Diagnosis and Treatment of Depression

Diagnosis and Treatment of Depression

• TribecaCare
• 6th Feb 2025

Family support, medical help and psycho-social therapy are all connected
with diagnosing and treating depression.
Many symptoms of depression such as fatigue and changes in sleep
patterns, can also be the result of medical conditions. What a physician or
clinician will recommend for a full diagnosis of depression, after an initial
assessment will be:  a thorough physical investigation, with blood tests and
neurological evaluation, a review of the patient’s medical history, along with
mental health evaluation.
Treatment depends on many things, including what type of depression you
have, your response to behavioral health treatments in the past, and your
own personal goals and expectations. You might get one treatment or a
combination of treatments.
Psychotherapy involves talking with a provider during a therapy session.
The goal is to help you identify unhealthy patterns and find ways to change
or reframe them. Medication involves prescription drugs. Many doctors
recommend a combination of these approaches. The different types of
antidepressants are:

•  Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
•  Serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
•  Serotonin modulators
•  Atypical antidepressants
•  Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)
•  Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)

Treatment of Depression in the Elderly

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/services/depression-treatment

Depression in older adults can be treated and among the different options
available are:

•  Psychotherapy: Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy. The
  most commonly used psychotherapy is cognitive-behavioral therapy
  (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT). These help the patient
  understand what they are going through and help them change
  behaviour and thoughts which are having a negative impact on their
  mental and physical health
•  Medication: There are many kinds of antidepressant medications
  used by doctors to treat depression, but all of them have side
  effects and must be only taken with a doctor’s knowledge,
  supervision and prescription. It also takes some time to balance
  the right medication in the correct dosage which helps treat
  depression and every patient will be assessed on a case-by-case
  basis. There is no one single drug which suits everyone.
•  Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT): ECT is a medical procedure that
  involves administering a brief electrical current to the brain. It can
  be an effective treatment option for severe depression that has not
  responded to other treatments
•  Lifestyle Changes: Lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise, a
  healthy diet and adequate sleep can also play a role in managing
  depression. Engaging in regular physical activity can help improve
  mood, reduce stress, and promote better sleep. A healthy diet can
  provide the necessary nutrients for brain health, and getting enough
  sleep is essential for overall well-being.
•  Social Support: Maintaining social connections and engaging in
  activities that bring joy and fulfillment can also be beneficial for
  managing depression. Spending time with loved ones, participating
  in social groups, and pursuing hobbies can help reduce feelings of
  loneliness and isolation