What Are The Current Treatments For Depression?

Depression can have many levels. Mild depression or a low feeling on rare or special occasions is normal. The problem, however, takes a whole new dimension if experienced continuously, intensely and over a long period of time. Let's discuss some of the current treatments for depression.

Science has made impressive advancements in the field of treating depression. No more the patient gets rendered totally non-functional as in the past.

Medication is the first resort for a doctor in manic depression and treatment. Anti-depressants are used to directly increase the levels of neurotransmitters like serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. Depression is caused due to lack of these chemicals in the brain.

All anti-depressant medications can be broadly classified into SSRI's, tricyclic anti-depressants, MAOIs and the latest atypical depressants. The SSRI's, i.e. the Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors are most commonly prescribed by doctors. Medicines like Prozac, Zoloft, Luvox, Paxil, Lexapro and Celexa fall under this category. Comparatively newer than the Tricyclic and the MAOI's, they directly affect the levels of serotonin in the brain.

SSRI's are generally given to inpatient individuals only. This is because they carry the risk of inducing the user towards hostility, agitation and committing suicides. The elderly face an increased risk of falls, bone losses and fractures. The withdrawal symptoms are also very serious if intake is abruptly stopped.

The Tricyclic anti-depressants are the oldest. They directly reduce the brain's capacity to reabsorb the serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine secreted previously. Due to this broad action mechanism, the side-effects are also more in these cases, in comparison to the other medications. Elavil, anafranil, asendin, norpramin, sinequan, tofranil, ludiomil, vivactil, pamelor and surmontil belong to this class.

MAOI's or the Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors are also one of the oldest classes of medication, now almost discontinued. This is because these medicines react very violently with foods containing tyramine such as many cheeses, chocolates, wine and beer.

The Atypical anti-depressants are the latest in this line of medications. They target the other transmitters also along with serotonin. Wellbutrin is less likely to cause sexual dysfunction than the SSRI's. The other names in this class are Cymbalta, Remeron, Desyrel, Effexor and Serzone.

Doctors, however, prescribe therapy also along with medications. Therapies can be talk therapy, light therapy, Vague Nerve Stimulation (VNS) therapy, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation also called Magnet Treatment, and so on. These affect the patient variously to stay away from chronic depression.

The alternative treatments include herbal medicines such as Hyperforin extracted from St. John's Wort. Natural treatment such as yoga is another viable option for those who want to avoid excessive medications.

Hence, the current treatments for depression are not only advanced, but also economical in comparison to what we had in the past.

Privacy Policy Contact Us