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Depression Treatment

Depressive Illnesses are Serious But Treat able Disorders

Depressive illnesses are more than temporary "blue" moods or periods of grief after a loss. Symptoms of depression affect thoughts, feelings, body,and behaviors. Without treatment, the symptoms can last for months, years, or a lifetime.

There are effective medications and psycho therapies(talk therapies) treatments that often are used in combination. In severe depression, medication is usually required. A number of short-term talk therapies to treat clinical depression have been developed in recent years. Several types of medications are available, none of them habit-forming. People with severe depression respond more rapidly and more consistently to medication.

Those with recurring depression, including bipolar disorder, may need to stay on medication to prevent or lessen further episodes. Many patients need psychotherapy to deal with the psychological or interpersonal problems often associated with their illness. Other biological treatments can be helpful. For example, electro convulsive treatment (ECT) is a safe and often effective treatment for the most severe depressions. Research is also being done on the use of light for the treatment of depression. Early intervention may lessen severity of symptoms and shorten the episode. Individuals respond differently to treatment. if after several weeks symptoms have not improved, the treatment plan should be re-evaluated. Individuals respond differently to treatments. If after several weeks symptoms have not improved, the treatment plan should be discussed with the doctor.

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