Mood Disorders

Hospitalization

The primary and most significant choice the therapist must make is whether to hospitalize an individual with major depression, or to try outpatient treatment. Obvious signs for hospitalization are: (1) risk of suicide or homicide, (2) grossly reduced capability to care for food, shelter, and clothing, and (3) the requirement for medical diagnostic procedures. An individual with slight to moderate depression may be safely treated in the office if the therapist assesses the individual often. The individual’s support system should be strengthened and involved in treatment whenever possible.

Antidepressants

Research has show that antidepressant therapy for major depression can considerably reduce suicide and hospitalization rates. Regrettably, very few suicide victims receive antidepressants in sufficient doses, and – even worse – most are not given treatment for depression whatsoever.

One of the main problems with antidepressant therapy is that most individuals don’t stay on their antidepressant medication long enough for it to be effective. Antidepressant therapy typically takes 2-4 weeks before any significant improvement appears (and 2-6 months before maximal improvement appears).

Psychotherapy

Generally, psychiatrists concur that severely depressed individuals do best with a mixture of antidepressant medications and psychotherapy. Medications ease the symptoms of depression promptly, while psychotherapy can help the individual deal with the disorder, reducing some of the probable stresses that can activate or exacerbate the illness.

Interpersonal Therapy

Interpersonal Therapy is based on the theory that disturbed social and personal relationships can cause or trigger depression. The illness, in turn, may make these relationships more problematic. IPT helps the patient understand his or her illness and how depression and interpersonal issues are related.

Behavior Therapy

Behavior therapy involves activity scheduling, self-control therapy, social skills training, and problem solving. Behavior therapy has been reported to be effective in the acute treatment of patients with mild to moderately severe depressions, especially when combined with pharmacotherapy.

Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)

The cognitive approach to psychotherapy maintains that irrational beliefs and distorted attitudes toward the self, the environment and the future, perpetuate depressive affects and that these may be reversed through CBT.

There is some evidence that cognitive therapy reduces depressive symptoms during the acute phase of less severe forms of depression.

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

ECT is principally used for severely depressed individuals that have not responded to antidepressant medications, and that often have psychotic features, acute suicidality, or food refusal. It can also be used for individuals that are severely depressed and possess other chronic general medical illnesses which make taking antipsychotic medications difficult. Changes in the way ECT is delivered have made ECT a better-tolerated treatment.

Major Depression Treatment

If you or someone you know would like to talk with one of our trained staff to discuss treatment options for Major Depression treatment please contact us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at our t oll free number: 1-800-849-5969. You will receive a free consultation.