Various Depression Treatments

Almost everyone gets a little "depressed" at times in their lives, and a brief attack of the blues isn't necessarily anything to worry about. But if the symptoms of depression persist then it could be clinical depression, whether a severe or mild form of depression. Any persistant depressive symptoms need prompt medical investigation by a medical professional.

Depression Depression is one of the most common psychiatric disorders. Symptoms of depression are often subtle and unrecognized both by patients and physicians. The brain contains a network of interconnected nerve cells called neurons. The junction between the neurons is called the synaptic junction. The transmission of impulses from one neuron to another is facilitated by chemicals called neuro-transmitters.

Atypical Depression Treatment

A study by McGrath et al published in the American Journal of Psychiatry in 2000 found that Prozac was no better than the tricyclic antidepressant imipramine for the treatment of atypical depression, though the side effects were less. A study by Quitkin et al published in 1993 in the British Journal of Psychiatry found a response rate of 72 percent for patients with atypical depression on the MAOI Nardil compared to 44 percent on imipramine. The American Psychiatric Association's 2000 Practice Guidelines for the Treatment of Patients with Major Depression states: "MAOIs may be particularly effective in treating subgroups of patients ... with atypical features."

Dysthymia Treatment
Psychosocial Treatment

"Short-term" focused psychotherapy and therapeutic programs that stress changes in interpersonal relationships and cognitive self-awareness are becoming more popular, in part because long-term analytic approaches to personality change are economically unfeasible.

Patients who receive psychotherapy of any of several types - notably cognitive, interpersonally-oriented, or behavior therapy with social skills training - tend to have a good prognosis, with or without antidepressant medication. Analytic and other insight-oriented therapies appear useful for some patients, provided specific neurotic conflict patterns can be elucidated, the patient meets other criteria for this form of treatment, and the clinician is experienced in its use.

Psychotic Depression Treatment

Electroconvulsive therapy is exclusively done inside hospitals, causing most patients to remain as inpatients while it lasts. It is effective only for the depressed patients who either are deluded or have marked psychomotor retardation. For the patients it consists of a general anaesthetic twice a week for two or three weeks and they experience a mild confusion for an hour or so after each session.

Cyclothymic Disorder Treatment

Diagnosis

This disorder is common in the relatives of patients with bipolar disorder and some individuals with cyclothymia eventually develop bipolar disorder themselves. It may persist throughout adult life, cease temporarily or permanently, or develop into more severe mood swings meeting the criteria for bipolar disorder or recurrent depressive disorder in rare cases.
Treatment:

In some cases individuals may prefer no treatment or supportive psychotherapy alone. Lithium, a mood stabilizer used commonly in the treatment of Biplor disorder, has been proven to help a substantial number of people with Cyclothemia.
A variety of medications are used to treat bipolar disorder. But even with optimal medication treatment, many people with the illness have some residual symptoms. Certain types of psychotherapy or psychosocial interventions, in combination with medication, often can provide additional benefit. These include cognitive-behavioral therapy, interpersonal and social rhythm therapy, family therapy, and psychoeducation.