(from HealthyPlace.com)

Common Treatments for Depression

Medication

Medications help the majority of patients with depression.  There are three major types of medication used to treat depression.

• These work by blocking neurotransmitters. These medications often have side effects.

• These medications are often safer than the Tricyclics Antidepressants and often have fewer side effects.

• These medications have been used for a number of years and are quite effective. They do have interactions with certain foods and other medications.  These are not often used unless other treatment has failed.  If you do take these, let your doctor know of all other medications you are taking, including over-the-counter medications and ask for a list of food products that may interfere with the effectiveness of the medication.

Psychotherapy or Counseling can help a patient to develop life skills and provide strategies to compensate for symptoms of depression that may be interfering with daily life.  Counseling can provide assistance in learning to cope with the stress that comes along with depression.  Often, a combination of medication and therapy can be an effective treatment strategy for individuals with depression.

This type of treatment is surrounded by controversy.  The treatment consists of placing electrodes on the patient and passing an electric current through them.  This causes a seizure that lasts less than a minute.  This treatment must be done in a controlled environment and performed by medical professionals trained in this area.  Some studies have shown a high response rate to this treatment. 

There can be side effects that include headache and temporary memory dysfunction. Normally complete memory will return within a few weeks.

If you, or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, you should contact 911 or call a suicide hotline:

1-800-SUICIDE

1-800-784-2433

1-800-448-3000

1-800-273-TALK

Healthcentral also offers a screening test for depression to determine whether you should seek medical help;

Is It Depression?

Fact Sheet: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Russell A. Barkley, The Official Site, 2006 

The Depressed Child, American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 2004

Teen Depression, Helpguide.org, 2007 

An Overview of Depression, HealthyPlace.com, 2006