Depression - Treatment
The American Psychiatric Association
estimates that 80 to 90 percent of all depression can be
treated. The first step is an accurate diagnosis. Along with
a physical and lab tests to rule out causes such as reduced
thyroid activity, a complete psychiatric history should be
taken. And because depression and other major psychiatric
problems are side effects of many medications, a good work-up
will also include a review of the patient's medications and
any illicit drug use.
Once a diagnosis is made, the basic
medications used for depression today are:
-
Tricyclic antidepressants such as Elavil,
Tofranil, and Pamelor are prescribed for patients who are
in despair, feeling helpless, and unable to feel
pleasure.
-
Serotonin uptake inhibitors such as Prozac, Paxil,
and Effexor, all prescribed for uncomplicated
depression.
-
Monoamine Oxidase (mao) Inhibitors like Nardil and
Parnate: These medications are usually used when
depressive symptoms are accompanied by symptoms of an
anxiety disorder.
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Lithium : This is the most effective drug for
manic depression. However, it can also be used to prevent
recurring episodes of depression.
When one of these medications is
prescribed, follow-up and continued medical supervision are
critical. Blood tests and other metabolic studies are often
performed on a regular basis to determine the effect of the
drug on the patient. This can be a drawn-out process, because
most drugs for depression don't relieve symptoms instantly.
Often it takes four to six weeks for a medication to become
effective.
Other forms of therapy for depression
include interpersonal psychotherapy to help broken
relationships, cognitive behavioral therapy to help reverse
the patient's negative view of himself and the world, and
traditional psychoanalysis. Electroconvulsive therapy--known
as ECT or shock therapy--has been used effectively in
patients who cannot tolerate the side effects of today's
medications, who cannot wait for the medications to work, or
who are unable to take drugs for other reasons. While
controversial, ECT has proved to be a good treatment
option.
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In-Patient
Treatment
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