Remember: More than 80% of people with MDD improve when they receive appropriate treatment.
Research indicates that mild to moderate MDD often can be treated successfully with either medication or psychotherapy alone. However, severe depression appears more likely to respond to a combination of psychotherapy and medication. Many people probably do best with combination of medication and psychotherapy: medication for relatively fast symptom relief and psychotherapy to help the person to learn more effective ways to deal with life's problems, including depression. Some people, however, cannot be on medication for various reasons (e.g., pregnancy). One type of treatment is better than none at all. The most important step is getting help.
In general, severe and recurrent MDD may require medication (or ECT under special conditions) along with, or preceding, psychotherapy for the best outcome.
Psychosocial Treatments for Bipolar Disorder
As an addition to medication, psychosocial treatments - including certain forms of psychotherapy are helpful in providing support, education, and guidance to people with bipolar disorder and their families. Studies have shown that psychosocial interventions can lead to increased mood stability, fewer hospitalizations, and improved functioning. A licensed mental health professional typically provides these therapies and often works together with the psychiatrist to monitor a patient's progress. At best, the number, frequency, and type of sessions are based on the treatment needs of each person. Psychosocial interventions commonly used for bipolar disorder are cognitive behavioral therapy, psychoeducation, family therapy, and a newer technique, interpersonal and social rhythm therapy.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps people with bipolar disorder learn to change inappropriate or negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with the illness, as well as respond more effectively to stress.
Psychoeducation involves teaching people with bipolar disorder about the illness and its treatment, and how to recognize signs of relapse so that early intervention can be sought before a full-blown illness episode occurs. Psychoeducation also may be helpful for family members. Family therapy uses strategies to reduce the level of distress within the family that may either contribute to or result from the ill person's symptoms.
Interpersonal and Social Rhythm helps people with bipolar disorder both to improve interpersonal relationships and to regularize their daily routines. Regular daily routines and sleep schedules may help protect against manic episodes.
As with medication, it is important to follow the treatment plan for any psychosocial intervention to achieve the greatest benefit.
What treatments are you utilizing at the moment?
