Depression Treatment :
Psychotherapy /
Medication
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy (psychological treatment of depression) is
one of the most common treatments for depression. It assists the
depressed individual in several ways. First, supportive
counseling helps ease the pain of depression, and addresses the
feelings of hopelessness that accompany depression. Two kinds of
individual psychotherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
and interpersonal therapy (IPT), have been used with
success in depressed individuals. Cognitive-Behavioral
Therapy (CBT) focuses on helping the depressed person to
change negative styles of thinking and negative behaviors, while
(Interpersonal Therapy) IPT focuses on disturbed
interpersonal relationships that may be contributing to the
depression. Cognitive therapy helps the depressed person
recognize which life problems are critical, and which are minor.
It also helps him/her to develop positive life goals, and a more
positive self-assessment. Disadvantages of psychotherapy include
the fact that it may take some time until benefits are observed,
and the quality of the experience depends upon the skill and
methods of the therapist as well as the commitment and
motivation of the patient.
Unfortunately, many poorly trained counselors never move
beyond providing supportive counseling. This alone will not
eliminate the depression. As a result, the depression, and the
therapy, continues indefinitely, with little improvement.
Supportive counseling "feels" helpful, and as part of the
overall treatment plan does help. But, unless the depressed
person makes critical life changes, the depression will
continue.
The length of treatment will vary, according to the severity
of the depression, and the number and kind of life problems that
need to be addressed. Most people will begin to experience some
relief with 6 to 10 sessions, and approximately 70-80% of those
treated notice significant improvement within 20-30 sessions.
Mild depression may be treated in less sessions, and more
significant depression may require extended treatment. Treatment
sessions are usually scheduled once per week, although they may
be scheduled more frequently initially, or if the person is
experiencing significant life crises.
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