Depression is a major cause of social and economic dysfunction to those affected by the disorder. The severity of the disorder varies from mild to severe and the treatments also differ depending on the individual. Without proper intervention, the disorder has the potential to predispose to suicide. In this article we will explore a number of the available options in depression therapy Bethesda residents will find helpful.
If one has symptoms that suggest that they are depressed, there are a number of things that they need to do so as to get the treatment that best suits them. It is important that they take time to understand their illness as much as possible with regard to the pattern of symptoms, severity and whether or not there is any underlying medical condition. If the latter is the case, then treating the condition effectively cures the mental illness.
For the mild cases, the starting point is lifestyle changes. Some studies have concluded that physical exercise is as effective as medication in the management of the problem. Regular physical exercise has been shown to boost the secretion of important body chemicals that include serotonin and endorphins. There is enhanced growth of new brain cells and connections (just as happens when medications are used).
Other lifestyle changes should focus on proper nutrition, getting adequate sleep and stress reduction. Eating well takes care of both physical and mental health. Ensure that the meals are well balanced with plenty of complex carbohydrates. Inadequate sleep worsens the symptoms and one should aim for about seven hours of sleep every night. Ridding yourself of unhealthy relationships and activities will help reduce unnecessary stress.
Failure of the symptoms to resolve with lifestyle changes is a possible indicator of an underlying medical condition. It is important that you see a doctor so that any such conditions are ruled out. Hypothyroidism is one of the conditions that presents with symptoms that are similar to those of depression. Patients with hypothyroidism typically have fatigue, sadness and loss of pleasure. Taking several drugs that interact adversely may cause similar symptoms.
Once a diagnosis of depression has been confirmed, the main treatments that can be administered are therapy and antidepressant medication. These treatments may be administered singly or in combination with other modalities. Various forms of therapy exist. They all are based on helping the patient establish the root cause of their problem and to gain some insight on the magnitude of their problem and how to handle it.
There are a number of antidepressants that exist. Tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline, amoxapine and doxepine are used for managing moderate to severe symptoms. Their main side effects include dry mouth, blurred vision and urinary retention among others. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors such as moclobemide are also important in treatment of severe symptoms. Other drugs include selective serotonin receptor inhibitors such as fluvoxamine and citaprolam. Lithium salts are also beneficial.
It should be noted that depression is usually treated for a long period of time. There is a need for commitment by the doctor and the patient. Getting the appropriate form of treatment often involves trial and error. It has been shown that the most optimal therapy is attained through the combination of various treatment options.
If one has symptoms that suggest that they are depressed, there are a number of things that they need to do so as to get the treatment that best suits them. It is important that they take time to understand their illness as much as possible with regard to the pattern of symptoms, severity and whether or not there is any underlying medical condition. If the latter is the case, then treating the condition effectively cures the mental illness.
For the mild cases, the starting point is lifestyle changes. Some studies have concluded that physical exercise is as effective as medication in the management of the problem. Regular physical exercise has been shown to boost the secretion of important body chemicals that include serotonin and endorphins. There is enhanced growth of new brain cells and connections (just as happens when medications are used).
Other lifestyle changes should focus on proper nutrition, getting adequate sleep and stress reduction. Eating well takes care of both physical and mental health. Ensure that the meals are well balanced with plenty of complex carbohydrates. Inadequate sleep worsens the symptoms and one should aim for about seven hours of sleep every night. Ridding yourself of unhealthy relationships and activities will help reduce unnecessary stress.
Failure of the symptoms to resolve with lifestyle changes is a possible indicator of an underlying medical condition. It is important that you see a doctor so that any such conditions are ruled out. Hypothyroidism is one of the conditions that presents with symptoms that are similar to those of depression. Patients with hypothyroidism typically have fatigue, sadness and loss of pleasure. Taking several drugs that interact adversely may cause similar symptoms.
Once a diagnosis of depression has been confirmed, the main treatments that can be administered are therapy and antidepressant medication. These treatments may be administered singly or in combination with other modalities. Various forms of therapy exist. They all are based on helping the patient establish the root cause of their problem and to gain some insight on the magnitude of their problem and how to handle it.
There are a number of antidepressants that exist. Tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline, amoxapine and doxepine are used for managing moderate to severe symptoms. Their main side effects include dry mouth, blurred vision and urinary retention among others. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors such as moclobemide are also important in treatment of severe symptoms. Other drugs include selective serotonin receptor inhibitors such as fluvoxamine and citaprolam. Lithium salts are also beneficial.
It should be noted that depression is usually treated for a long period of time. There is a need for commitment by the doctor and the patient. Getting the appropriate form of treatment often involves trial and error. It has been shown that the most optimal therapy is attained through the combination of various treatment options.
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