Treatment Options For Depression "I was never able to ask for help. No, no. Too much pride. " - civil rights activist James Farmer Treatment is a partnership between patient and health care provider. An informed consumer knows treatment options, and discusses concerns with the provider as they arise. If there are no positive results after 2-3 months of treatment, or if symptoms worsen, discuss another treatment approach with the provider. Getting a second opinion from another health or mental health professional may also be in order. Anti-depressant drugs Scientists believe depression occurs when an alternation in brain chemicals, called neurotransmitters, takes place. Anti-depressants work by acting on the chemical pathways of the brain related to moods. Recent research strongly supports the use of medication for both moderate and severe episodes of clinical depression. Two of the most common types of anti-depressant drugs available are: selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI's) tricyclic antidepressants (TCA's) Anti-depressant drugs are not habit-forming. Medical research shows that people respond best to antidepressants when they are taken for four to nine months after the symptoms of depression have subsided. Talk Therapy Talk therapy is available from various professionals including psychiatrists, psychologists, clinical social workers, marriage and family therapists, mental-health counselors, and pastoral counselors. Talking with a trained mental-health professional can help teach patients alter negative thought and behavioral patterns that may contribute to depression. Two types of talk therapy have proven helpful: Cognitive/behavioral therapy helps change negative styles of thinking and behaving that may contribute to clinical depression. Interpersonal therapy focuses on dealing more effectively with other people, working to change relationships that can cause or worsen clinical depression. Drug and Talk Therapy Combination Talk therapy is available from various professionals including psychiatrists, psychologists, clinical social workers, marriage and family therapists, mental-health counselors, and pastoral counselors. Talking with a trained mental-health professional can help teach patients alter negative thought and behavioral patterns that may contribute to depression. A combination of both anti-depressant medication and talk therapy is often the most effective treatment for clinical depression. Light Therapy Research has shown that light therapy can be an effective means of treating those who suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). The most recent research published in the Archives of General Psychiatry supports the use of bright-light therapy and shows what time of day usually works best. Overall, morning light therapy sessions were far more likely to be successful than evening sessions. However evening sessions were still superior to the placebo treatment. For effective treatment, light boxes need an intensity of 10,000 lux, a UV filter, and the capability to be adjusted to shine down on your eyes from above.         WHAT IS DEPRESSION? | WHO HAS DEPRESSION? TREATMENT OPTIONS | RESOURCES & LINKS ABOUT THIS PROGRAM | DEPRESSION MAIN PAGE   BACK TO HEALTHWORKS | RETURN TO TV HOME PAGE © 1999 Prairie Public Broadcasting, Inc.