Depression Treatment

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Depression Treatment

Depression is the most common mental illness in the world. In the UK alone over a fifth of the population reported symptoms of depression and anxiety. This figure has risen year on year, and while higher levels of awareness and communication have much to do with this, this can only account for part of this rising statistic.

Depression is more than feeling sad or fatigued for a day or two: it is a serious condition that requires medical attention. However, thanks to modern medicine and psychiatry, it is something you can generally recover from with the right treatment and support.

What You Need to Know About Depression

In medical terms, depression is classified as a mood disorder; a mood disorder is something that distorts or destabilizes your emotional state rendering it inconsistent with your situation.

Depression is overwhelmingly common and around 264 million people across the world suffer from this mental illness. In fact, depression is the leading cause of disability in the world today.

Understanding the symptoms and potential causes of depression, therefore, is very useful. But whether you feel that you may be struggling with depression, or you worry that a loved one is, the most important thing you should know is that there are many depression treatment options.

Types of Depression

Broadly speaking there are many types of depressive disorder, and while many have unique symptoms they share common indicators, too. These disorders are:

Treatments for Mild Episodes/Disorders

• Guided Self-Help With the Aid of Your Doctor
• Physical Activity Programmes
• Low Dosages of Medication
• Group Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Alternative or Complementary Therapies
• Referral for Further Assessment

Treatments for Moderate Epidosdes/Disorders

• Low to Moderate Levels of Medication
• Individual Therapy or Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Group Support
• Guided Physical or Recreational Therapy
• Counselling
• Referral for Further Assessment

Treatments for Severe Episodes/Disorders

• Moderate to High Levels of Medication
• High-Intensity Talking Therapy
• Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)
• Crisis Services
• Hospital Treatment in Emergencies

Am I Depressed?

If you, or someone you love, exhibit more than three of these symptoms you should consult a doctor or medical professional. Feelings of depression can be temporary or caused by other issues, but when they become persistent or serious you should always consult a doctor; the risks of untreated depression are severe.

The most obvious risk of untreated depression is suicide but there are also long-term health risks to living with untreated depression. The risk of diabetes, chronic pain, heart disease, and cognitive decline, for example, are greatly increased by periods of sustained, untreated depression.

Causes of Depression

Mood disorders such as depression are thought to have many possible causes which range from genetics to lifestyle choices. The most common and widely accepted causes of depression are;

1. Genetics

Some studies suggest that mental health problems such as depression may be hereditary. Recent research suggests that certain genes are key in the development of a recurrent depressive disorder, but the study of genetic factors in depression is still young.

2. Hormones or Chemicals

Hormonal imbalances and changes can cause depressive episodes or disorders. For example, women experiencing premenstrual syndrome or premenstrual dysphoric disorder may experience periods of depression likewise, women are more prone to depressive episodes following childbirth or when experiencing menopause.

3. Background or Current Situation

Stressful events and situations such as domestic abuse, financial problems, unemployment, and relationship issues make a depressive episode more likely. Some studies have suggested that having parents with depressive disorders may increase the likelihood of a person experiencing depression themselves however, it is unclear whether this is a result of genetics or circumstantial stresses.

4. Lifestyle

Some studies suggest that being under or overweight, having limited social relationships and interactions, poor diet, and lack of exercise all increase the risk of experiencing depressive symptoms or episodes.

5. Drug and Alcohol Consumption

Drug and alcohol abuse are huge risk factors for the development of a depressive disorder or episode. While addiction and abuse pose the most severe risks, studies show that consuming alcohol regularly, even at moderate levels, increases the risk, especially if it is used to self-medicate during periods of stress, grief, or anxiety.

Treating Depression

Treatments for depression can be undertaken on an inpatient or outpatient basis. While outpatient treatment is more common for depressive disorders and episodes, severe or recurrent episodes, especially those characterized by suicidal thoughts or attempts, are best treated on an inpatient basis where round-the-clock support and supervision are possible.

The treatment offered will depend on the primary physicians’ assessment of the severity of the episode or disorder. Every person who is experiencing depressive symptoms should be assessed, supported, informed, monitored, and referred for further help if needed.

Below we have broken down the treatment options into groups pending on the severity of depression:

1. Treatments for Mild Episodes/Disorders

• Guided Self-Help With the Aid of Your Doctor
• Physical Activity Programmes
• Low Dosages of Medication
• Group Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Alternative or Complementary Therapies
• Referral for Further Assessment

2. Treatments for Moderate Epidosdes/Disorders

• Low to Moderate Levels of Medication
• Individual Therapy or Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Group Support
• Guided Physical or Recreational Therapy
• Counselling
• Referral for Further Assessment

3. Treatments for Severe Episodes/Disorders

Treatments for severe episodes and disorders are more likely to take place on an inpatient basis:

• Moderate to High Levels of Medication
• High-Intensity Talking Therapy
• Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)
• Crisis Services
• Hospital Treatment in Emergencies

Supporting Someone With Depression

Supporting someone you love as they struggle with depression is not easy, and so the first thing you must do is take care of yourself. It can be tempting to put your own needs to the side, but in order to effectively help your loved one, you must first be healthy yourself.

Take the time to speak with your loved one’s doctor or your own if you can to gain an understanding of what they are experiencing. Above and beyond this, however, simply make them aware that you are there to listen and provide support. Encourage them to eat well and exercise, and keep a note of changes in their condition in case the symptoms should worsen.

If you ever suspect that they are self-harming or planning suicide you should reach out to a medical professional immediately.