Treatment Methods for Depression Essay - 989 Words

Depression is mental illnesses characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, despair and worthlessness that interfere with daily functioning and personal relationships. It is an illness caused by an imbalance of the chemicals in the brain. It affects about 19 million people and cost billions in any given year (Ford-Martin). Some of the symptoms of depression are having a hard time focusing, constant crying, and loss of interest or pleasure in ordinary everyday activities, sleep problems, problems with eating and weight (gain or loss). Depression strikes all age groups, and often goes unrecognized or inadequately treated. There is a recent debate is on the different treatment methods for depression and which are the most effective. The†¦show more content†¦The goal of antidepressant medication is to provide some relief of the symptoms within two to six weeks. Nevertheless, not every antidepressant works for every individual. Sometimes several must be tried before finding one that produces the most beneficial results with the fewest side effects. Psychotherapy therapy focuses on the personal and interpersonal issues underlying depression. It explores an individuals life to bring to light possible contributing causes of the present depression. During treatment, the therapist helps the patient to become aware of his or her thinking patterns and how they came to be. There are several different subtypes of psychotherapy, but all have the common goal of helping the individual develop healthy problem solving and coping skills. Two of the most widely used treatment methods are cognitive-behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy (Hammen 141). Cognitive-behavioral therapy was developed by Aaron Beck (Hammen 141). It assumes that the patients faulty thinking is causing the current depression and focuses on changing the depressed patients thought patterns and perceptions. 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