Clinical levels of depression, a mental disorder involving a persistently depressed mood, hopelessness and a variety of other debilitating symptoms, has become very treatable through the use of medication and therapy. Additionally, findings have found important connections between depression and some common vitamins.
Medication
A class of drugs referred to as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors have been found to be very effective in the treatment of depression by making changes to the user's brain chemistry.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a therapeutic technique that places a focus on dysfunctional practices and attempts to change them using logical interventions. Findings indicate that CBT works about as well as medication for the treatment of depression.
Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy
Rational emotive behavioral therapy (REBT) is used to examine and correct irrational beliefs. REBT has been found to be about as effective as CBT and medication in the treatment of depression.
Vitamins
Vitamin B2 and B5 deficiencies are both known to cause symptoms of depression. While depression might not always be caused by a vitamin deficiency, ensuring that you consume enough of both B2 and B5 is a good practice to avoid exacerbating or creating symptoms.
Combined Treatments
The most effective treatments of depression involve a combination of medication, therapy and a healthy lifestyle. Should your symptoms persist after treatment, tell your therapist. No medication or therapy technique works for everyone.