Depression Treatment Options
Discover effective strategies and therapies for managing and overcoming depression.
Is Treatment Available In My State?Table of Contents
- What is Depression?
- Types of Depression
- Treatment Resistant Depression (TRD)
- Signs and Symptoms of Depression
- Depression Screening
- Psychotherapy for Depression
- Treating Depression with Medication
- Treating Depression in Kids and Adolescents
- Online Treatment for Depression
- Group Therapy for Depression
- References
- Frequently Asked Questions
What is Depression?
Depression is a mood disorder characterized by persistently low moods that disrupt daily life. This condition not only impacts a person’s emotional state but can also lead to changes in their thoughts, behaviors, and feelings.
Depression, also known as major depressive disorder, is one of the most common mental illnesses in the United States. The American Psychiatric Association estimates that one in every six individuals will experience depression in their lifetime. Furthermore, about one in 15 people have depression during any given year.
People who may have depression may not know that help is available in-person and online. Major depressive disorder is a treatable illness, even though it may feel impossible to overcome when someone is in the throes of it.
Types of Depression
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
Major depression is a serious illness that can impact a person’s quality of life and ability to function. Also known as clinical depression or major depressive disorder, this is a mental health condition characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in activities that the person used to enjoy. These feelings are severe and last for at least two weeks, affecting a person’s ability to function normally in their daily life.
Symptoms may also include:
- Changes in appetite
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Fatigue
- Feelings of worthlessness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
The treatment options for major depressive disorder (MDD) typically include a combination of psychotherapy options such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy (IPT), and psychodynamic therapy and antidepressant medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). These medications can help regulate neurotransmitters in the brain that play a role in mood regulation.
Persistent Depressive Disorder (formerly known as Dysthymia Disorder)
Persistent depressive disorder (PDD), also known as dysthymia disorder, is a form of chronic depression lasting for at least two years. The difference between MDD and PDD lies in its chronic nature, as PDD symptoms are milder but persist for a more extended period. Treatment options for PDD are similar to major depressive disorder treatment options and may include psychotherapy, medication (antidepressants), lifestyle changes, and support groups. Consistent, long-term support is often essential for effectively managing PDD.
Bipolar Disorder
Previously called manic-depressive illness, this disorder involves extreme mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). The depressive episodes can mimic major depressive disorder.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
This type of depression usually occurs during the winter and fall months when there is less daylight, due to reduced sunlight exposure. Treatment options for SAD include light therapy, also known as phototherapy, which involves exposure to bright artificial light to mimic natural sunlight. This can help regulate the body’s internal clock and may alleviate symptoms.
Used to offset SAD for decades, light therapy has been a useful treatment for some suffering from SAD. It exposes people with SAD to a very bright light box (10,000 lux) every day for about 30 to 45 minutes, usually first thing in the morning, from fall to spring. This tries to make up for the lack of natural sunshine in the winter months. The light boxes are much brighter than ordinary indoor light and are designed to filter out damaging UV light.
Additionally, psychotherapy, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), can help individuals cope with seasonal changes and develop healthy coping mechanisms. In some cases, antidepressant medications may be prescribed. Embracing outdoor activities and maintaining a balanced lifestyle, such as exercise and proper nutrition, can complement treatment effectiveness for SAD.
Postpartum Depression (PPD)
Postpartum depression refers to depression occurring after childbirth. This form of depression is a serious but treatable medical illness that involves feelings of extreme sadness, indifference, and anxiety that often brings significant changes in energy, sleep, and thought patterns. The exact cause of postpartum depression is not known but it is believed to be linked to physical, chemical, social, and emotional changes that happen when having a baby. The good news is that postpartum depression can be treated with medication and counseling, and relief can be found.
LifeStance offers a wide range of postpartum depression treatments.
Psychotic Depression
This is a form of major depression accompanied by some form of psychosis, such as hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t there) or delusions (false beliefs). The psychotic symptoms often have a depressive “theme” (e.g., guilt, poverty, or illness).
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
PMDD is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) that includes emotional and physical symptoms that disrupt daily life. It occurs during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle and resolves once menstruation starts.
