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The illness has been characterized as being mild, moderate or severe. The dividing lines are somewhat vague and particular to the individual. Treatment has fallen into two general types - “talk therapy” and “medication therapy”- py”With
“talk therapy” (psychotherapy) the individual employs a trained psychotherapist to help him/her explore his/her life situation, relationships and emotional dynamics. Underlying factors are identified and brought to conscious awareness to bring about the reduction of the symptoms.
Psychotherapy is a joint effort. Properly trained professional counselors have a good track record in treating mild/moderate depression, but psychotherapy does not fully address more persistent and severe depression.
‘Medication therapy” addresses what is believed to be a serious chemical imbalance in the body. Anti-depressant medications currently in use (Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft and Zyprexa) can be quite dramatic in reducing depressive symptoms. This class of drug is nonaddictive (no tolerance build-up).
The side-effects are relatively mild compared to older anti-depressants (tricyclates). Although effective, the drawback to antidepressants is their inability to treat underlying psychological and environmental factors contributing to depression.
Obviously, a combination of psychotherapy and medication therapy is most effective in treating moderate/severe depression, but the, current state-of-the-art in treatment will no doubt change as new leads are explored.
Research into depression points in a number of treatment directions - some commonsense, others exotic. A good well-balanced diet is thought to help minimize some forms of depression. Omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil may be helpful, as might combinations of B vitamins.
The previously abandoned (with good reason) electro-shock therapy has proven effective in some of the most severe cases which have failed to respond to psycho or medication therapies. Hopefully, genetic research can lead to new ways of prevention and/or treatment.
In the meantime, current treatment options are effective and the depressed person need not suffer from this debilitating condition. The challenge to the depressed individual is to seek out and use the treatment available.
Bob Treanor is a therapist at Rappahannock Family Guidance Services in Washington, Va. He can be reached at 675-3329.
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