Depression is a common condition. Studies show that it affects more than 280 million adults across the globe. It’s not restricted to adults, though. Nearly 3 million children and teenagers have been diagnosed with depression as well.
Depression and Medication: Exploring Treatment Options
In fact, research indicates that even toddlers can suffer from this increasingly prevalent mental health disorder.
Treatment Options for Depression
Several treatments are available for those who are suffering from depression. They range from different types of medication to an array of therapies. Each depression treatment has its benefits, but not all of them are ideal for everyone. Take a closer look at some of the treatments currently being used for depression and how each one addresses the condition.
Medications for Depression
Antidepressants are commonly prescribed to help people deal with depression. They alter the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain to reduce the symptoms of the disorder. Some of these medications are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. They help regulate serotonin levels in the areas of the brain that control mood and emotion. Other depression medications are serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. Like SSRIs, SNRIs alter brain chemistry to better regulate people’s moods and ease the symptoms of depression.
Certain other hair loss medication are sometimes prescribed for depression as well, but they’re far less common than SSRIs and SNRIs. Finding the right medication and dosage to treat depression is often a process of trial and error. At the same time, medication alone doesn’t work for everyone. These medications can also cause side effects, such as sleepiness, weight gain, and difficulty concentrating.
Therapy for Depression
Therapy is also a widely used approach to depression. Different types of therapy can be used to address the condition and its underlying causes. Cognitive behavioral therapy, for example, focuses on changing negative thought patterns associated with depression. It can help people identify unhelpful thoughts and modify their ways of thinking. That may give rise to healthier coping mechanisms and help people overcome depressive episodes.
Additionally, interpersonal therapy can help alleviate depression. It revolves around improving people’s communication skills and their relationships with others. This type of therapy can reduce the symptoms of the disorder by helping people address stressors that lead to depression and strengthening their connections with other people.
Psychodynamic therapy, on the other hand, explores past experiences and unresolved conflicts to help people change the way those issues affect them. Support groups and group therapy can also have a positive impact on those who suffer from depression. They give people opportunities to share their feelings and experiences with others who are living with the condition and learn coping strategies.
Lifestyle Changes
Some lifestyle changes have also been found effective for dealing with depression. Regular exercise can positively influence people’s moods by reducing stress and releasing endorphins. Establishing a consistent sleep schedule and getting enough rest can foster mood regulation as well.
Making dietary modifications can be helpful, too. A nutrient-rich diet can reduce the symptoms of depression, and omega-3 fatty acids are particularly helpful. On the other hand, highly processed foods and those that are high in saturated fats can increase the risk of depression and exacerbate its symptoms.
Effectively Treating Depression
Several treatments are available for depression. Medication is certainly an option, and it’s all some people need to help them feel better. In other cases, therapy is a more effective solution. Certain lifestyle changes can alleviate the symptoms of depression as well. For many people, a combination of these treatments is the best route. Each person is unique, so effectively treating depression takes a customized approach.
