Treatment
Here are 2 important key points to remember about getting the right treatment:
- 1) Depression isn’t a sign of weakness and can’t just overcome it with sheer willpower.
- 2) There are effective treatments for depression! While there is no magic fix, with the right treatment, people with depression can get their lives back on track.
Importance of Effective Treatment
Getting the right treatment is crucial to avoid long-term or lifelong struggles. Depression doesn’t just mess with your social life. It can also seriously impact how you do in school and later college or job.
The longer it sticks around untreated, the more it can mess things up and become a big problem. Treatment thus is about feeling better as well as to prevent long-term struggles. Treatment has also shown to prevent self-harm and suicide.
There are different types of treatment which can also be combined. Your healthcare provider will help you figure out what’s right for you. Often, a combination of medication and psychotherapy works best. Studies have shown that a combination is twice as effective compared to one approach alone.
If your depression is more severe or you’re having thoughts of hurting yourself, you might need to go to the hospital to get the best and most comprehensive care possible.
Types of Treatment
Medical Treatment
Effective medical treatment might include the use of medications such as tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., Escitalopram/Lexapro) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI, e.g., fluoxetine).
These medications are approved for specific age groups. Your doctor may at times also recommend off-label use, although this is not typically the first choice of treatment. It’s important that you follow your doctor’s recommendations closely, as the use of antidepressants requires close monitoring and follow-up.
Like any medication, antidepressants can come with side effects. Potential but rare side effects you could experience include rare allergic reactions, slight weight gain, or emotional reactions, especially when starting the treatment.
In very few cases there have been reports of suicidal thoughts at the beginning of the therapy, but these typically don’t last long. Additionally, a research study involving over 4,000 adolescents and children with depression found no increase in suicides among those taking antidepressants. However, it’s crucial to be aware that suicidal thoughts could occur initially, and it’s essential to discuss any concerns with your family and doctor.
Even effective treatment with antidepressants takes time, generally take about 6 to 8 weeks to start showing positive effects. You should continue taking the medication even if you are in remission typically for another 6 to 9 months, to prevent a relapse. However, the duration of therapy may vary, and it’s something you and your doctor will decide together.
For further information on medication for depression, you can refer to this resource: AACAP
Behavioral Treatment
Behavioral therapy encompasses different types of psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT), family therapy and others. In CBT the aim is to assist you in identifying and changing negative thought patterns. IPT on the other hand, might help you address interpersonal conflicts. These conflicts can either stem from or contribute to depression, guiding them toward problem solving approaches. Family therapy may be initiated if family conflicts significantly contribute to your depression.