Treating Depression

ARTICLE REVIEW: " TREATING DEPRESSION: PILLS OR TALK"

Publisher: Scientific American Mind

Date: January 2005

Author: Steven P. Holon, Micahel E. Thase, John C. Markowitz

SUMMARY:

"Medication has reduced depression for decades, but newer forms of psychotherapies are proving their worth."

Medication or pills and antidepressants were once termed "magic bullet", because of its efficacy in treating depression. Some physicians also thought that psychotherapy alone is an ineffective way of fighting depression. But when combined with antidepressants, the results could be almost perfect.

Recent researches show that some forms of psychotherapy can be as effective in treating just as that of antidepressants, even when it comes to the more severe depressions. Researches also show that psychotherapies may provide advantageous effects beyond those than what antidepressants alone can give. But still, pharmaceutical treatments remain the current standard.

Some antidepressants:

1. MAOI (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors):

Curtails the Action of an enzyme that breaks down brain neurotransmitter.

2. TCA (Tricyclic Antidepressants):

Inhibits the reuptake of the neurotransmitters; norepinephrine and serotonin. May cause these side effects: fainting, dry mouth, and blurred vision.

3. SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors):

Blocks the reuptake of serotonin back into presynaptic neurons.

Some Psychotherapies:

1. Interpersonal Psychotherapy:

Focuses on problems in relationships. Therapists help patients to understand life events and find ways to combat social withdrawal.

2. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy:

Main focus is on the patient's accurate self-assessment