Medications
If medication is deemed necessary, the most commonly prescribed anti-depressants for this disorder are the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which include fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), escitalopram (Lexapro), paroxetine (Paxil), and citalopram (Celexa) Other anti-depressants which may be used include newer dual-acting agents such as bupropion (Wellbutrin), venlafaxine (Effexor), mirtazapine (Remeron, Avanza), and duloxetine (Cymbalta).
Sometimes two different anti-depressant medications are prescribed together, or a physician may prescribe a mood stabilizer or anti-anxiety medication in combination with an anti-depressant.
Side-effects of medications Some side-effects for SSRIs are "sexual dysfunction, nausea…diarrhea, sleepiness or insomnia, short-term memory loss and tremors". Antidepressant medications can also cause suicidality and aggression in some cases, in particular, in children and teens. Some antidepressants are ineffective in some patients. Older antidepressants such as a tricyclic antidepressant or an MAOI can be tried in such cases. Tricyclic antidepressants are more effective but have worse side-effects. Side-effects for tricyclic antidepressants are "weight gain, dry mouth, blurry vision, sexual dysfunction, and low blood pressure".
Psychotherapy Some evidence suggests that the combination of medication and psychotherapy may result in the greatest improvement. The type of psychotherapy that will help depends on a number of factors, including the nature of any stressful events, the availability of family and other social support, and personal preference. Therapy should include education about depression. Support is essential. Cognitive behavioral therapy is designed to examine and help correct faulty, self-critical thought patterns and correct the cognitive distortions that persons with mood disorders commonly experience. Psychodynamic, insight-oriented or interpersonal psychotherapy can help a person sort out conflicts in important relationships or explore the history behind the symptoms.
Friends and family Anecdotal evidence indicates that sufferers' awareness that they form an important part in the lives of the people familiar to them, both near and far, helps them to cope.
If medication is deemed necessary, the most commonly prescribed anti-depressants for this disorder are the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which include fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), escitalopram (Lexapro), paroxetine (Paxil), and citalopram (Celexa) Other anti-depressants which may be used include newer dual-acting agents such as bupropion (Wellbutrin), venlafaxine (Effexor), mirtazapine (Remeron, Avanza), and duloxetine (Cymbalta).
Sometimes two different anti-depressant medications are prescribed together, or a physician may prescribe a mood stabilizer or anti-anxiety medication in combination with an anti-depressant.
Side-effects of medications Some side-effects for SSRIs are "sexual dysfunction, nausea…diarrhea, sleepiness or insomnia, short-term memory loss and tremors". Antidepressant medications can also cause suicidality and aggression in some cases, in particular, in children and teens. Some antidepressants are ineffective in some patients. Older antidepressants such as a tricyclic antidepressant or an MAOI can be tried in such cases. Tricyclic antidepressants are more effective but have worse side-effects. Side-effects for tricyclic antidepressants are "weight gain, dry mouth, blurry vision, sexual dysfunction, and low blood pressure".
Psychotherapy Some evidence suggests that the combination of medication and psychotherapy may result in the greatest improvement. The type of psychotherapy that will help depends on a number of factors, including the nature of any stressful events, the availability of family and other social support, and personal preference. Therapy should include education about depression. Support is essential. Cognitive behavioral therapy is designed to examine and help correct faulty, self-critical thought patterns and correct the cognitive distortions that persons with mood disorders commonly experience. Psychodynamic, insight-oriented or interpersonal psychotherapy can help a person sort out conflicts in important relationships or explore the history behind the symptoms.
Friends and family Anecdotal evidence indicates that sufferers' awareness that they form an important part in the lives of the people familiar to them, both near and far, helps them to cope.