Modalities Of Depression Therapy Bethesda Residents Will Find Helpful

By Virginia Miller


Depression results in significant social dysfunction and economic impairment among those affected. Without prompt intervention, this mental illness has the potential to lead to death (usually through suicide). There are a number of therapies available and can be tailored to meet the specific needs of the individual. In this article, we will explore some of the options of depression therapy Bethesda residents can access.

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.

The initial management of mild depression should be based on lifestyle modification. The most important of these is engaging in physical exercise regularly. Physical exercise has numerous benefits relevant to the treatment of this condition. For instance, it increases the secretion of serotonin and endorphins both of which are vital to the growth of new brain cells and connections. This is the same principle on which antidepressants are based.

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 pharmacological agents that are used. The main ones are those that belong to the class of tricyclic antidepressants. They include amitriptyline, doxepine and amoxapine. These drugs are mainly used for managing moderate and severe symptoms. Their main side effects include constipation, blurred vision and a dry mouth. Other groups of drugs also used in managing severe symptoms include moclobemide, citalopram, fluvoxamine and lithium salts.

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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