Treatment For Depression

Considering seeking treatment for depression? The National Institute of Mental Health’s (NIMH) Find Care tool helps connect you with providers who specialize in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions. There are several different ways to treat depression, including therapy, medication, and social support. To start, make an appointment with your doctor. A medical professional can diagnose depression based on its symptoms and conduct a psychological evaluation. Depression can be triggered by other medical conditions, such as vitamin D deficiency and thyroid problems.

The DSM is a widely used diagnostic tool, and it is often used to categorize and treat depression. The problem with this system, though, is that it tends to medicalize abstract phenomena, like depression. In addition, the DSM elevates some expressions of distress to disorder status. According to American archetypal psychologist James Hillman, depressive states may actually be healthy for the soul. They provide a sense of focus, humility, and limitations, which can make them more difficult to deal with in everyday life.

A physician can diagnose depression by observing your behavior and evaluating your mental state. Although there is no single cause of depression, it is usually brought on by major life stresses and certain medical conditions. Early diagnosis can help you recover faster and avoid recurrences of episodes. If left untreated, depression can get worse and lead to other problems. However, treatment of depression is often long-term and a combination of medication and psychotherapy can help you deal with the symptoms.

There are no physical tests for the diagnosis of depression. However, a medical professional can rule out physical conditions that cause similar symptoms. Although the exact cause of depression is unknown, certain research has found abnormalities in brain scans of those with depression. In addition to the chemical imbalance in the brain, depression is characterized by feelings of hopelessness and sadness. People suffering from depression often have decreased energy and irritability, and often have difficulty concentrating or making decisions.

Medication and psychotherapy are two of the most common ways to treat depression. Cognitive behavioral psychotherapy is particularly effective, and is often combined with drug therapy. Both methods address the specific thinking patterns that precipitate depression. The aim of treatment is to prevent the symptoms from recurring. If psychotherapy isn’t enough, a physician may recommend medication to reduce anxiety or reduce the symptoms. Treatment of depression should be effective despite the side effects, as the disease’s effects can persist for years and even decades.

Some of the factors that increase the risk of developing depression include prolonged unemployment, abusive relationships, and stressful work conditions. Depression can also be triggered by a significant life event, such as a death. Some people are more likely to suffer from depression than others, and genetics play an important role in determining the likelihood of developing the disease. If depression runs in your family, it’s best to seek treatment for it sooner rather than later. If you’re a woman, get help for depression.