The treatment of depression depends on its severity and is usually done with antidepressant drugs, such as Fluoxetine or Paroxetine, for example, as well as psychotherapy sessions with a psychologist. It is also critical to supplement the therapy with alternative and natural therapies, such as leisure activities, such as strolling outside, reading, or meditating, with the goal of boosting well-being and enjoyment.
Any doctor can guide the treatment for depression, either through the SUS or privately. However, it is recommended that there be a follow-up with the psychiatrist, who is the specialist doctor who can better assess the symptoms and indicates the best alternatives.
Therefore, if you want to consult a therapist for private depression therapy in London then visit City Psychological Services.
Therefore in the presence of signs and symptoms that indicate persistent sadness or lack of pleasure in daily activities, it is very important to talk to the doctor. Check out the main symptoms that may indicate depression.
Depression treatment time depends on each case, so some people get better in a few months, while others need treatment for years, because of situations such as cause, severity, and intensity of symptoms, in addition to the possibility and willingness of the person to follow the treatment. correctly have a lot of influence on each case.
When drugs are prescribed
Treatment with drugs depends on the severity of depression, however, the most indicated are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressants, tricyclic antidepressants, or serotonin-modulating antidepressants. These medications are important because they help replace brain neurotransmitters that are lacking in depression, such as serotonin and noradrenaline, promoting improved mood and well-being.
Thus, according to the severity of the depression, the recommended treatment may be:
Mild depression: in this case, psychological follow-up is only indicated, however, if there is a family history of major depression, the use of antidepressants may be recommended.
Moderate depression: the use of antidepressants is indicated, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, such as fluoxetine or paroxetine, being the most used. In addition, it is important that psychotherapy is performed to complement treatment with medication,
Severe depression: the use of imipramine, phenelzine, or venlafaxine, for example, may be recommended. Psychotherapy may include cognitive-behavioral techniques in addition to frequent medical follow-ups.
Treatment time can also vary from person to person, ranging from about 6 months to several years, as the improvement of depression happens in a very individual way.
Psychological treatment for depression
Psychotherapy helps to reduce emotional difficulties, stimulating self-knowledge and the resolution of internal conflicts of the person. It is important that the therapy always accompanies the drug treatment, as this way it is possible to obtain a better result, relieving the symptoms and preventing relapses.
Psychotherapy should be done by a psychologist or psychotherapist, who evaluates the best type of approach for the person’s needs. Some of the most used techniques with the best success rate are cognitive-behavioral therapy and interpersonal psychotherapy, which have been shown to improve self-esteem, develop tools to face situations that produce symptoms and change depressive thinking.
Other therapies
Although the use of medication and psychotherapy are the main forms of treatment for depression, other alternatives that may be indicated are:
Natural treatment
Natural treatment for depression helps complement but does not replace, medical treatment, including.
Eat foods rich in omega 3: such as salmon, tuna, sardines, chia seeds, or nuts, as omega 3 acts on the brain, helping to fight depression.
Eat foods rich in vitamins B and D: such as chicken, turkey, or eggs, as they help eliminate physical and mental fatigue.
Drinking St. John’s wort tea or white willow tea throughout the day: help to calm down, increasing the feeling of well-being.
Drinking grape, apple, and passion fruit juice: helps to calm down, and fight physical and mental fatigue and depression.
In addition to these tips, it is important for the patient to do a regular physical activity such as Pilates, moderate walking, or swimming, as exercise also stimulates pleasure and well-being.
Alternative treatment
Alternative therapies such as acupuncture, yoga, Reiki, and meditation are excellent ways to help in the treatment of depression, as they are able to provide relaxation and well-being, and may be useful to combat symptoms of depression.
Moreover, activities like reading, drawing, dancing, or enjoying music are suggested to alleviate tension and anxiety.
Electroshock
This type of treatment is only indicated for very serious cases of depression, in which there has been no improvement with the other available treatments, when there is a disease that prevents the use of antidepressants and in cases of suicidal tendency, and consists of carrying out brain electroshocks, in a controlled and painless way, which facilitate the reorganization of brain activity.
In addition to electroconvulsive therapy, other modern therapies such as vagus nerve stimulation and deep brain stimulation are treatment options in severe cases.
Signs of Improvement
Signs of improvement in depression usually appear about 1 month after starting treatment and include less desire to cry, greater optimism, and a greater willingness to carry out day-to-day activities, for example. However, the patient should not stop taking the medication until the doctor indicates, that he feels better, as the treatment should last at least a few months to 1 year or there may even be a worsening of the condition.
Signs of worsening
Signs of depression worsening include an increased desire to cry, sadness, and lack of interest in life, for example, and usually appear when the patient stops taking the medication without a doctor’s recommendation because he already feels better, or also in severe cases where it is necessary to adjust the treatment.
It is important to remember that the desire or planning of suicide are serious signs of depression, and indicate the need for hospitalization for closer medical follow-up.