• December 15, 2022
• Center for Developmental Psychiatry

The Different Types of Depression Treatment Options, Explained

Depression is digging deeper into America than ever before. Over the last two years, 41% of Americans have experienced high levels of psychological distress at least once. Many Americans have experienced episodes of depression, sometimes for no apparent reason.

But you are never helpless to depression. Depression treatment can help you combat your symptoms and regain your mental health. The key is that you familiarize yourself with your depression treatment options.

What is psychotherapy like? How can you get through moments of personal crisis? When should you try medications or brain stimulation?

Answer these questions and you can get full support from a depression treatment center. Here is your quick guide.

Psychotherapy

Before you start depression treatment, you should get a diagnosis of depression. You can visit a depression treatment doctor and undergo an evaluation of your condition.

Keep in mind that there are several types of depression. Each type has different symptoms and requires different treatments.

Psychotherapy is talk therapy for managing depression. You can participate in therapy for as long as you like, with some people using it for their whole lives. There are several types of therapy you can use, and you should examine your options before selecting one.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps patients understand the thoughts and impulses that contribute to depression. During your first sessions, your therapist may ask you questions about the thoughts you have while you are depressed. You will try to pinpoint what your self-impressions are and how they impact your condition.

Over time, you will replace your harmful thoughts with positive ones. You and your therapist brainstorm ways you can affirm yourself during stressful situations. You can go over ways you can solve problems and avoid triggers for negative feelings.

Your therapist will give you assignments to complete outside of your sessions. These will help you hone the skills you are learning in your sessions. You may write in a journal, complete readings, or practice grounding techniques like deep breathing.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a variant of CBT. DBT focuses on accepting their negative thoughts instead of replacing them. This lets you come to terms with your emotions and cope with stress better.

DBT incorporates mindfulness techniques. You can try meditation so you learn how to focus on your inner self. You can also call your therapist during a crisis to get advice on the situation.

Some people start with CBT and transition into DBT. If you’re familiar with mindfulness already, you can try DBT right away.

Interpersonal Therapy

Most patients pursue depression treatment in an individual setting. However, you can go with your partner for therapy if your relationship gives you stress. You can also go with them if both of you are experiencing depression.

CBT can help you form a stronger relationship. You can also try emotionally focused therapy, which can help with depression, anxiety, and personal crises.

During the therapy, you will identify how your interactions produce stress and conflict. You will then learn how to speak with your partner about your emotions and needs. You can also roleplay with your therapist how to use your communication skills to resolve problems.

If you want help with your immediate family, you can try family therapy. Your family members can also meet privately with your therapist and get information about treatment for depression. This can help them understand how they can support you.

Medications

You can take several types of antidepressants. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) affect depression symptoms by increasing serotonin activity. Serotonin is a chemical that creates positive emotions, so you may become happier after taking SSRIs.

Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) affect serotonin and another chemical called norepinephrine. This chemical affects energy and mental alertness. If you’re struggling with fatigue and SSRIs are not working, SNRIs can help you.

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) affect enzymes that remove positive chemicals from your brain. The chemicals can then change your brain cells, making you more resilient to symptoms of depression. If you don’t want to take pills, you can take certain MAOIs in a patch.

All antidepressants have side effects. Read the labels carefully and talk to your therapist about the side effects you can expect. You may need to adjust how you eat, as some medications react with certain foods like grapefruit.

Talk to your personal physician before taking any medication. Do not switch medications or change your dosage without your doctor’s approval.

Brain Stimulation Therapy

Brain stimulation therapy can help people who have severe depression. It can also help people who have psychosis or other symptoms of serious disorders.

You can pursue therapy immediately or as a last resort. Talk to your therapist and personal doctor about what to expect.

Electroconvulsive therapy involves passing a mild electric current through the brain. Patients receive general anesthesia, so they do not feel any pain. Mild currents pass through the brain, creating chemical changes that improve stress resilience and mood regulation.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation involves using magnetic pulses instead of electricity. The pulses stimulate nerve cells, helping you regulate your emotions better.

The Essentials of Depression Treatment

Depression treatment can mean many different things. Most people benefit from CBT and DBT in individual settings, and some people pursue therapy for years. However, you may find interpersonal therapy with your partner and family helpful.

You can take antidepressants, namely SSRIs and SNRIs. Feel free to try other medications if your SSRIs are creating problems. If nothing is working, you can stimulate your brain through electric currents or magnetic pulses.

Treatment works best when you have experienced professionals in your corner. The Center for Developmental Psychiatry serves Teaneck residents. Contact us today.