Therapy for Depression
Therapy (also called psychotherapy or "talk therapy") involves working with a trained mental health professional to understand and change the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that contribute to your depression.
Types of Therapy
These are the common types of treatment:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to depression. It typically lasts for 12-20 sessions.
- Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): Addresses relationship issues and life changes that may contribute to depression. It lasts 12-16 sessions.
- Behavioral Activation: This therapy helps people engage in activities they've been avoiding due to depression, which can improve mood and energy levels.
Who Therapy Works Best For
Therapy can be effective for many people, but it tends to work especially well if you:
- Have mild to moderate depression
- Want to understand the underlying causes of your depression
- Are dealing with specific life stressors, relationship issues, or past trauma
- Prefer not to take medication or can't due to medical reasons
- Have tried medication without success or experienced problematic side effects
If you are wondering whether you might be depressed but haven't talked to anyone yet, you are not alone. Many people struggle with keeping their depression private, but reaching out is the first step toward feeling better.
Taking Medication for Depression
Antidepressant medications help correct chemical imbalances in the brain that contribute to depression. They work by affecting neurotransmitters that influence mood, sleep, appetite, and energy.
Types of Antidepressants
Here are some preferred antidepressants:
- Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs): SSRIs are often the first-line medication for depression because they're generally safe and cause fewer side effects than other types, working by increasing serotonin levels in the brain.
- Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs): SNRIs work on both serotonin and norepinephrine, and include medications like venlafaxine (Effexor XR), duloxetine (Cymbalta), and desvenlafaxine (Pristiq).
- Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs): These are older medications that are still effective but tend to cause more side effects.
Who Needs Medication for Depression?
These kinds of patients with depression take the medication route due to symptom severity.
- Profound functional impairment, such as the inability to work or perform self-care
- Persons with suicidal ideation, psychotic features, or melancholic depression
- Limited or no response after consistent psychotherapy
- Ongoing symptoms despite learning coping strategies
- Depression combined with anxiety, bipolar disorder, OCD, or PTSD
How to Choose Between Medication and Therapy for Depression?
To choose between medication and therapy, you have to consider different factors, like symptom severity, treatment goals, personal preferences, and potential side effects.
Research shows that combining therapy and medication often produces better outcomes than either alone, especially for moderate to severe depression. The best approach is to discuss your specific situation with a mental health professional who can assess your symptoms, understand your preferences, and help you create a treatment plan that's right for you.
Many people start with one treatment and add the other if needed, adjusting their approach based on how they respond.
Next Step: Consult with the Mental Health Professional
Since mental health concerns are complicated, you should not self-diagnose. Always consult certified therapy services or contact mental health experts to get accurate depression treatment.
If you are unsure what line of treatment to pursue, contact the trained therapists at Boston Neurobehavioral Associates and get personalized guidance to choose the approach that's right for you.
FAQs
Which Is Better, Therapy or Medication?
Neither therapy nor medication is better for depression. According to the research, the combination of both has shown efficient results. However, it's important to consult a mental health professional to receive an accurate diagnosis and the right treatment plan.
Can Depression Be Treated Without Medication?
Yes, depression can be treated without medication if it is a mild to moderate case. Options like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), exercise, and lifestyle changes can give better results. These methods are for non-severe cases without suicidality or psychosis.
What Is the Success Rate of Therapy for Depression?
Research shows that approximately 50-60% of people with depression respond well to therapy. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is particularly effective in many cases. Studies also indicate that 50% of people see substantial symptom relief with psychotherapy.
At What Point Does Depression Need Medication?
Medication is needed when depression is moderate to severe, significantly interferes with daily functioning, includes suicidal thoughts, or hasn't improved with therapy alone. Physical symptoms like severe sleep disturbances, appetite changes, or debilitating fatigue are also major symptoms.
Is Therapy Enough for Depression?
Yes, therapy is enough for mild to moderate depression. But, for moderate to severe depression, experts suggest combining both medication and therapy for effective results.