Female: Depression is an illness affecting nearly 30 million Americans. How can that be treated effectively?
Male: Depression can be treated effectively with both therapy and anti-depressants. But it is important to rule out organic ulcers like viral infection before common seen treatments. The first treatment is an evaluation to determine the severity of the depression into a cyst contributing factor like genetics and substance abuse. Because depression is often a neurochemical phenomenon, anti-depressants can be extremely helpful to many patients. Anti-depressants correct imbalances in the levels of neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine. Prozac, Paxil and Wellbutrin are the most commonly prescribed anti-depressants and typically a few side effects. It can take time for anti-depressants to become effective. Sometimes, up to eight weeks, so it is important to continue taking medications for as long as they are prescribed. Anti-depressants are not habit-forming, but often need to be stopped gradually to give the body time to adjust.
It is never a good idea to stop your medication or change your dosage without consulting your doctor. People who do have a mild form of depression may see significant improvement with just psychotherapy. But even when anti-depressants are also used integrating psychotherapy into the treatment can provide lasting benefits. When successful, psychotherapy can actually bring about physical changes in the brain. In other words, effective therapy has healing power that is emotional, but also actually physical in nature. If you have depression, your doctor will often recommend that you add a regular exercise regimen to your lifestyle as well. Although exercise is not a cure for depression, its psychological and physical benefits can improve your symptoms.
Depression can be a challenging illness to live with. But there are good treatment options available. If you think that you are suffering from depression, talk to a medical professional.
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