LifeStance offers a wide range of premenstrual dysphoric disorders (PMDD) treatments.
Atypical Depression
Atypical depression is a subtype of depression characterized by mood reactivity—mood can temporarily lift in response to positive events. Other symptoms include increased appetite, weight gain, excessive sleep, and a feeling of heaviness in the arms and legs.
Situational Depression (Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood)
This type of depression is triggered by a specific stressful event, such as the loss of a loved one, divorce, or a major life change. It is usually short-term and improves once the person adjusts to the situation.
Treatment Resistant Depression (TRD)
TRD is a term used when depression doesn’t respond to standard treatments like medication or therapy. In such situations, several alternative treatment options can be considered. One option is electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), which involves controlled electrical stimulation of the brain to induce seizures, often leading to improvements in mood. ECT is typically reserved for severe cases of depression or when other treatments have not worked.
Another option is transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate specific brain regions. It is used when other treatments have not been effective in treating depression.
Ketamine infusion therapy has also shown promise in rapidly reducing depressive symptoms. Innovative approaches, like deep brain stimulation (DBS) and psychedelic-assisted therapies, are being researched as potential interventions for TRD. It is crucial for individuals with TRD to work closely with mental health professionals to explore these options and find the most suitable treatment plan.
Signs and Symptoms of Depression
Symptoms of depression can vary wildly. For example, some people exhibit uncontrolled anger, while others do not have the energy to get out of bed. Furthermore, people with similar symptoms may have different severities of each one.
Generally, individuals qualify for depression diagnoses if they exhibit at least five of the following symptoms:
- Low or depressed mood daily
- Intrusive thoughts about death or committing suicide
- Feeling uninterested in activities that they used to enjoy
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering
- Unintended weight loss or gain
- Feeling guilty or worthless
- Trouble with sleep
- Fatigue or low energy levels
- Slowed movements
- Fidgeting
A few symptoms do not fit the diagnostic criteria but are common in people with depression:
- Irritability
- Changes in appetite
- Anxiety
For some people, depression can also cause physical symptoms. Sometimes co-existing conditions, such as thyroid disorders, create the physical symptoms and the depression itself. Other times, the stress of depression causes distress in the body as well.
Depression can also occur as a symptom with other mental health conditions:
Depression is a common symptom of bipolar disorder. People who have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder often experience periods of depression that may last weeks. They also experience periods of mania, which is an elevated mood that may cause a person to feel very happy, aggressive, or out of control. Medication management is vital to stabilize mood swings, with mood stabilizers prescribed to manage manic or hypomanic episodes and antidepressants used cautiously to avoid triggering manic symptoms. Psychotherapy, especially cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), can help individuals develop coping strategies and manage depressive symptoms while helping to reduce triggers for mania. A strong support system, including family and friends, plays a crucial role in monitoring mood fluctuations and encouraging adherence to treatment plans.
Depression can also be present in psychotic depression cases. Psychosis can involve delusions, false beliefs and a detachment from reality. It can also involve hallucinations. Treatment options for psychotic depression typically combine both antidepressant medications and antipsychotic medications to target the depressive and psychotic symptoms simultaneously. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may be considered in cases of severe or treatment-resistant psychotic depression. Alongside medication, psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or supportive therapy, can aid in managing underlying emotional issues. Early intervention and close collaboration with mental health professionals are crucial in providing more effective treatment and improving the overall outcome for individuals with psychotic depression.
Depression Screening
Depression screening is a standard set of questions used by psychiatric professionals to assess whether someone has depression. Depression screening is typically conducted in various healthcare settings, such as primary care clinics, mental health centers, or hospitals. It serves as an initial step to identify individuals who may be experiencing depressive symptoms, even if they have not sought help for depression or are unaware of their condition.
Screening tools for depression often consist of standardized questionnaires that assess different aspects of mental health, including mood, energy levels, sleep patterns, appetite, and concentration. Examples of commonly used depression screening tools include the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). These assessments usually involve asking individuals to rate the severity and frequency of specific symptoms over a defined period, such as the past two weeks.
Take the PHQ-9 Quiz to see if you exhibit symptoms of depression.
