How Is Depression Treated?

Once depression is diagnosed, a more specific evaluation matches the type of depression or symptoms to the most effective treatment therapies. Depending on the type and severity of the depression, the treatment plan may include medication, psychotherapy or both.

Psychotherapy involves ongoing conversation between the depressed person and a mental health professional to help the patient gain insights, change ineffective behavior patterns and develop more effective coping strategies. Healthcare professionals who specialize in treating depression include psychiatrists, psychologists and other mental health therapists or counselors.

Medications, which must be prescribed by a physician, usually become fully effective within three to six weeks. It is important to continue taking medication as prescribed, even after improvement begins, for the fullest recovery. If the medication does not seem effective, or if side effects are troublesome, the physician may change the prescription.