Treatment of Depression (continuation)
In many patients, antidepressant drugs along with or followed by counseling may be required. Most studies
have shown that psychotherapy and medication are complementary and additive in value. The medication seems
to affect the specific symptoms and the psychotherapy affects the problems of living. The most commonly
prescribed types of drugs are:
Tricyclic antidepressants. These drugs work through the central nervous system to relieve the symptoms.
Most take several days or even up to four to six weeks to have their full effect. Some tricyclic antidepressants
are combined with anti-anxiety agents if anxiety is present.
Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors. These drugs block the action of an enzyme that aids in the breakdown
of certain chemicals in the brain. They are faster acting than the tricyclic antidepressants, usually working
within several days. People taking MAO inhibitors must be careful not to eat foods containing tyramine--for
example, certain types of ripe cheese or red wine--because the combination may lead to dangerously elevated
blood pressure. They should obtain a diet sheet from their physician with details of foods to be avoided.
Lithium salts. These are naturally occurring crystalline salts, used to treat manic depression, a
disorder marked by extreme mood swings from exhilaration to deep depression. They may be given in combination
with an anti-depressive drug during the acute phase, and then be taken alone to prevent the mood swings. The
lithium dosage should be carefully monitored by a doctor, since even a slight overdose may have toxic effects.
Other non-drug treatments are also available, and may be recommended, depending upon the severity and duration
of the depression.
Summing Up
Depression can be a serious illness that interferes with one's ability to function and cope with life's adversities.
Fortunately, a number of effective treatments for depression have been developed, and most people now recognize that
telling a depressed person to "buck up" is not likely to do any good. Most cases of depression improve within a few
months of treatment. Even when symptoms continue beyond that time, they are likely to be sufficiently alleviated so
that the patient can resume most normal activities; at the same time, he can learn how to avoid unnecessarily stressful
situations and achieve an increasing level of equanimity through an individually prescribed combination of self-awareness,
suitable medication and--where indicated--a program of counseling, psychotherapy or other treatments.