The purpose of depression screening is to identify individuals who may require further evaluation and possible intervention for depression. A positive screening result does not provide a definitive diagnosis but indicates the need for a more comprehensive assessment by a mental health professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, who can conduct a thorough evaluation to determine if the individual meets the criteria for a depressive disorder and recommend appropriate treatment options, which may include therapy, medication, or a combination of both.
Depression screening is an essential tool for early detection and intervention, as it allows healthcare providers to identify individuals at risk and provide appropriate support and treatment.
Psychotherapy for Depression
Talk therapy is perhaps the most common form of treatment for depression. It is a form of depression treatment where individuals speak with a trained therapist to explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. The goal of talk therapy is to help people understand their emotions, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and work through challenges that may be affecting their mental well-being.
The most common types of psychotherapy treating depression are as follows:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is one of the most common forms of talk therapy for depression. It focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to depressive symptoms. CBT is structured and goal-oriented, often lasting for a set number of sessions.
- Example: A person with depression may have thoughts like “I’m a failure” or “Nothing will ever get better.” CBT would seek to help them recognize that these thoughts are not accurate and develop more balanced, hopeful perspectives.
Behavioral Activation (BA)
A specific form of CBT, Behavioral Activation focuses on encouraging individuals to engage in activities they find pleasurable or meaningful, even when they feel depressed or unmotivated. The goal is to improve mood by increasing positive experiences.
- Example: A therapist might work with someone to schedule small, manageable activities, like going for a walk or calling a friend, which can help lift their mood over time.
Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)
IPT focuses on improving relationships and social functioning, which can directly impact depression. It can help individuals address relationship issues, social isolation, role transitions (like a job change or divorce), or unresolved grief.
- Example: If someone’s depression is triggered by relationship conflict, IPT might focus on improving communication with their partner or working through unresolved grief from a loss.
Psychodynamic Therapy
This form of therapy explores unconscious thoughts, childhood experiences, and past trauma that may contribute to depression. It can help individuals gain insight into unresolved issues from the past that are affecting their current mood and behaviors.
- Example: Someone with depression may explore unresolved conflicts from their childhood or understand how early experiences influence their self-esteem and relationships today.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Originally developed for borderline personality disorder, DBT can also help people with depression, particularly those who struggle with intense emotions or self-harming behaviors. It combines mindfulness, emotional regulation, and distress tolerance techniques.
- Example: DBT can help individuals learn to manage overwhelming emotions through mindfulness practices and healthier emotional responses to stress.
LifeStance Health specializes in Depression Treatment Options with multiple locations in 33 states. Services vary by location.
Find a location near you:
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Treating Depression with Medication
Prescription medication is a frequently used and commonly effective treatment option for those suffering from depression.
Main Types of Antidepressants
Several types of antidepressants can be prescribed to individuals according to their symptoms and requirements. This antidepressants list outlines the properties of six of the most common types of medication for depression:
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
The most commonly prescribed type of antidepressant, SSRIs mainly function by encouraging serotonin to act for longer in the brain and body by obstructing the serotonin reuptake into the nerve cell that released it. Common SSRIs include Fluoxetine (Prozac), Sertraline (Zoloft), and Paroxetine (Paxil).
Serotonin and Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)
SNRIs are often the preferred choice for treating severe depression and anxiety. They work in a similar way to SSRIs but affect noradrenaline reuptake as well as serotonin reuptake for what is often a more powerful impact overall. Common SNRIs include Duloxetine (Cymbalta) and Venlafaxine (Effexor).
Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)
Named for their chemical structure of three rings, tricyclics such as Amitriptyline, Clomipramine, and Nortriptyline (Pamelor) can help boost your body’s noradrenaline and serotonin reuptake, often creating a longer-lasting effect on your brain and body. As they can affect other chemicals, they may cause increased unpleasant side effects.
Zurzuvae (Zuranolone)
A relatively new postpartum depression treatment called Zurzuvae (zuranolone) is heralded by many as a breakthrough. Zurzuvae (zuranolone) offers a unique mechanism of action, aimed at providing faster relief from postpartum depression symptoms by targeting specific neuroreceptors. Its aims, which include rapid onset and fewer side effects, provide hope for new mothers seeking swift and efficient recovery, potentially revolutionizing postpartum depression treatment. Zurzuvae (zuranolone), is a once-daily oral medication taken for just two weeks and often has a quicker onset than traditional antidepressants.
