Tell Me More About Depression.
2. What are the physical treatments of depression?
Over 70% of people who suffer Depresson improve with proper treatment.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) with such brand names as Celexa, Luvox, Paxil, Prozac and Zoloft, as well as dual action anti-depressants including Effexor XR, Remeron and Wellbutrin SR are the most frequently prescribed anti-depressants. Most anti-depressants act on neurotransmitters (chemical messengers between nerve cells) in the brain such as serotonin, noradueralin and dopamine. In general, they have less disturbing side-effects and are safer in combination with other medicines than older types of anti-depressants such as tricyclic anti-depressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), which are generally second and third choice treatments respectively.
Herbal or non-prescription agents such as hypericum (St. John’s Wort) and omega-3-fatty acids (fish oil) have been tested as treatments for depression, but neither have demonstrated the effectiveness of the perscription medications.
There is also evidence to support the use of light therapy, particularly for a seasonal or winter type of depression.
Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) can be highly effective for patients with severe depression. In a typical treatment, the patient receives muscle relaxants and a small current is passed through electrodes attached to the scalp. This produces a minor seizure lasting 30-45 seconds. The most common side-effects of the procedure include headache and transient memory disturbances. Generally, the patient receives two to three treatments a week until a recovery is achieved. Periodic ‘maintenance ECT’ may be used to prevent relapse. In general, memory problems resolve gradually over two or three months.
Reference:
Kennedy SH, Eisfeld BS, Parikh SV. Depression. In Gray J (eds) Therapeutic Choices, 4th edition. Canadian Pharmacists Association, 2004.
Kennedy SH, Lam RW, Nutt DJ, Thase ME. Treating Depression Effectively: Applying Clinical Guidelines. London UK: Martin Dunitz; 2004.
UK ECT Review Group. Efficacy and safety of electroconvulsive therapy in depressive disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lancet 2003;361(9360):799-808. |
