WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS FOR DEPRESSION?

* Be aware that the recommended treatments of illnesses are always being improved. This website was last update on 11/1/2024. The best treatment option MIGHT have changed since that time.

1. Psychotherapy or counseling has been shown to be helpful to relieve depressive symptoms. Combining psychotherapy with medications has been shown to have better results than just psychotherapy or medications by themselves.
 

2. Norepinephrine-Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitors
A. Bupropion (Wellbutrin) *

3. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs):
A. Citalopram (Celexa) *
B. Escitalopram (Lexapro) *
C. Fluoxetine (Prozac) *
D. Paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva) *
E. Sertraline (Zoloft) *

4. Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)
A. Duloxetine: Cymbalta (Pro) *
B. Desvenlafaxine Pristiq (Pro)
C. Venlafaxine (Effexor) *

5. 5-HT2 Receptor Blockers and 5-HT Inhibiters.
A. Trazodone
B. Mirtazapine *

6. Tricyclic Medictions
A. Amitriptyline (Elavil)
B. Imipramine (Tofranil)
C. Nortriptyline (Pamelor)
D. Desipramine (Norpramin)

7. Ketamine Like Drugs
A. Esketamine (Spravato)

8. Electrocovulsive Therapy (ECT)

CAUTION
1. All medication, including all antidepressants, have a risk of side effects.  

2. Common side effect of antidepressants are to reduce sexual desire and to prolong a climax.

3. Possible Severe side effects are a severe skin rash, an anaphylactic allergic reaction (leading to the inability to breathe and subsequent death if not treated rapidly), and Clostridioides difficile infection (C. Diff.) of the colon.  

4. Medications such as creams, lotions, and gels should be tested in small dosages in areas of the body that are not easily seen.

Consult “Epocrates.com” for each Specific Medication’s possible “Adverse Reactions.” Side effects are also referred to as “Adverse Reactions.” Epocrates.com will tell you both “common reactions” and “serious reactions.” You will have to create an account, but it is simple, fast, and free.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION?

Depression has a variety of symptoms. Some of these are fatigue without reason, loss of interest, poor sleep, depressed mood, feelings of guilt, irritability, hopelessness, and having thoughts of suicide.

       

WHAT CAUSES DEPRESSION?

The exact cause of depressive disorders is unknown. However, genetic and environmental factors contribute to depression. People who have close relatives with depression are more likely to be depressed.

Also having a high amount of life stressors such as loss of loved ones, a breakup with a partner, loss of a job, or having a severe health problems increase the risk of depression.

In addition, there is the theory that depression is caused by a problem with the neurotransmitters in the brain.

HOW IS DEPRESSION DIAGNOSED?

Depression is diagnosed primarily on a mental health assessment. Some lab test are also done to make certain that the symptoms of depression are not due a physiological problems.

Some questions that are in a mental health assessment are the following.
Do you have:
1. Depressed mood most of the day?
2. Markedly diminished interest or pleasure in all or almost all activities for most of the day?
3. Significant (> 5%) weight gain or loss or decreased or increased appetite?
4. Insomnia (often sleep-maintenance insomnia) or hypersomnia?
5. Psychomotor agitation or retardation observed by others (not self-reported)?
6. Fatigue or loss of energy?
7. Feelings of worthlessness or excessive or inappropriate guilt?
8. Diminished ability to think or concentrate or indecisiveness?
9. Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide, a suicide attempt, or a specific plan for committing suicide?

You can help determine whether or not you have depression by answering the questions on a PHQ-9 Depression Assessment Tool:
Depression Assessment PHQ-9