chiefmay17 – https://www.iampsychiatry.com/depression-treatment

Depression Treatment ApproachesThere are several ways to manage depression. There are a variety of treatments for depression.Psychotherapy (also known as talk therapy) is a fantastic way to get support and develop new abilities. It can be done by yourself or in groups and could involve psychiatrists, social workers or counselor. The use of medication is another crucial aspect of treatment.Cognitive Behavioral TherapyCognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a kind of psychotherapy that can help decrease symptoms of depression as well as other mental health conditions. It’s based on the belief that thoughts, emotions and behaviors are linked. Unhelpful or negative beliefs, thoughts or perceptions may cause emotional distress and lead you to self-defeating behavior. A therapist can help identify the negative patterns and develop new ways to handle various situations.A therapist will use interactive sessions of question and answer to help you get to the root of your emotional issues. They will encourage you to talk about those times when you are feeling anxious and depressed. Together, you’ll discover unhealthy patterns of thinking, distorted perceptions or behaviors that contribute to your anxiety and depression.Your Therapist will also work with you to develop and implement strategies for self-help to help you deal with your issues right now. These are often called “cognitive restructuring techniques,” and include goal-setting journaling, mindfulness meditation, journaling and exposure therapy. Your therapist might also suggest to try new behavior and strategies for coping in controlled, safe settings to practice your new skills.CBT has been shown to be effective in a number of outcomes studies of mental health disorders, including anxiety disorders, depression, and issues with substance abuse. It can be used by itself or in combination with a psychiatric medication.Cognitive behavioral therapy is a method that requires commitment and willingness to adapt. If you’re interested in learning more about the advantages of this therapy, think about speaking with your doctor or the right therapist that specializes in CBT. You can also check your health insurance policy to see if they cover these services. Online resources are available for people with low incomes who require financial assistance. Finding help when you need it is the first step toward recovery and a more healthy life.Interpersonal TherapyIPT was developed by the late psychiatrist Gerald Klerman is another talking therapy that addresses specific issues that may cause depression. It’s based on the belief that depression is a biological predisposition, and that changes in one’s social environment can activate it. It also suggests that interpersonal challenges which trigger depression can be addressed by solving the relationship issues that exacerbate symptoms.IPT is different from other psychotherapies that focus on the unconscious motivations of a person’s behavior or past traumas. This approach to treatment recognizes that those suffering from depression have a difficult time expressing and coping with emotions like anger and frustrated and this may make relationships difficult for family members and friends.depression treatment modalities of IPT can last as long as three sessions. It is focused on identifying the areas of interaction that may be causing depression symptoms. Your counselor will ask you to review your significant relationships, both current and past and group them into four possible problem areas such as unresolved grief (often associated with the loss of loved ones) or a role change, role dispute or interpersonal issues.The middle phase of IPT typically occurs between sessions four and fourteen. Your therapist will employ strategies to tackle the specific problem area. For example, your therapist may help you navigate difficult transitions in your relationship, acknowledge and vent your anger, or find more effective ways to interact with others.Your therapist will assist you in identifying the skills you’ve learned during treatment and can apply at home. They will also encourage you to maintain contact with your therapist after sessions, for example, via weekly phone calls or a monthly face-toface meeting to avoid relapses and continue to improve your skills. The therapist may also recommend maintenance sessions for people suffering from mental health conditions that are persistent or recurrent, such as PTSD.Dialectical Behavior TherapyDBT is an evidence-based treatment approach created by psychologist Marsha Linehan to treat borderline personality disorder (BPD). The therapy focuses on teaching people how to manage their emotions, behaviors and build skills that aid them in building healthy relationships and cope with distress. DBT is divided into four phases. The first stage focuses on changing your reaction to situations like when you feel unhappy or sad. The second stage assists you to develop emotional control so that you are able to better tolerate your emotions. The third stage helps you learn to sustain your efforts at change and build an enjoyable life.The fourth and final stage teaches you how to practice the skills you’ve learned in therapy on a regular basis, in addition to your weekly sessions with your therapist. Your therapist may use telephone coaching, homework assignments, and other tools to help you master and apply these techniques in your daily life. A DBT-certified therapist will help you understand that your negative emotions and thoughts are legitimate and not necessarily “wrong”. They’re the result of challenges you’ve faced through life. They will also teach you to manage and integrate seemingly contradictory methods, such as accepting change and acceptance.DBT has been proven to be effective in treating a wide variety of illnesses. For instance, one study compared standard DBT to treatment-as-usual in women with BPD and found that those receiving DBT were significantly less prone to parasuicide behavior, suicide attempts and psychiatric hospitalizations days when compared to the control group. DBT was also associated reduced trait anger and improved functioning.In addition to group and individual therapy sessions, DBT includes practice at home (e.g. using a telephone coaching system and homework) and regular meetings with a therapist who’s adept in DBT, and participation in an DBT consultation team. The team is comprised of therapists who meet regularly to discuss common clinical problems such as dealing with suicidal patients or helping them keep their engagement in therapy.The team meeting is a time where therapists are encouraged to, even in tough situations, to be compassionate and nonjudgmental towards their patients. They are also urged and supported to avoid burnout and are monitored for compliance with DBT procedures.MedicationMany people who suffer from depression find that medication can help ease symptoms and encourages recovery. Talk to your doctor about the many options available if interested in antidepressants. Each person’s body reacts differently to medication, so it may take some time to discover the best combination of medications for you. You should also talk to your doctor about any changes to your lifestyle that could reduce your depression, like exercise or better sleep habits.If your depression is not responding to treatment or medication you might need to consult a specialist, such as a psychiatrist. They will review your history and treatment, and then conduct a an extensive medical exam. They can look for the presence of any medical conditions, such as Rheumatoid arthritis or hypothyroidism, which could cause depression. They can also use an instrument called pharmacogenetic tests, which can predict your body’s reaction to certain medications using genetic markers. These tests are not currently covered by insurance.In some cases doctors can include a medication in an antidepressant to enhance its effects. This is referred to as augmentation therapy. Drugs like aripiprazole (Abilify), brexpiprazole (Rexulti) or quetiapine (Seroquel XR) are FDA-approved for this reason. Some doctors might also prescribe ketamine as an anesthetic drug that can provide rapid relief for those suffering from treatment-resistant depression. This procedure is carried out in a hospital setting or in a clinic.Talk therapy is a crucial part of depression treatment however, some people do not seek help because they believe the depression will disappear by itself or because therapy isn’t effective. Therapy can help you gain skills and insights to speed up recovery and prevent depression from recurring.Talk therapy can be used alone or in combination with other treatments for depression that include lifestyle changes. Even even if you’re not depressed it’s important to follow your treatment plan. Participate in all sessions. Don’t forget to take your medication. If you stop taking your prescription your depression is likely to return and you may experience withdrawal-like symptoms.