A number of psychotherapy techniques may be helpful depending on several factors, including the events that may have contributed to the problem, the availability of family and other social support, and personal preference. It is important to get education about depression and what support is available. A technique called cognitive behavioral therapy is designed to help you recognize the unreasonableness of fearful thinking and teach you techniques for controlling your symptoms. Psychodynamic, insight-oriented or interpersonal psychotherapy can help a person to sort out conflicts in important relationships or explore the history behind the symptoms.

In some situations, a treatment called electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) can be a life-saving option. This treatment is controversial, but very effective. In ECT, an electrical impulse is applied to the person's scalp and passes to the brain, causing a seizure. The patient is under anesthesia and is monitored carefully. Medication is given before the procedure to prevent any outward signs of convulsions, which helps to prevent injury. Improvement is seen gradually over a period of days to weeks after the treatment. ECT is the quickest and most effective treatment for the most severe forms of depression, and in most people it is not more risky than other antidepressant treatments.