Treatment for Depression
There are three main types of treatment for depression: medical, psychological, and social. Management of depression often involves a combination of treatments.
- Medical treatments can include not only medication but also other treatment options that are usually only applied in specialised centres.
- Psychological treatment refers to psychotherapy or “talking therapy”, which has several theoretical and clinical subtypes. Psychotherapy can be used on its own for less severe forms of depression or in combination with medication for more severe depression.
- Social and other interventions are also very important. These include social activities, relaxation strategies, moderate regular exercise, medical leave (if necessary), learning about the disease and how to engage in self-help. These activities can help to promote hope and empowerment that add to the therapeutic effect of both medication and psychotherapy.
Some other types of treatments, called complementary or alternative, can be very popular. However, there is often limited evidence for the effectiveness of such treatments.