How Is Depression Treated?

Depending on the type and severity of depression, treatment may involve:

• Psychotherapy (counseling), which is the treatment of mental and emotional disorders by psychologic techniques and counseling

• Antidepressant medications which can restore proper chemical balance in the brain

• Other treatments such as light therapy and electroconvulsive therapy

Treatment is successful in 80% to 90% of clinically depressed people.

• In mild to moderate depression, psychotherapy may be all that is needed.

• Regular exercise is also beneficial for helping to uplift mood in milder forms of depression.

• If symptoms don't improve in a couple of months, and certainly in more severe cases of depression, medication may be needed.

• If there is a risk of suicide, medication or hospitalization may be necessary right away.

• For some people, the best and most lasting results are obtained with a combination of psychotherapy and antidepressant medication.

To be considered recovered, one must be in remission - that is, depressive symptoms must not be present - for four to six months. The person should have returned to his or her usual ways of thinking, feeling, and behaving.