How Depression Treatment Can Improve Symptoms

Depression is a type of mood disorder that affects how a person feels, acts, and thinks daily. The good news is there are depression treatments that psychiatrists offer to help improve the symptoms. This review closely examines treatment options, symptoms that may improve through treatment, and what patients can expect throughout the treatment process.

Depression treatment for symptom relief

The symptoms of depression vary for each patient. However, most experience severe sadness and loss of interest. Unfortunately, there is no cure for depression, although symptoms often improve with the right treatment plan in place.

What is depression treatment?

Depression treatment plans are personalized according to what works best and are most medically appropriate for the patient. In most cases, plans include a combination of multiple treatments. Here are common types of depression treatment:

• Psychotherapy
• Group therapy
• Antidepressants
• SSRIs
• TMS Therapy
• Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
• Lifestyle changes
• Acupuncture

Cognitive behavioral therapy is the most common type of psychotherapy used for depression. Treatment plans typically include some form of medication and talk therapy; group therapy sessions may also help with a psychotherapy plan.

What symptoms can depression treatment help improve?

Treatment can help with a range of depression symptoms. As mentioned, the symptoms may vary for each patient. Many patients report improvements with these symptoms:

• Sadness
• Anxiety
• Mood swings
• Apathy
• Insomnia
• Social isolation
• Lack of concentration
• Poor appetite

Treatment plans for depression focus on the underlying cause of the symptom rather than simply treating each symptom on its own. Talk therapy (psychotherapy), in particular, focuses on recognizing the underlying cause and developing coping and recovery mechanisms. Along with the right prescribed medication, many patients see major improvements (if not total relief).

How can I choose the best depression treatment for me?

The first step is simply meeting with a mental health professional (i.e., a psychiatrist) for a consultation session. This visit allows the psychiatrist to get to know you better and determine if you have depression or if another mental health concern causes your symptoms. From there, together with the psychiatrist and usually in the first session, you can put together a treatment plan for depression that should work for you.

How long does depression treatment take?

Depression treatment times vary. Some patients see significant results within the first few psychotherapy sessions. Results for others may take longer. Finally, many patients continue with therapy long-term, although the frequency of visits may decrease as they see their symptoms improve. In other words, there is no timeline for depression treatment results, and it is important to take the process one step at a time and focus on gradual improvements with depression symptoms.