Treatment of depression

Treating depression is a journey, not an overnight event. It is a journey that begins with taking the first step, the decision to seek help. Fortunately, this is a path for which psychiatry and neuroscience have detailed and effective roadmaps. You no longer have to face this challenge in the dark and alone. Understanding different treatment approaches will help you to choose the best path for yourself and reach the destination of recovery with an open vision and new hope. This article will be your guide in this journey. The first step in the treatment of depression: accurate and professional diagnosis Before starting any action, the first and most important step is a correct and accurate diagnosis by an expert. Depression has many faces and its symptoms can overlap with many other medical and psychological problems. With a thorough evaluation, a mental health professional can determine the exact type of disorder, its severity, and underlying factors. Without a proper diagnosis, any attempt at treatment is like navigating an unknown path without a map and may not achieve the desired result or even complicate the condition. A comprehensive assessment goes beyond a few simple questions. This process involves a thorough clinical interview, a review of your medical and family history, and sometimes some tests to rule out other medical causes. In advanced clinics such as Neurali, this assessment can also include new tools such as electroencephalography (qEEG). This in-depth look helps us to design a completely personalized treatment plan that exactly fits your biological and psychological needs and maximizes your chances of success in treating depression. The main pillars of treatment: psychotherapy and drug therapy Psychotherapy or speech therapy is one of the most effective methods for long-term management of mood problems and treatment of depression. In this method, with the help of a therapist, you learn to identify and correct your negative thought and behavior patterns. This will give you the tools you need to tackle future challenges. There are different approaches to psychotherapy, each focusing on a specific aspect: - Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): focusing on changing negative thoughts and dysfunctional behaviors - Interpersonal therapy (IPT): focusing on improving relationships and solving communication problems - Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): focusing on accepting feelings and living based on values ### Pharmacotherapy: Restoring balance to brain chemistry Antidepressants can play a very important role in reducing the severity of acute symptoms. By affecting the neurotransmitters in the brain, these drugs help restore its chemical balance. This improves mood, increases energy and focus, and allows the individual to participate in psychotherapy with greater vigor. Medication must be prescribed by a psychiatrist and it may take some time and patience to find the most effective medication with the least side effects. The vital role of lifestyle in the success of depression treatment Effective depression treatment is an integrated approach that encompasses all aspects of life. Your everyday choices can have a surprising impact on your mental health and serve as a powerful adjunct to specialized treatments. Never underestimate the power of these three factors. Making positive changes in these areas will help improve your mood and increase your resilience: - Regular physical activity: even a daily walk can release endorphins and improve mood - Balanced diet: consumption of foods rich in omega-3, vitamins and minerals has a direct effect on brain function - Sufficient and high-quality sleep: sleep is necessary to repair the brain and regulate emotions ### The importance of social connections and the support of those around you Isolation and loneliness are the main fuel of mood problems. On the other hand, connecting with others and having a strong support network is one of the best shields against this psychological challenge. Try to stay in touch with friends and family members who make you feel good. Talking about your feelings with a trusted person can take a lot off your shoulders. Joining support groups can also help you connect with people who have a similar experience and feel less alone. Definition of treatment-resistant depression Sometimes, despite trying at least two courses of standard depression treatment (such as psychotherapy and medication), a person still does not experience significant improvement. This condition is called "Treatment-Resistant Depression" in psychiatry. This is not a hopeless diagnosis, but rather a sign that more advanced and different treatment approaches should be sought. This phenomenon is relatively common and almost one third of patients experience it. ### Why do some people not respond to basic treatments? There are several reasons why primary depression does not respond to treatment. Sometimes the initial diagnosis may not have been entirely accurate or there may be other underlying medical problems that have been overlooked. In some cases, the genetic factors or brain activity patterns of a person are such that they do not respond to standard methods. Understanding these causes helps professionals to change the treatment strategy and use new methods that directly target these factors. Direct targeting of brain circuits for the treatment of depression in neuraly For people facing treatment-resistant cases, there are new and promising horizons. At Nurali Clinic, we are at the forefront of using these new methods. Technologies such as magnetic brain stimulation (TMS) and neurofeedback directly target the brain's neural circuits involved in mood regulation. TMS is a non-invasive method that uses magnetic pulses to regulate the activity of these circuits and neurofeedback to teach the brain how to create healthier patterns of activity. These are powerful treatment options to break the cycle of this disorder.