There are two main proven ways to treat depression: medical therapy and psychotherapy. The most effect gives the combination of 2 these methods. The application only of pharmaceutical substances, according to controlled studies in the field of pharmacotherapy of depressions, leads to expressed improvement only in 60-65% of cases. It means that by 35-40% of depressed patients should be used various methods of psychotherapy.

But for achievement of that expressed improvement is required the long-term taking of antidepressants in quite high doses. Despite the relative safety of modern drugs it would be better to reduce the duration of their intake and dose as low as practicable, thereby minimizing side effects (sleepiness, lethargy, liver and stomach failure, etc.)

The optimum alternative for treating depression is a combination of antidepressants with a course of cognitive psychotherapy. In this case the improvement would be faster and perceptible, and most importantly – it will be received persistent effect of the treatment. Thanks to psychotherapy, the patient gets “powerful weapons” – with a help of psychotherapy he learns how to control his own negative emotions, to perceive the approaching of depression, to take necessary measures and even to prevent the return of the disease. In this case, the percentage of resistant cure is achieved in 98-99% of cases (according to reliable sources).

Cognitive therapy has proved itself in depression treatment, anxiety, phobias and panic attacks. At the heart of cognitive approach is the assertion: “Emotions and human behavior are determined by his world-view”. It means if a person in his subconsciousness has the conviction of “unfriendly world”, then his behavior and emotions will be the same: how can you feel good and comfortable in the place where you are beforehand treated badly?

But there are not a lot of people who can admit the existence of such conviction, and meanwhile just this opinion leads to development of anxiety and depression. The revelation of these basic facilities, its correction and developing of a new mode of thought is an aim which can achieve both psychotherapist and patient.

At the beginning of the treatment the patient is talked about the correlation of thoughts, emotions, behavior, by the example of his own experience. Next, he is learned to identify, track and fix his negative thoughts in a special “Diary of automatic thoughts.” After that, together with the therapist, the thoughts are analyzed and identified, irrational (incorrect and illogical). The special techniques with automatic thoughts are revealed as basic views: in our example it was conviction of «unfriendly world». The next stage – is a correction of irrational basic conviction and formulation of a new one, adequate and realistic.

During this work, the responsibility for own condition is gradually passed into patient’s hands. And by the end of the therapy the patient begins to play the role of the psychotherapist in relation to himself, calling in question own prognosis or conclusions, and skilfully propose an amendments.

As a rule, the course of cognitive psychotherapy consists of 15-25 sessions in the range from 1-2 times per week in an infant state, once a week in following stages, and around the bend it is possible to have meetings once in every week. After completion of the course is required a “booster therapy” – a psychotherapy appointment necessarily 3-4 times per year, in order to observe the situation and get further precise definitions and homework.

Antidepressants are used for depression treatment, some anxious disorders and other diseases.

Beneficial action

Antidepressants may relief anxiety and depression. Because of sedative effect, they can be taken by many people with panic disorders and anxiety.

Application

In many cases these medications should be taken one-two times per day. Perhaps, you will take them for some weeks, before you feel better. Do not change either dose no scheme. Do not stop take medicines without doctor’s advice. Many antidepressants should be taken over a long period of time – till 8 months. It is very important to carry the treatment with antidepressants through (even if you feel better before the end of the treatment). Your doctor will choose the most suitable medicine and its dose. For best results, it important to keep all doctor’s instructions.

How do antidepressants act?

The action of most antidepressants is based on the slow process of removal from brain chemical agents called neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are necessary for the cerebration. Antidepressants keep these substances in the brain for a longer time.

Precautions

• Many antidepressants may have a sedative effect, so that you may feel drowse or less than usual vivacity. Therefore, before driving or working with technology, you should know how you react to these drugs.
• Because these drugs can strengthen the effect of alcohol or other depressants of central nervous system, then by taking some certain antidepressants, adjust with your doctor alcohol use or its combination with other drugs. If you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant or you are breastfeeding, notify your doctor about it before taking medications.
• Tell your doctor about allergic reaction to any drugs, as well as about prescribed or not prescribed medicines.
• Tell your doctor about glaucoma, urinary retention or heart diseases.

Possible side effects of antidepressants

During taking antidepressants many patients experience side effects. These effects usually appear in the beginning of the treatment and disappear in some weeks. More common side effects of antidepressants include drowse, dry mouth, giddiness, headache, tremor, sweating, urinary retention or constipation. These signs point that medicine is working. Tell your doctor if you have some of just listed disturbances. For its abatement doctor can change the dose or prescribe another antidepressant. Immediately apply to a doctor if you have acute or feebly marked symptoms. In spite of side effects it is worth to continue taking medicines, for the sake of close relief.

Types of Antidepressants

Besides widespread tricyclic antidepressants, which have the most acute side effects, they mark out tetracyclic antidepressants, distinguishing with more mild side effects. There is also atypical tricyclic antidepressant Coaxil (Stablon), which is more effective by mild depressions, and latest class of antidepressants – so-called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRi) – which side effects are appreciably lower than by tricyclic antidepressants (though concerning power they are not weaker). Also, for depression treatment, phobia and some anxious state are usually used so-called МAO Inhibitors.

This information is for general examination. If you have some of these disorders, consult with a specialist.