BD Express : Diagnosis and treatment for depression

If a physical cause is ruled out for depression, a psychological evaluation should be performed by the physician or by referral to a psychiatrist or psychologist.

A good diagnosis is a complete history of symptoms, ie, when it started, how long they lasted, how difficult it is, if the patient had before, and if so, if you treat the symptoms and what treatment was given. The doctor should ask about alcohol and drug use, and if the patient is thinking about death or suicide. In addition, a history should include questions about whether the family has had depression, but treatment, medication, and were effective.

Finally, a diagnostic assessment of mental status examination to determine if speech or thought patterns or memory have been influenced, as sometimes occurs with depression or manic-depressive.

The choice of treatment depends on the results of the evaluation. There are a variety of antidepressants and psychotherapy to treat depression. Some people with milder forms may do well with psychotherapy alone. People with moderate to severe depression benefit more from antidepressants. Most are best with combined treatment: medication to relieve symptoms relatively quickly and psychotherapy most effective ways for learning difficulties of life, including depression as well. Depending on the patient's diagnosis and severity of symptoms, the therapist may prescribe medication and / or various forms of psychotherapy that have proven effective for depression.

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is useful, especially for people whose severe depression or death, or who can not antidepressants. ECT is often in cases where effective antidepressants do not provide sufficient relief of symptoms. In recent years, ECT has improved considerably. It is a muscle relaxant before the procedure, which under brief anesthesia. Electrodes are placed at specific locations in the head, sending electrical impulses. The stimulation causes a brief (approximately 30 seconds) attack within the brain. The person who has not consciously experience TEC electrical stimulation. For full therapeutic benefit, at least several sessions of ECT, usually given the amount of three per week to complete.

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