Options for Treating Depression

Depression -- this disorder affects millions of individuals worldwide and is now known to be more than just a mood issue. Many medical professionals believe that depression is caused by an imbalance of naturally occurring chemicals in the brain which may include serotonin and norepinephrine. Other potential causes of depression include major stressors such as the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship or the loss of a job. Just as there are various causes of depression, there are various ways of treating depression.

Antidepressants are commonly prescribed to depressed individuals these days. The majority of these antidepressants fall into the SSRI category. SSRI stands for selective serotonin reputake inhibitor. As its name suggests, this type of drug works by increasing the level of the brain chemical serotonin. Serotonin is responsible for feelings of well being, or the lack thereof. Examples of SSRI medications include Prozac, Paxil and Zoloft.

A new innovation in the world of antidepressants is the SNRI. SNRIs are similar to SSRIs with one difference. Rather than simply affecting the level of serotonin, these drugs also affect the level of norepinephrine, another brain chemical that may contribute to depression. SNRIs help balance the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine at the same time, which may be even more effective for some than traditional SSRIs. Cymbalta is the newest SNRI on the market today.

It's important to understand that while antidepressants are a commonly used remedy for depression, there are other options. Some people don't feel comfortable taking antidepressants. Others experience side effects that they don't like. Still others may not find relief from antidepressants, especially if their symptoms are caused by factors not related to brain chemicals. For these individuals, treatment may include counseling or therapy. Even regular exercise has been touted as an all natural remedy for some forms of depression.

Treating depression is a highly personal issue that should be discussed at length with your medical professional. The type of treatment that will work best for you depends on the type of depression you have, the severity of your symptoms, and your own personal preferences. Some patients try drug-free options like counseling, stress management techniques, exercise, light therapy (especially for SAD or seasonal affective disorder) or even vitamins under the supervision of their doctor. If these remedies fail to work, then antidepressants may be the preferred treatment method.

Copyright 2007 Jim Sterling - All Rights Reserved

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