depression,
where to get help?
In most cases the best treatment of depression is a combination of psychotherapy and medications.:
The specific medications that are effective in the treatment of depression are called anti-depressants. Anti-depressants are not addictive, it is a common misconception that they are addictive. Anti-depressants are quite safe when used over extended periods of time.
|
Antidepressants |
Status |
Side-effects
|
|
Serotonine
Selective Reuptake Inhibitors |
New
Not possible to over dose |
Nausea
Weight gain/loss
Delayed ejaculation |
|
Tricyclic
and Tetracyclic Antidepressants |
Old
Over dose possibility |
Dry
mouth, blurred vision, urinary hesitancy and constipation |
|
Monoamine
Oxidase Inhibitors |
Old
- most powerful
Require stringent avoidance of pethidine (in particular
foods and drugs) |
Insomnia
Agitation |
|
Serotonine-Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitors |
Newest |
Increased
blood pressure |
|
Serotonine-2
Antagonist and Reuptake Inhibitors |
Old |
Sexual
side-effects less likely than as with SSRIs |
|
Noradrenergic
and Specific Serotonergic Antidepressants |
Old |
Weight
gain, sedation |
Certain structured psychotherapies have also proven very effective for treating depression:
- Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or any other form of talk therapy that includes a CBT component
- Interpersonal Psychotherapy
Treatment will be adjusted according to the type of depression.
The therapeutic objective of drug treatment is to significantly reduce the depressive symptoms so that normal life can be enjoyed. Medication must be taken regularly according to your doctor's instructions and advice.
Some
improvements may be experienced immediately but the full beneficial
effects may only be achieved over a period of weeks or months.
Certain side-effects may be experienced. These are usually
harmless and will pass of their own accord -but your doctor
should be informed if these side-effects prove excessively irritating
or disturbing. The medication should not be stopped or
substituted by another without prior consultation with your
doctor.
Avoid
excessive alcohol intake as this may react with your medication
and can severely impair your reactions and thought processes.
Depression
can be a serious illness. Nevertheless, the vast majority
of people with depression respond well to treatment.
The
first step in fighting depression is to discuss your symptoms
with an experienced professional. So, consult your local
practitioner, local clinic or day hospital.
Self-help
- Self
education
- Reading
about the disorder
- Practical
means:
- Relaxation
techniques, eg. exercise
- A
change in lifestyle, eg. adjusting
your diet, Keep
occupied, Holidays/short
breaks
Other
Resources/ References
The
Depression and Anxiety Support Group of SA
(011) 883 8502 or (011) 884 1797
Post Natal Depression Association of South Africa (021) 797 4498
Bipolar & Related Disorders Association (012) 348 6057
Internet
http://www.depression.org
http://web.uct.ac.za/depts/mmi/jmoodie/contents.html
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