Treatment for depression usually involves the use of antidepressant medications, such as fluoxetine or paroxetine, for example, as well as psychotherapy sessions with a psychologist, as it helps to better deal with emotions and resolve conflicts.
However, it is very important to complement treatment with alternative and natural therapies, such as leisure activities, walking outdoors, reading or meditation, with the aim of increasing well-being and feelings of pleasure.
Treatment for depression must be carried out under the guidance of a psychiatrist, and the treatment time varies according to the cause, severity and intensity of the symptoms, as well as the person’s ability and willingness to follow the treatment correctly. Check out the main symptoms that may indicate depression.
Main treatments for depression
The main treatments for depression are:
1. Antidepressant medications
Treatment with medication must be guided by a psychiatrist and depends on the severity of the depression, which can be mild, moderate or severe.
Some examples of antidepressants that may be recommended by a doctor for depression are:
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): sertraline, fluoxetine, paroxetine or citalopram;
- Tricyclic antidepressants: imipramine, amitriptyline or nortriptyline;
- Serotonin modulators and stimulators: vortioxetina, nefazodona or trazodona?
- Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs): venlafaxine, duloxetine or desvenlafaxine;
- Selective norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors: bupropion;
- Atypical antidepressants: mirtazapina ou mianserina;
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs): tranylcypromine, moclobemide, phenelzine, selegiline or isocarboxazid.
These remedies help to rebalance brain neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine, promoting improved mood and well-being. Find out more about antidepressants.
The treatment time can also vary from person to person, ranging from around 6 months to several years, as depression improves on a very individual basis.
It is important that the use of antidepressants is carried out with the recommendation of a psychiatrist and regular medical monitoring, to assess the effectiveness of the treatment and the emergence of side effects.
If you would like to see a psychiatrist, make an appointment in the nearest region:
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2. Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy helps to reduce emotional difficulties, stimulating self-knowledge and the resolution of the person’s internal conflicts. It is important that therapy always accompanies treatment with medication, as this means it is possible to obtain a better result, relieving symptoms and preventing relapses.
Psychotherapy must be carried out by a psychologist or psychotherapist, who evaluates the best type of approach for the person’s needs.
Some of the most used techniques with the best success rate are cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal psychotherapy, which have been shown to improve self-esteem, develop tools to face situations that produce symptoms and change depressive thinking.
3. Electroconvulsive therapy
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is indicated for very severe cases of depression, in which there has been no improvement with other available treatments, when there is an illness that prevents the use of antidepressants and in cases of suicidal tendency.
This type of treatment consists of performing cerebral electroshocks, in a controlled and painless manner, which facilitate the reorganization of brain activity. See how electroconvulsive therapy is performed.
4. Intracranial magnetic stimulation
Intracranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) can also be done in cases where the use of antidepressants and psychotherapy have not been effective in treating depression and relieving symptoms.
This type of treatment consists of using a machine that emits magnetic pulses that stimulate the cerebral cortex, which is a specific region of the brain related to depression and mood control, leading to relief of depressive symptoms.
Intracranial magnetic stimulation is a simple, non-invasive and painless procedure, and the number of sessions must be indicated by the psychiatrist.
Natural Treatment Options
Natural treatment for depression helps complement medical treatment, but does not replace it, including:
- Eat foods rich in omega 3: such as salmon, tuna, sardines, chia seeds or walnuts, as omega 3 acts in the brain, helping to combat depression;
- Eat foods rich in vitamin B and D: such as chicken, turkey or eggs, as they help eliminate physical and mental fatigue;
- Drink St. John’s wort tea or white willow tea throughout the day: help to calm down, increasing the feeling of well-being;
- Drink grape, apple and passion fruit juice: helps to calm down, combat physical and mental fatigue and depression.
In addition to these tips, it is important that the patient does regular physical activity such as Pilates, moderate walking or swimming, as exercise also stimulates pleasure and well-being.
Alternative therapies such as acupuncture, yoga, Reiki and meditation are also excellent ways to help treat depression, as they are capable of providing relaxation and well-being, and can be useful to combat symptoms of depression.
Additionally, leisure activities such as reading, painting, dancing or listening to music are recommended to relieve stress and anxiety.
Signs of improvement
Signs of improvement in depression usually appear around 1 month after starting treatment and include less desire to cry, greater optimism and greater desire to carry out daily activities, for example.
However, the patient should not stop taking the medication until advised by the doctor, if they feel better, as the treatment should last at least a few months to 1 year or the condition may even worsen.
Signs of worsening
Signs of worsening depression include an increase in the desire to cry, sadness and a lack of interest in life, for example, and generally appear when the patient stops taking medication without a doctor’s advice because they already feel better, or also in serious cases where it is necessary to adjust treatment.
It is important to remember that the desire or planning of suicide are serious signs of depression, and indicate the need for hospitalization for closer medical monitoring. Check out some signs that may indicate suicidal behavior.
