Depression: Treatment must be individually tailored

More and more people are affected by depression - fortunately, the condition is relatively easy to treat. Mild depression is usually treated with outpatient psychotherapy. If the illness is more severe, medication is almost always used in addition. In severe cases, inpatient treatment is often indicated. Here, medication can be specifically adjusted under medical supervision. Methods such as music, art and movement therapies can also help to find ways out of depression.

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via Sabrina
12/13/2016, 10:21
Niedergeschlagen, verzweifelt, antriebslos: Immer mehr Menschen leiden unter einer Depression.© iStock
Dejected, desperate, listless: more and more people are suffering from depression.

Antidepressants for the treatment of depression

An imbalance of serotonin and noradrenaline in the brain is a fundamental cause of depression. Antidepressants have the task of bringing the messenger substances back into balance. However, it takes several weeks for antidepressants to take effect in the treatment of depression.

There are various antidepressants for the treatment of depression, which have completely different effects. Which medication is suitable for a patient to combat depression must be clarified in advance with the treating doctor.

Basis of the treatment of depression: Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy aims to reduce negative feelings and behaviors typical of depression and replace them with positive behavioral patterns. Cognitive-behavioral therapy, which consists of three elements, is most commonly used: Firstly, it is intended to help the patient reestablish a regular daily structure. If this is successful, those affected become less withdrawn and experience that they can cope with planned activities. The second building block is the reduction of negative thought patterns. Together with the therapist, the patient develops an awareness of how negative thoughts affect their feelings. The third aspect focuses on training social skills and representing one's own interests with confidence. Finally, strategies are learned to prevent relapses.

The different therapies for depression and the duration of treatment

In the treatment of depression, a distinction is made between acute therapy, long-term therapy and long-term prevention. Acute therapy is the first stage of treatment. Its main purpose is to alleviate the symptoms to such an extent that everyday life can be managed. It usually lasts six to eight weeks. Maintenance therapy is intended to further contain the symptoms - it takes four to nine months. Long-term prevention can sometimes take years. This is particularly true if symptoms have not completely subsided or living conditions remain difficult.