrates. Inadequate sleep worsens the symptoms and one should aim for about seven hours of sleep every night. Ridding yourself of unhealthy relationships and activities will help reduce unnecessary stress.
If the symptoms persist even with multiple lifestyle changes other underlying causes should be ruled out. There are a number of medical conditions that are known to present in the same way as depression. Hypothyroidism is one of the commonest. Persons with hypothyroidism typically present with loss of pleasure, constant fatigue and sadness most of the time. The same may be seen in older patients taking different types of drugs that have a potential to interact with each other adversely.
When a diagnosis of depression is confirmed, antidepressant drugs and therapy are the main forms of treatment that are offered. The treatments may be offered separately or simultaneously. Different forms of psychotherapy exist. The main principle that underlies each is the need to give an insight to the patients on the cause, triggers and symptoms of their illness.
There are a number of pharmacological agents that are used. The main ones are those that belong to the class of tricyclic antidepressants. They include amitriptyline, doxepine and amoxapine. These drugs are mainly used for managing moderate and severe symptoms. Their main side effects include constipation, blurred vision and a dry mouth. Other groups of drugs also used in managing severe symptoms include moclobemide, citalopram, fluvoxamine and lithium salts.
Depression is not a lifetime illness but usually requires a long period of time to treat. This is because getting the most effective treatment involves trial and error. Commitment to therapy is key to the success of interventions undertaken. It has been established that the most effective treatments are those that involve combination of various modalities.
If you suspect that you are suffering from the disorder, there are a number of things that you should do so as to optimize on the treatment. The first is to make an effort to learn as much as possible about the condition. This will not only help in identifying the cause of the problem but will also help in determining its severity. If the cause is an underlying medical condition, treating the condition will help eliminate the symptoms.
Mild cases are initially managed using lifestyle changes. Physical exercise is one of the most effective interventions that exist under this category. Engaging in at least 30 minutes of intense aerobic activity has been shown to be as effective as antidepressants. The secretion of important body chemicals such as endorphins and serotonin is increased. These chemicals in turn stimulate the growth of new brain cells and interconnections.
Other lifestyle changes should focus on proper nutrition, getting adequate sleep and stress reduction. Eating well takes care of both physical and mental health. Ensure that the meals are well balanced with plenty of complex carbohydrates. Inadequate sleep worsens the symptoms and one should aim for about seven hours of sleep every night. Ridding yourself of unhealthy relationships and activities will help reduce unnecessary stress.
If the symptoms persist even with multiple lifestyle changes other underlying causes should be ruled out. There are a number of medical conditions that are known to present in the same way as depression. Hypothyroidism is one of the commonest. Persons with hypothyroidism typically present with loss of pleasure, constant fatigue and sadness most of the time. The same may be seen in older patients taking different types of drugs that have a potential to interact with each other adversely.
When a diagnosis of depression is confirmed, antidepressant drugs and therapy are the main forms of treatment that are offered. The treatments may be offered separately or simultaneously. Different forms of psychotherapy exist. The main principle that underlies each is the need to give an insight to the patients on the cause, triggers and symptoms of their illness.
There are a number of pharmacological agents that are used. The main ones are those that belong to the class of tricyclic antidepressants. They include amitriptyline, doxepine and amoxapine. These drugs are mainly used for managing moderate and severe symptoms. Their main side effects include constipation, blurred vision and a dry mouth. Other groups of drugs also used in managing severe symptoms include moclobemide, citalopram, fluvoxamine and lithium salts.
Depression is not a lifetime illness but usually requires a long period of time to treat. This is because getting the most effective treatment involves trial and error. Commitment to therapy is key to the success of interventions undertaken. It has been established that the most effective treatments are those that involve combination of various modalities.
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