for seniors
Help & Treatment For
Depression
One of the biggest obstacles to getting help for clinical depression can be a person's
attitude. Many people think that depression will go away by itself, or that they're too
old to get help, or that getting help is a sign of weakness or moral failing. Such views
are simply wrong.
Depression is a treatable disorder. Even the most seriously depressed person can be
treated successfully, often in a matter of weeks, and return to a happier and more
fulfilling life. Such outcomes are a common story, even when people feel hopeless and
helpless.
There are three major types of treatment for clinical depression: psychotherapy,
medication, and, in some cases, other biological treatments. At times, different
treatments may be used in combination.
Individuals respond differently to treatments. If after several weeks symptoms have not
improved, the treatment plan should be reevaluated. Also, the procedures and possible side
effects of all treatments should be fully discussed with the doctor.
People may find that mutual support groups are helpful when combined with other
treatments.
Medication
There are many very effective medications. The three types of drugs most often used in
the past to treat depression are tricyclic antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors
(MAOIs), and lithium. Now, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI's) are also
widely used! Lithium is very effective in the treatment of bipolar disorder and is also
sometimes used to treat major depression.
- All medications alter the action of brain chemicals to improve mood, sleep, appetite,
energy levels, and concentration.
- Different people may need different medications, and sometimes more than one medication
is needed to treat clinical depression.
- Improvement usually occurs within weeks.
Psychotherapy
Talking with a trained therapist can also be effective in treating certain depressions,
particularly those that are less severe. Short-term therapies (usually 12-20 sessions)
developed to treat depression focus on the specific symptoms of depression.
- Cognitive therapy aims to help the patient recognize andchange negative thinking
patterns that contribute to depression.
- Interpersonal therapy focuses on dealing more effectively with other people; improved
relationships can reduce depressive symptoms.
Biological Treatments
Some depressions may respond best to electroconvulsive therapy. ECT is an effective
treatment that is used in extremely severe cases of major depression when very rapid
improvement is necessary, or when medications cannot be used or have not worked.
Improved procedures make this treatment much safer than in previous years. During
treatment, anesthesia and a muscle relaxant protect patients from physical harm and pain.
Research is also being done on the use of light therapy as an adjunct to other
treatments.
- For years, Tom had been looking forward to his retirement--with more time to fish. But
after the first few months, not only had he stopped going fishing with his friends, he
often did not go out of the house for days. Tom also complained to his wife about not
sleeping well and about different aches and pains each day. Fortunately, his wife took him
to a doctor who recognized Tom was depressed. After a few weeks of treatment, Tom began to
enjoy his retirement as much as he had expected.
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