Major depression
Alternative names:
depression, major; unipolar depression
Treatment:
Antidepressants drug therapy combined with psychotherapy appears to have better results than either therapy alone. Drug therapy includes tricyclic antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (see MAO inhibitor antidepressants - oral), and serotonin re-uptake blockers. Lithium and thyroid supplements often enhance the effectiveness of antidepressants. Electroconvulsive therapy is a psychiatric treatment that causes a central nervous system seizure by means of an electrical current. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may improve the mood of severely depressed or suicidal people who don't respond to other treatments.
Support groups:
The stress of illness can often be helped by joining a support group where members share common experiences and problems. See depression - support group.
Expectations (prognosis):
The outcome is usually good with treatment.
Complications:
Calling your health care provider:
Call your health care provider or mental health professional if you feel you can't continue to go on. Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have stopped eating, are eating all the time, are eating irregularly, or if you are hearing voices.
|
