Depression Treatment
As the causes of depression are unclear, and routinely involve rational responses to painful and complex situations, treatment of the condition is decided on the merits of each individual case. The most popular methods of treatment, however, include medication such as Valium and therapy. These treatments are often used in conjunction with one another. In more extreme cases, and where these treatments have been tried and have failed, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is sometimes prescribed.
There are other treatments available, that range from St John's Wort to regular exercise; and most GPs will suggest regular exercise and a vitamin-rich diet to be taken in conjunction with proven treatments.
Many depressives find that the search for an effective treatment or medication is an ongoing process, as it is not always possible to find the correct medication or combination of medications in the first visit to a doctor.
Once medication such as Valium has been prescribed, its success will often depend on the severity and length of the condition, the patient's optimism and the support of the patient's family and friends. Changes in medication that medical professionals may consider include increasing or decreasing the dosage, different types of medication, different combinations of medication, alternate forms of psychotherapy or ECT treatment. In some cases, doctors may revise a diagnosis where it appears that the depression is a symptom of a serious, underlying physical or psychological condition.
Largely, it appears that the most effective treatment for depression is time. Debilitating depression is rarely a life-long condition and, other than in cases where suicidal tendencies are pronounced, a programme of medication and psychotherapy will usually be considered sufficient.