Why Depression Treatment Is Necessary

By Staff Writer

Despite the fact that getting over depression is difficult without some type of treatment, only about 50 percent of depressed adults seek treatment for their depression. Of those, only 21 percent receive depression treatment that is recommended by the American Psychiatric Association.

The rates of depression treatment vary among specific ethnic groups. The lowest rates of depression treatment are among Mexican- and African-Americans (at 12 and 14 percent, respectively), according to a study in the Archives of General Psychology. The highest rates are among white (23 percent) and Puerto Rican (24 percent) adults.

When it comes to actually getting treatment, people with depression are more likely to get therapy than use antidepressants. Nearly 45 percent of the people surveyed for the study received psychotherapy and no medication. Only about 30 percent were prescribed antidepressants.

Without the proper treatment, people suffering from depression will have a difficult time getting over the disorder, if they are able to at all. They will constantly struggle with feelings of helplessness, a loss of interest in activities, a loss of energy, irritability, and unexplainable aches and pains.

Even with treatment, people may have recurring bouts of depression during their lifetimes due to such things as genetics or certain medical conditions. More than just treating the symptoms of depression, treatment can help people learn ways to cope with or manage the disorder if it does reappear.

What Depression Treatment Should Include

Depression is treatable, and nobody suffering from the disorder should continue to feel depressed. While talk therapy and antidepressants are each effective for treating depression, the best depression treatment involves both, and can often involve other forms of treatment as well.

Talk therapy can be short- or long-term, depending on the person's needs, and can teach a depressed individual new ways of thinking and behaving so that they are less likely to become depressed. Therapy can also help a person pinpoint problems and past issues that may have contributed to their depression.

Antidepressants are often used as a supplement to psychotherapy in order to alleviate the symptoms of depression by regulating mood. There are several types of antidepressants that are available, the efficacy of which depends on each person:

• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which include Zoloft and Prozac, help normalize the brain chemical serotonin to regulate mood. These drugs do not have many serious side effects.
• Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), which include Effexor and Cymbalta, help normalize the brain chemicals serotonin and norepinephrine to regulate mood. These drugs may cause insomnia or jitteriness.
• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), such as Parnate and Marplan, are an older form of antidepressant that can have serious side effects. These are often only used if other forms of antidepressants have not been effective.
• Tricyclics, including Norpramin and Pamelor, are another older antidepressant with serious side effects.

A person being treated for depression may have to try several types of antidepressants before they find one that works for them. The full therapeutic effects of the drugs may not kick in for about a month, and the drugs are normally prescribed even after a patient is feeling better to prevent relapse.

Antidepressants aren't addictive, and should only be stopped under a doctor's supervision so that no withdrawal symptoms or relapse occurs. People with chronic depression may have to stay on antidepressants for their entire lives.

A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that antidepressants work best for people who are battling severe depression. For those people experiencing milder forms of depression, the following alternate forms of treatment may work just as well as antidepressants:

• Regular exercise, which has been shown to boost mood through the release of endorphins
• St. John's wort, an herbal remedy for depression
• Support groups
• Relaxation techniques, such as breathing, yoga and massage
• Self-treatment through books and online research

If these techniques aren't enough to help someone suffering from depression, it may be necessary to spend time at a residential treatment center that specializes in depression. In addition to any necessary medications, a residential treatment center can provide a number of modalities for depression treatment, including individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy.

Depression can be the result of a drug or alcohol addiction, and a residential treatment center can address any addictions along with depression. An individualized treatment plan can help people suffering from depression learn to understand the underlying causes of the disorder and how to avoid becoming depressed in the future.

Treatment for depression exists because it works, and it works well. Don't be one of the 50 percent of people who ignore the symptoms and don't seek treatment. Find relief from your depression today.