5 Major Depressive Disorder Treatment Options Explained

There are many available treatment options for major depressive disorder. (Image via Freepik/ Freepik)
There are many available treatment options for major depressive disorder. (Image via Freepik/ Freepik)

Are you concerned about the various major depressive disorder treatment options? Clinical depression, often known as major depressive disorder (MDD), is a prevalent mood condition that can affect anyone. Persistent melancholy and irritation are some of its most common symptoms.

Sadness is a normal emotion that everyone experiences occasionally. When a loved one dies or when you're dealing with a difficult life event like a divorce or a serious illness, you may experience sadness or depression.

Typically, these emotions pass quickly. Some people may have a mood disorder such as major depressive disorder (MDD) if they consistently and intensely feel depressed for long periods.

Major depressive disorder treament is an open field of exploration. (Image via Freepik/ Freepik)
Major depressive disorder treament is an open field of exploration. (Image via Freepik/ Freepik)

Major Depressive Disorder Treatment Options

The road to recovery for major depressive disorder is not linear. (Image via Freepik/Freepik)
The road to recovery for major depressive disorder is not linear. (Image via Freepik/Freepik)

Depending on the nature and severity of your Major Depressive Disorder, you will receive a different course of treatment. Psychotherapy is used by some people. Additionally, they might use antidepressants or adhere to other therapies. Exercise is beneficial as well.

You also have more choices if that's insufficient. Your doctor might advise brain stimulation methods like electroconvulsive treatment or transcranial magnetic stimulation, for instance.

Depending on your symptoms and medical history, your doctor may or may not recommend antidepressants. Mood-stabilizing medications and certain antipsychotic pharmaceuticals may also be used to treat the disorder.

Here's a look at five such treatment options:

1) Use of Antidepressants

While antidepressants are helpful, they can also have additional side effects. (Image via Freepik/Freepik)
While antidepressants are helpful, they can also have additional side effects. (Image via Freepik/Freepik)

Medicines called antidepressants are used to treat the signs and symptoms of depression.

There are numerous types to choose from. Antidepressants generally help those with moderate to severe depression, although not everyone does. One antidepressant might work for you while another might not, and you might need to try two or more therapies before you discover one that does.

The effectiveness of the various antidepressant classes is comparable. However, adverse reactions fluctuate between individuals and therapies. To determine how well your antidepressants work, you should visit your doctor or a specialized nurse every week or two for at least four weeks after you start taking them.


2) Stimulation Of The Vagus Nerve

For those whose depression has defied prior treatments, brain stimulation surgery may be a major depressive disorder treatment option.

The chest is surgically implanted with a stopwatch-sized device that resembles a pacemaker. The wires connect to your neck's left vagus nerve. To and from the brain, this nerve receives regular electrical impulses from the gadget.

According to studies, this therapy has a good chance of success and causes changes in the brain region associated with depression. However, it can take up to six months or longer for you to start noticing any changes in your symptoms.


3) Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) For Adults With Major Depressive Episodes

Magnetic stimulation is also being used as a major depressive disorder treatment. (Image via freepik/Freepik)
Magnetic stimulation is also being used as a major depressive disorder treatment. (Image via freepik/Freepik)

Adults with serious depression who have already taken one antidepressant are treated with it.

The side of your scalp is covered with an electromagnetic coil by your doctor. To excite the nerve cells in the prefrontal cortex, one of the parts of the brain that regulates mood, it generates a magnetic field that transmits an electric current. It's important to note that TMS is less effective than electroshock therapy.


4) Psychotherapy, A Major Depressive Disorder Treatment Option

The most clinically researched treatment option for major depressive disorder is psychotherapy. (Image via Freepik/Freepik)
The most clinically researched treatment option for major depressive disorder is psychotherapy. (Image via Freepik/Freepik)

Another name for it is talk therapy. You can visit a mental health specialist, such as a social worker, psychologist, or psychiatrist.

You will gain new skills to deal with the difficulties and mentality that depression can cause. In cases of mild to severe depression, psychotherapy may be just as effective as antidepressants.

You can receive talk therapy by yourself, in a group, or with your family. Your doctor will assist you in determining which is ideal for you.


5) St. John's wort

Although it has adverse effects and drug combinations that you should consider with your healthcare professional, this herb may be helpful in treating depression. Doctors do not advise using it, but there's some evidence that it may benefit those with mild to moderate depression.

You can never be certain what kind of impact it will have on you, as the number of active chemicals fluctuates between different brands and batches. Anticonvulsants, anticoagulants, antidepressants, and pills are just a few of the medications that interact negatively with St. John's wort.


Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) Diagnosis

An individual with major depressive disorder may have to go through many diagnostic processes. (Image via Pexels/Cottonbro)
An individual with major depressive disorder may have to go through many diagnostic processes. (Image via Pexels/Cottonbro)

There are multiple major depressive disorder options. To diagnose you with depression, your doctor may look at the following:

1) Physical Body Examination

Physical examinations and questions about your health may be conducted by your doctor. Depression and underlying physical health issues might sometimes be related.

2) Laboratory Tests

For instance, to check if your thyroid is working properly, your doctor may perform a blood test called a complete blood count.

3) Psychiatric Evaluation

Your mental health expert will inquire about your signs, feelings, thoughts, and recurring patterns of behavior. To help you with the answers, you might be requested to complete a questionnaire.

4) DSM-5

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) published by the American Psychiatric Association contains a list of criteria for depression that your mental health provider may utilize.


Everyone is different. To find the optimal major depressive disorder treatment for you, you might need to try a few different kinds at varied levels.

Additionally, it takes time for a treatment strategy to have its intended impact. Before finding a medical professional you wish to work with, you can consult a few of them. Your route to feeling well will be aided by your patience and openness towards Major Depressive Disorder treatment options.


Janvi Kapur is a counselor with a Master's degree in applied psychology with a specialization in clinical psychology.


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