Download Treatments for Depression - Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust

Treatments for
Depression
This leaflet contains information about depression
and how it can be treated
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Childr
amilies
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Services
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Mental Health
Adult Mental Health
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What is depression?
Depression is a very common problem, which many adults will at some
time experience. In its mildest forms depression does not stop you
from leading a normal life, but the most severe depression can be life
threatening, with thoughts of suicide.
What are the symptoms of
depression?
Common symptoms of depression include:
• Feeling sad, guilty, upset, numb or despairing
• Losing interest and enjoyment in things
• Crying a lot or feeling unable to cry
• Feeling alone even if you are in company
• Losing confidence in yourself
• Expecting the worst and having negative thoughts
• Feeling hopeless
• Thoughts of suicide
• Negative self-image
• Poor memory or concentration
• Tiredness
• Restlessness
• Sleep problems, especially waking early or interrupted sleep
• Feeling worse at particular times of the day (usually morning)
• Changes in appetite, eating and weight
Not everyone who is depressed experiences all of these symptoms and
even if you are not seriously depressed it is usual to experience some
of these things from time to time. If these feelings are very strong or
continue for some time it is likely that you have depression.
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What causes depression?
Many things may cause depression. Causes of depression differ from
person to person. You may become depressed after distressing events
such as the death of someone close to you, or because of circumstances
such as being alone or living on a low income. You may become
depressed for no apparent reason.
Who gets depressed?
Some people are more likely than others to develop depression. This may
be because of body make up, early life experiences or family influences.
How can I help myself?
Physical activity: Walking, running or swimming can be helpful.
Building some time into your day to do this can make you feel less tired.
Talk to others: Talk about how you are feeling to your friends and
family. You may be surprised to find that they too have felt depressed at
some time and understand how you feel. Look after yourself: Resist the
temptation to cope with your depression by drinking alcohol, misusing
medication or turning to illegal drugs. Eat well and treat yourself to
things you normally enjoy.
What other help is available?
Your GP is usually able to help you himself. He can also ask for help
from other professionals such as counsellors, and specialist mental health
workers.
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What choices of treatment are
available?
Because depression has a number of different causes and can be of
varying severity, your treatment should suit your own personal situation.
You may have your own thoughts about which treatment you would like.
Your GP can offer a range of treatments. These may include exercise
programmes, talking therapy or antidepressants. Most depressed people
can be successfully treated by their GP.
If the treatment is not successful or if you are suffering with a more
severe form of depression your GP can refer you to a mental health
worker if you wish.
Like many other illnesses, milder forms of depression will usually get
better by themselves and no treatment is needed. Sometimes simple
advice about sleep and coping with problems helps.
What are Talking Therapies?
There are a range of talking therapies or treatments which can help.
They include counselling, problem solving and cognitive behavioural
therapy (CBT). The availability of these therapies is variable. Talking
treatments work best for depression of milder severity. They usually take
about 15 hourly sessions given weekly or fortnightly.
When are Antidepressant
Medications used?
If you have a more severe form of depression or your depression has
lasted a long time, then antidepressant medication is likely to be a better
choice of treatment. Antidepressants can be given instead of or as well as
talking treatment. They are also helpful when talking treatments are not
readily available, if you prefer them to talking treatments or if they have
helped you before.
These drugs can be prescribed by your GP or psychiatrist
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How do Antidepressants work?
Antidepressants work by altering the way in which certain chemicals
work in your brain. These chemicals are called neuro-transmitters and
they transmit signals between the cells in your brain.
When you are depressed some of the neurotransmitter systems
don't work properly, as the levels of neurotransmitters are low. It is
thought that antidepressants work by increasing the amount of these
neurotransmitters in your brain.
When you begin a course of antidepressants you will be told that they do
not work immediately. It can take 2 - 4 weeks before they take effect. It
is best for most people to continue taking antidepressants for six months
after they start to feel better. Try to persevere - stopping too early is the
commonest reason for people not getting better and for the depression
returning. If you have had two or more episodes of depression then
treatment should be continued for at least two years.
What are the benefits of
antidepressants?
Some studies have found that after three months of antidepressant
treatment, between 50% and 65% of the people who take them find
their symptoms are much improved. All antidepressants work slowly.
Most people find that they feel somewhat better after about two to
three weeks. It takes up to six weeks for the full benefits to be noticed.
It is very important that you continue to take the medication so that the
full benefits can be felt.
Which antidepressant will I get?
These days’ doctors usually recommend one of a group of newer
antidepressants called Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors (SSRIs).
Antidepressants in this category include Fluoxetine, Citalopram,
Paroxetine, Escitalopram, Sertraline and Fluvoxamine*. SSRI drugs are as
effective as other antidepressants but usually cause fewer side-effects.
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If you prefer a particular antidepressant or have previously responded to
one, this will be taken into account by your doctor.
What are the risks of
antidepressants?
Antidepressants will lead to improvement in most depressed people.
Usually they do not cause severe side-effects and most people can take
them with no difficulty.
When you start antidepressants your doctor will suggest that you meet
in a week or two so that if you do develop any problems with your
medication they can be sorted out quickly. Antidepressants are different
from anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) such as Lorazepam, Diazepam and sleeping
tablets which all can lead to addiction. Antidepressants are not addictive
but should not be stopped suddenly in order to avoid withdrawal effects.
You should talk to your doctor about when and how to stop your
antidepressant.
Is any other information available?
Depression Alliance
9 Woburn Walk, London WC1H 0JE.
Tel: 0845 123 23 20
Email: [email protected]
Mind Infoline: 0300 123 3393
The Wellbeing and Mental Health Helpline provides an information
and listening service for people in Lancashire. It is available between 7.00
pm and 11.00 pm Mondays to Fridays and from 12.00 noon until 12.00
midnight on Saturdays and Sundays Tel: Freephone 0300 222 5931.
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This information is intended
as a guide only. If you are
concerned about the mental
health of yourself or another
person, you may wish to
consult your GP for further
advice.
Other sources of information:
The Wellbeing and Mental Health Helpline
This provides an information and listening service for
people in Lancashire. It is available between 7:00pm
and 11:00pm Mondays to Fridays and from 12:00
noon until 12:00 midnight on Saturdays and Sundays.
Other sources of information:
Freephone 0300 222 5931.
The Mental Health Helpline provides an information and listening
service for people in Lancashire. It is available
between
Customer
Care7.00pm
and 11.00pm Mondays to Fridays andIffrom
12.00
noon
12.00
you wish to
payuntil
a compliment
about the Trust’s
midnight on Saturdays and Sundays. Freephone
0500
639000.
services, make a comment, raise a concern or complaint,
pleaseprovides
contactadvice
the Customer
Care Department on
The Patient Advice and Liaison Service
and
01772PALS
695315,
information. Please contact East Lancashire
on: freephone 0808 144 1010 or
01282 474178 or 07507 857345 email [email protected]
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