We all know how prevalent depression is our society. In fact, antidepressants are the most popular drugs demanded in pharmacies. Despite its prevalence, the disorder can be treated and kept under control quite easily. The issue is that most people do not recognize that they are actually suffering from the condition and the ones who do, do not feel the need to acquire treatment for it. With proper remedial action, the disorder can be easily kept under control. While antidepressants are vastly popular for the treatment of the condition, it is certainly not the best option. In fact, while it may alleviate the symptoms momentarily, studies show that it can have adverse long term effects, not to forget the number of immediate side effects experienced.
If you or an acquaintance is suffering from the disorder, the best way to approach treatment is by considering alternative remedies. There are literally dozens of alternative treatments that have successfully been used to control the symptoms. In this article, we will cover two common and effective alternative treatments for the disorder.
Interpersonal therapy for depression
Interpersonal therapy for depression has long been used to treat the disorder. Interpersonal therapy is basically a process that teaches the individual how to respond and communicate with friends, colleagues or virtually anyone for that matter. This is an effective treatment as quite often, depressed people tend to be repelled by social situations and prefer to remain isolated away from any social contact. Interpersonal therapy for depression teaches how to convey your thoughts and feelings, respond and behave socially. It can be instrumental in getting the person to let out their feelings and in turn relieve the mental tension associated with these feelings.
Electroconvulsive therapy for depression
Electroconvulsive therapy for depression otherwise known as ECT therapy for depression is a vigorous form of treatment used to treat the disorder. It Is a conventional treatment that is not used as much as in the past because of its intrusive nature. Electroconvulsive therapy for depression is done by stimulating the brain to produce serotonin, the key neurotransmitter that is linked to depression. It does this by inducing a shock on the patient. It can cause a number of side effects such as muscle twitches, dizziness and even memory loss. Today, ECT therapy for depression is only used in severe cases and rare types of depression such as catatonic depression.
Besides this, there are several other treatments in use today instead of antidepressants.