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Treatments for Depression

Authors:
  • Amy Scholten, MPH
Publication Type:

ConditionInDepth

Treatments for Depression

Depression is treatable. The main way to treat it is with medicines and counseling. Sometimes, one or the other is enough, but they may be combined. The medicines ease symptoms by changing how chemicals in the brain work. Counseling helps a person spot and cope with problems.

Depression is treated with:

Lifestyle changes

Medications

Alternative and complementary therapies

Other treatments—therapy

Hospital care is usually needed for people who may hurt themselves or others.

There are no surgical procedures for depression.

References

  • Antidepressant medication overview. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/drug-review/antidepressant-medication-overview.
  • Depression alternative treatments. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/management/depression-alternative-treatment.
  • Depression. National Institute of Mental Health website. Available at: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml.
  • Depressive disorders. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/psychiatric-disorders/mood-disorders/depressive-disorders.
  • Major depressive disorder (MDD). EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/major-depressive-disorder-mdd.

Contributors

  • Adrian Preda, MD
Last Updated:
2022-11-01

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This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.