Health Information Manager
Treating Clinical Depression
Treatment of depression is most effective when started as early as possible.
A person should seek help as soon as he/she becomes aware that they are
experiencing symptoms of depression. Treatment for depression should be
considered when it interferes with work relationships or day-to-day functioning.
Treatment is also recommended when the personal distress caused by depression
becomes severe.
The type of treatment depends on the needs of the individual patient.
It may occur in an inpatient or outpatient setting. It may include medication,
psychotherapy or both.
Depression is usually treated in one, or a combination, of these ways:
- Medication. Antidepressant drugs may be prescribed in specific dosages. Medication dosages must be monitored carefully by a health care professional.
- Psychotherapy. "Talking therapies" may include individual counseling, group therapy, or both. Often, more effective ways of thinking about and dealing with life's problems are explored. There are several forms of psychotherapy. These include exploratory or insight-oriented psychotherapy, supportive psychotherapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy.
- Often a combination of medication and psychotherapy proves to be the most effective combination. Some of the decisions about the mode of treatment may be affected by the person and their health professional's personal preferences, as well as the severity of the depression.
- Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may be considered when depression is severe or life-threatening, or when other forms of therapy have not been helpful in relieving the depression.
- Other therapies sometimes used include bright light therapy and exercise for those with seasonsal affective disorder.
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