Can depression be cured only with medication? How irreplaceable are antidepressants when it comes to treating depression? If these questions have been bothering you, then you have come to the right place. Today in this blog, we try to find answers to these questions and gain a better understanding of antidepressants.

What Can Be Considered Depression?

Feelings of sadness, helplessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in activities are all signs of depression, a complicated mental health condition. It can change the way you think, feel, and do everyday things. It can also cause a number of physical and mental issues. These are some of the most common signs and symptoms of depression:

• Long-lasting sadness or an empty feeling
• Loss of enjoyment or interest in most things, like hobbies and social contacts
• Changes in weight or eating pattern
• Having trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
• Lack of energy or feeling tired
• Feelings of not being worth much or too much guilt
• Having trouble focusing or making choices
• Getting angry or restless
• Headaches or stomach problems that can't be explained by a clear cause
• Ideas about killing yourself or dying, or efforts to do so

Keep in mind that everyone has some of these symptoms every once in a while. But if they last for a long time and get in the way of daily life a lot, it could be a sign of severe depression. Depression can vary in its severity, and it can happen just once or many times over the course of a person's life. If you or someone you know is showing signs of depression, you need to see a mental health worker right away to get diagnosed and start treatment.

The Place of Antidepressants in Depression Treatment

Antidepressants are a common and effective treatment option for depression, particularly for moderate to severe cases. They work by balancing neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine, which are believed to be involved in mood regulation.

Effective for Many

Antidepressants help many depressed people. Their use as the main treatment for mild to severe depression is supported by research and experience. They affect mood-regulating brain neurotransmitters including serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. Generally antidepressants start showing benefits in 2 to 3 weeks. Their full therapeutic effect takes upto 6 weeks. Once started they need to be continued for 6 to 8 months under the supervision of a psychiatrist. Severe and recurrent cases may need longer treatment. People also benefit from psychotherapy, lifestyle changes, and other treatments. People must collaborate with doctors to find the proper therapy and dose. For best outcomes, consider each person's needs and situation. Antidepressants can enhance quality of life, function, and danger of social isolation and work ineptitude if depression isn't treated.

Different Classes

Each antidepressant works and produces side effects differently. SSRIs are popular antidepressants. They are often the first-line treatment and have little side effects. SNRIs boost serotonin and norepinephrine. Non-responders can use them instead of SSRIs. The older tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are only used after other therapies fail due to their higher side effects and incompatibility. Antidepressants have pros and cons. The symptoms, medical history, and tolerance decide the appropriate one.

Individual Response

Treatment has to be personalized keeping individual effects and susceptibility to side effects in mind. Many antidepressants or combinations may be needed to find the right one. It takes patience, commitment, and doctor-patient communication to complete this process. Health, genes, and drugs may affect antidepressant effects. Monitor symptoms and side effects to evaluate therapeutic effectiveness and make modifications. There are some DNA or pharmacogenomic tests available to help doctors identify each patient's medication and dose but their use in clinical practice is limited.

Combination Therapy

Antidepressants perform best with psychotherapy but can be used alone. CBT and IPT can help people solve problems, change bad habits, and enhance relationships. Long-term results can be improved by treating biological and psychological depression with antidepressants and therapy. Doctor and patient should decide on combination treatment. Consider treatment choices, symptom intensity, and tools. Combination treatment works best for severe depression or sadness that doesn't respond to conventional therapies, according to research. Therapy also address specific issues like grief , trauma and relationship issues.

Maintenance Therapy

Multiple depressive episodes may require long-term antidepressant prescription to prevent relapses. Maintenance treatment lowers depression, stabilizes mood, and enhances quality of life. Treatment response, depression history, and stress or risk factors determine maintenance therapy length. Some may need lifetime maintenance medicine, while others can gradually stop antidepressants with monitoring. Therapy needs regular medical visits to monitor for relapse, modify medication, and give support and direction.

Monitoring and Side Effects

Doctors must monitor antidepressant users for effectiveness, side effects, and dosage modifications. Antidepressants are safe and well-tolerated, however some people develop side effects. Common side effects include headache, nausea, sleeplessness, exhaustion, weight changes, and sexual dysfunction. Report side effects to physicians promptly. Some side effects disappear as the body adjusts to the therapy, while others require dose or drug changes. To alleviate side effects, doctors may suggest taking the medicine with meals, adjusting dose, or mixing prescriptions.

Caution with Suicidal Thoughts

Antidepressants are safe and helpful for depression, but they may increase reporting of suicidal thoughts initially, especially in young patients. Patients may feel better emotionally and physically early in therapy before their symptoms resolve, increasing this risk. People and their loved ones should be aware of this threat and seek medical attention if symptoms emerge. Doctors should watch patients, especially in the initial weeks, and address mood or behavior changes. For safety, the person may need new therapy or care.

Gradual Withdrawal

Slow, medically supervised antidepressant discontinuation reduces withdrawal symptoms and depression relapse. Sudden antidepressant withdrawal can cause flu-like symptoms, dizziness, restlessness, irritability, and mood swings. Reduce the drug carefully to let the body acclimate and reduce withdrawal symptoms. The stopping process may depend on the treatment, how long it's been taken, and how well it works. Healthcare professionals may prescribe monthly follow-ups to monitor for relapse or withdrawal and give support and guidance throughout tapering. To stop therapy smoothly, people should be honest with their doctor and follow their instructions.

Other Forms Of Effective Treatments For Depression

Other than antidepressants and therapy, there are several approaches to treat and avoid depression.. Here are alternative solutions:

• Regular exercise offers several mental health benefits, including reducing symptoms. Natural endorphins boost happiness. Exercise helps improve sleep, vitality, stress and anxiety. Walking, jogging, swimming, yoga, and dance can reduce symptoms.
• Mindfulness & Meditation: MBCT and MBSR have been found to help depressed patients feel better and avoid relapse. These activities might help you stay present and observe your thoughts and sensations without judgment. Meditation, deep breathing, and other relaxation methods can also cleanse your mind and reduce tension.
• Your nutrition: A balanced diet might improve your mental health. Depressed patients may benefit from magnesium, folate, and omega-3 fatty acids, which regulate mood. Eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats, and less processed food, sugary snacks, and coffee can improve your health.
• Light Therapy: Phototherapy, or light therapy, uses intense artificial light in the morning to improve mood and circadian rhythms. SAD is a seasonal depression that occurs in winter when daylight is reduced. Light therapy can also assist non-seasonal depression.
• Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT): ECT sends electricity through the brain to control seizures. It's usually reserved for severe depression that hasn't responded to previous therapies or when immediate aid is needed. ECT is an effective depression therapy, especially when other methods fail.
• TMS is transcranial magnetic stimulation. This non-invasive method wakes up brain cells with magnetic fields. This medicine is frequently given to non-responders to antidepressants. TMS reduces depression and has fewer negative effects than ECT.

Zivanza is just a call away

If you are looking for a trustworthy psychologist to help you or your loved one get over mental health illnesses, Zivanza Wellness can be a great choice. Our expert team of psychiatrists and psychologists offers you a safe space to open up and provide you with practical methods and guidance to overcome any form of mental health issues.