What depression treatment is best for you?

Treatment options for major depressive disorder -- also called clinical depression or simply depression -- include medications, psychotherapy and complementary health approaches such as yoga and acupuncture, says the best psychiatrist in Bhopal. No single treatment is right for everyone. In choosing a specific approach, consider your personal preferences, the severity of your symptoms and the potential for side effects.

Medications

Your doctor may recommend antidepressant medication or a combination of medications to treat depression. Examples include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants. Your doctor may have you try several medications before choosing the one that works best for you.

Medication can cause side effects that might make it difficult for some people to stick with treatment, but finding an effective medication may make it easier for them to stick to their treatment plan overall. This could help improve outcomes -- especially if they are working on developing better communication skills, becoming more active or improving problem-solving abilities.

People with depression should not stop medication on their own, even when they feel better. It can take several months for an antidepressant to work fully, and stopping too soon could have a relapse of symptoms, says the best psychiatrist in Bhopal. If you want to stop taking an antidepressant because of side effects or other concerns, consult your doctor first.

Psychotherapy

Your doctor may recommend psychotherapy -- also called talk therapy or counseling -- in addition to antidepressants if you're coping with moderate or severe depression or you don't respond well to medication. You might consider cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy (IPT) or problem-solving therapy. Psychiatrists rely on CBT most often due to research showing it effective on its own and in combination with medication.

You might work with a therapist or counselor on one to one basis or in a group setting. The therapy is usually given weekly, and sessions typically last an hour. Your progress may be slow, but sticking with it can help improve your symptoms by teaching you how to deal with stressors, communicate more effectively and problem solve.

Complementary health approaches

In addition to standard depression treatments, you might consider complementary health approaches such as yoga, acupuncture and massage therapy. These therapies have not been well studied for treating depression, so bear that in mind as you're considering them for yourself. However, they seem to offer many people benefit when added to other forms of care like medication and psychotherapy -- often without side effects.

Conclusion:

The type of depression treatment that's best for you depends on the severity of your symptoms, your personal preferences and whether or not you respond to particular treatments. You may need more than one approach -- such as psychotherapy plus medication -- to find what works for you.