Treating Depression in Kids and Adolescents
Antidepressants are commonly prescribed as medication for young adults with depression, but extra caution is recommended for children and teenagers. While antidepressants are generally considered safe when taken as prescribed, there is a slight risk of increased suicidal thinking in some individuals under the age of 25.
For many children and teens, antidepressants can be an effective way to treat depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or other mental health conditions. If these conditions aren’t treated effectively, your child may not be able to lead a satisfying, fulfilled life or do everyday activities.
The FDA has approved certain antidepressants for use in children and teenagers for depression:
- Escitalopram (Lexapro®) for 12 years and older for Major Depressive Disorder
- Fluoxetine (Prozac®) for 10 years and older for Major Depressive Disorder
Online Treatment for Depression
While onsite appointments are sometimes necessary, depression can often be treated online through online therapy and psychiatry sessions, providing accessible support from the comfort of home. Lifestance Mental Health providers offer online therapy and psychiatry appointments, making it easier for individuals to receive professional care tailored to their needs by reducing the need for travel to attend in-person sessions.
Group Therapy for Depression
Group therapy can be a powerful tool for treating depression, offering support through shared experiences and fostering a sense of community. Lifestance provides group therapy in select states, both in person and online, allowing individuals to connect with others facing similar challenges while receiving professional guidance in a supportive environment.
Find group therapy/support groups that help treat depression near you.
References
Mental Health Conditions: Depression and Anxiety (Oct., 2023). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips/diseases/depression-anxiety.html
Depression Treatment Options FAQ
Environmental factors or major life events, such as mourning the loss of a loved one, financial setbacks or the loss of a job may trigger depression. However, depression does not always originate with a precipitating event, and other factors, such as genetics, might contribute to the development of depressive symptoms.
Yes. There are many treatments that can help people manage and move past their depression. The earlier that treatment starts, the more successful it may be.
Depression rarely goes away on its own, but with effective mental health care and treatment, some individuals experience freedom from the negative impacts of depression on their day-to-day lives.
A depression test is an assessment designed to determine whether you presently have or are at risk for developing a depressive disorder. Taking a depression test may also help you assess if you are more prone to depression in general.
A depression test, screening, or assessment are all the same thing, however there are many kinds of tests used to test for depression.
No, they are not. Depression is a serious condition with a wide range of types and a wide range of severity. Only a trained medical professional is qualified to determine whether the presenting signs or symptoms warrant a medical diagnosis. As with all mental health conditions, it is always best to steer clear of non-professional tests and quizzes online.
Depression therapy is a treatment aimed at relieving emotional distress and mental health challenges. The most common form of depression therapy is called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and is often effective in treating people with depressive symptoms.
Try online treatments. Online or telemedicine treatments can be effective and have the advantage of being convenient and allowing you to find the right doctor or therapist wherever you live.
Speaking to a therapist and taking prescribed medications are both important for helping you deal with depression. Some other things that may help are eating well, exercising, keeping a regular schedule, making sure you get enough sleep, and avoiding drinking, smoking and recreational drug use.
The most commonly prescribed medications for depression include: Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Fluoxetine, Citalopram, Sertraline, Paroxetine and Escitalopram; Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) such as venlafaxine and duloxetine; and Norepinephrine and Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitors (NDRIs) such as bupropion.
If you’re being treated for depression but your symptoms are not improving, you may have what is called treatment-resistant depression. Taking a prescribed antidepressant and going to therapy often eases depression, but for those with treatment-resistant depression, the standard treatments may not be enough.
The first thing to do is to not give up hope. Many individuals can get past what looks like treatment-resistant depression by working diligently with a mental health professional to find the right medication, therapy, treatment, or combination of those options.
Insurance coverage varies greatly, so what is covered will depend on your individual insurance plan. Some portions of treatment are usually covered, and we encourage you to check with your insurance company to confirm. LifeStance works with many major health insurance plans.