Some of the treatment options for depression, such as medication, psychotherapy and electroconvulsive therapy, are well documented and it is a known fact that they provide the expected results. On the other hand, methods such as brain stimulation and other complementary and alternative treatments are in their incipient stage, so not everybody is convinced about their effectiveness. Though, there is no universal way to cure depression and each treatment needs to be chosen according to the severity of the symptoms. When selecting the treatment, the patient’s preference is also taken into consideration. Besides that, the possible side effects of the treatment need to be analyzed before starting to cure depression.
In its early stages, depression can be treated by the primary care doctor. If the symptoms become worse, then a qualified mental health provider may be needed. Psychiatrists, psychologists and even social workers know very well how to treat people who suffer from depression. The collaborating with the doctor when talking about the treatment is an important step. Despite this fact, not all the patients are good at decision making, especially if they feature severe symptoms. Psychotherapy, another way to cure depression, is typically accompanied by medication. This type of therapy helps the patient to become aware of his or her problems and to overcome them.
Medication can be used for treating depression, regardless of the stage of this medical condition. Milder cases can be treated with over-the-counter medicines, while the more severe cases may require prescription-based drugs. In order to cure depression with medication, it is important to know which biochemical substances lack or abound in the patient’s brain. Because of this fact, a blood test named P450 test may be taken. This test reveals the genetic factors that will respond to antidepressants. In the first phase, most doctors suggest taking SRSIs (serotonin reuptake inhibitors), such as Prozac. Also, the doctor may choose serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) or norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs) as part of the treatment.
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are very efficient, but because of their severe side effects they are usually avoided. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), on the other hand, are chosen only when the other treatments based on medication have failed. Most antidepressants come with serious side effects, so the prescription needs to be respected carefully. Liver failure or drops in white cell count are only two of the possible complications that may appear.
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