Treating Depression
There are many methods of treating depression. Treatment plans often include psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of both. The type of treatment used largely depends on the severity and type of depression. When treating depression, the process may take some trial and error to find what works best for you.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy, also known as “talk-therapy,” has been shown to help the symptoms of depression for many. There are various types of psychotherapy used in the treatment of depression, and it is important to find which works best for you.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has been proven effective in the treatment of depression by many research studies. This type of therapy focuses on understanding and learning to change negative thinking patterns associated with depression.
- Interpersonal therapy (IPT) focuses on creating improvements within personal relationships and other aspects of life that may be contributing to one’s depression. IPT helps individuals learn to evaluate their interactions and improve how they relate to others.
- Psychodynamic therapy aims to help individuals recognize negative behavior and thought patterns that are rooted from past experiences. After developing a better understanding of the roots, individuals can learn how to better resolve symptoms.
Medication
A health care provider may suggest medication to help treat one’s depression. It often takes more than one try to find a medication and dose that works best.
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) act on the brain chemical serotonin. They are the most commonly used type of medications in treating depression. Common SSRIS include:
- Fluoxetine (Prozac)
- Citalopram (Celexa)
- Sertraline (Zoloft)
- Escitalopram (Lexapro)
- Paroxetine (Paxil)
- Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are also used in the treatment of depression. These medications work by increasing serotonin and norepinephrine. Common SNRIs include:
- Venlafazine (Effexor)
- Duloxetine (Cymbalta)
- Desvenlafazine (Pristiq)
- Norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs) work by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine. For some, NDRIs may cause feelings of anxiety, but others find that depression symptoms decrease with little to no side effects.
Learn More
- To learn more about treating depression, we recommend contacting your health care provider.
- To read more, the following resources are suggested:
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