Treatments for depression are many and varied, ranging from prescription antidepressant medication to "electric shock therapy " to remedies for treating depression naturally.
Let's take a look at some of the conventional medical methods which are commonly used in the treatment of depression today, together with some of the natural remedies which are becoming increasingly popular.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors - more commonly known as SSRI's or antidepressants
The most commonly prescribed treatment for depression, SSRI's include Prozac, Zoloft, Luvox and Paxil.
It may surprise you to learn that a major consideration in the wide distribution of this type of medication is because of its relative 'safeness' if taken in overdose when compared to other antidepressant medication - such as Imiprimine and Dothiepin - which can be highly toxic if taken in similar quantities.
However, it should be noted that there is evidence to support a connection between the use of SSRI's and the incidence of violence, self-harm and suicidal tendencies.*
* Source: Prozac Backlash (2000), Author: Joseph Glenmullen, Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Deep Brain Stimulation
This method of treatment involves the placement of electrodes into the brain, through a hole drilled into the skull, at the location associated with controlling the mood of a patient. In addition, a small device called a pulse generator is implanted into the chest - typically under one of the collar bones - and this is connected to the electrodes by a thin wire under the skin.
Electrical impulses are sent to the electrodes, via the pulse generator which stimulate the brain cells and prompt the production of chemicals to help relieve symptoms of depression.
DBS is the most invasive, and extreme, treatment for depression, and as such, is usually only carried out in severe cases, or if a patient has shown resistance to all other treatment.
Electroconvulsive Therapy
More commonly known as "electric shock therapy," Electroconvulsive Therapy is viewed rather dimly by many due to its association with early treatments which involved high levels of electric shocks being given to patients without the use of anesthetic.
Thankfully, today, the administering of ECT is carried out far more responsibly and involves a small current being sent to the relevant part of the patient's brain in order to stimulate brain cells whilst they are under sedation.
ECT is usually reserved for patients who have not responded to more typical treatments for depression.
Treating Depression Naturally
All things considered, it's hardly surprising that many people who suffer with depression are becoming more interested in ways of treating depression naturally.
However, because the market for antidepressants is hugely profitable for pharmaceutical companies, many doctors are tied into relationships with them - primarily for their own financial gain - as a result of which, some doctors are less than willing to recommend natural remedies, preferring to stick with more conventional antidepressant medications.
That said, it must be stressed that there are many other doctors who are only too willing to discuss the merits of treating depression naturally with their patients, extolling the proven benefits of these treatments including;
Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Light therapy, Sam-e, Herbal and homeopathic remedies, Meditation, Yoga, Acupuncture, and a tailored diet and exercise plan.
There are numerous accounts of great successes having been achieved by treating depression naturally. Natural treatments have been responsible for:
- Increased feelings of general well-being and optimism
- Increased energy
- Increased feelings of calm and relaxation
- Increased ability to focus
- Less stress and associated side-effects, such as headaches, stomach upsets and irritability
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