Depression affects countless individuals, impacting their daily lives and well-being. Symptoms can range from mild feelings of sadness to severe struggles that significantly impair functioning and quality of life. Fortunately, there is a wide range of treatment options available to help manage depression, including medications, alternative treatments, and depression therapy. The following article will explore some of these treatment options, focusing on psychotherapy. Additionally, we will delve into the innovative NWS therapy program, designed to provide comprehensive care tailored to individuals dealing with depression.
Understanding Depression
Depression, or the formal diagnosis of major depressive disorder according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM), is a serious mental illness that affects a significant number of individuals. Although everyone who experiences symptoms may not develop depression, according to the American Psychiatric Association, almost 18% of people experience depression at any given time, while nearly three in ten adults have experienced it at some point in their lives [2].
The symptoms of depression can vary in intensity and presentation, with each person experiencing it differently. The severity of depression is determined by level of impairment in daily functioning.
Mild Depression:
Mild depression may present with symptoms that cause some level of distress but allow individuals to continue with their daily activities.
- These symptoms may include [2]:
- Occasional feelings of sadness
- Changes in appetite or sleep patterns
- Reduced interest in activities
Mild depression might show up as heightened irritability or restlessness instead of persistent sadness [2].
While individuals with mild depression may experience difficulties, they can typically manage their symptoms with support and self-care strategies [2].
Moderate Depression:
Moderate depression involves more pronounced symptoms that significantly impact daily functioning [2?].
Individuals with moderate depression may experience [2]:
- Persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness
- Difficulty maintaining relationships or fulfilling responsibilities.
- Increased engagement in high-risk activities or impulsivity.
Therapy or medication may be necessary to manage symptoms and improve the quality of life for individuals with moderate depression [2].
Severe Depression:
Severe depression encompasses a wide range of symptoms that cause significant impairment in various aspects of life.
Individuals with severe depression symptoms may experience [2, 5]:
- Struggles to function at work or school.
- Withdrawal from social activities
- Intense feelings of despair or worthlessness
- Physical symptoms such as headaches or gastrointestinal problems without a clear medical explanation.
- In severe cases, depression can lead to suicidal thoughts or behaviors, requiring immediate intervention and intensive treatment.
Related: What To Know About Depression, According to the DSM-5
Psychological Theory
Psychological theory is the foundation for understanding human behavior and guiding therapeutic interventions. It provides therapists with a structured framework to comprehend the complexities of human behavior and develop effective treatment plans [6]. By drawing upon well-established theories, therapists can better understand the root causes of their clients’ struggles and tailor interventions accordingly [6].
Psychological theory acts as a roadmap in therapy, informing therapists about the underlying mechanisms driving their clients’ thoughts, feelings, and actions. Furthermore, psychological theory helps therapists frame therapy goals and specify the treatment plan [6]. By understanding the theoretical underpinnings of various therapeutic approaches, therapists can set clear objectives for their clients and determine the most appropriate interventions to achieve them [6].
A critical component of effective therapy is the therapeutic alliance, which is the collaborative relationship between the therapist and the client, built on trust, empathy, and mutual respect [6]. The alliance provides a supportive environment where clients feel safe to explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences openly [6]. It also fosters a partnership, with both parties working together towards the client’s therapeutic goals [6].
Active participation from the therapist and the patient is crucial for meaningful therapeutic change. Therapists actively engage with clients by applying psychological theories to understand their experiences and tailor interventions accordingly [6]. They provide guidance, support, and expertise throughout the therapeutic process.
Common Therapeutic Approaches for Depression
Treating depression often involves psychiatric medication, therapy, or a combination of approaches to improve symptoms and quality of life. Let’s explore some common therapeutic approaches:
Medications
While there are several different types of antidepressant medications used to treat depression, the two most commonly used are Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs).
SSRIs and SNRIs help treat depression by increasing the availability of certain chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters. SSRIs work by inhibiting serotonin reuptake, thereby increasing serotonin activity in the brain [4], whereas SNRIs inhibit the reuptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine neurotransmitters [14].
Through their ability to increase these chemicals in the brain, they help make more of these chemicals available, which plays a key role in regulating mood and emotions and improving symptoms of depression.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy, also called therapy or talk therapy, can be an effective component of depression treatment. At Neuro Wellness Spa (NWS), we recognize that each individual’s journey through depression is unique and requires a tailored approach to treatment. That’s why our therapy program incorporates Brief Integrative Psychotherapy as a fundamental component.
At its core, Brief Integrative Psychotherapy acknowledges the multifaceted nature of depression and tailors the treatment to suit each individual’s unique needs. Our therapists at NWS utilize this approach to prioritize establishing a strong therapeutic alliance, understanding the client’s relationship patterns, and interpreting symptoms within their life circumstances [3].
Key features of Brief Integrative Psychotherapy incorporated into our NWS Therapy Program:
- Flexibility: The therapy is adaptable to each patient’s unique needs and characteristics.
- Focus on the therapeutic relationship: Building a trusting and supportive relationship between the therapist and client is crucial for achieving positive outcomes.
- Active participation: Clients are encouraged to actively engage in the therapy process, empowering them to take ownership of their treatment journey.
- Establishing clear goals: Setting specific goals early in the treatment process helps guide the therapy and maintain focus.
- Therapist’s active role: Therapists play an active role in keeping sessions focused on the client’s goals and treatment plan.
To provide successful brief therapy, we assess the client comprehensively but rapidly and choose specific intervention strategies based on what the client needs to heal, grow, and cope more effectively. No one theoretical model can address the diversity of problems clients experience, so our therapists have a number of interventions at their disposal.
Some of the types of therapy that may be used include:
Psychodynamic Therapy
Psychodynamic therapy is a detailed form of talk therapy often used for treating depression and other significant psychological issues involving relationships and life-meaning struggles. It focuses on exploring life history and unconscious processes to understand how past experiences impact present behavior. Patients are encouraged to openly express their thoughts, fears, and dreams to uncover repressed emotions and improve interpersonal skills. The therapist guides this process and may use techniques such as dream analysis [12].
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a commonly used therapeutic method that aims to improve mental health by addressing thinking, feeling, and behavior patterns. It specifically targets negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with depression, helping individuals recognize and challenge them. Through teaching coping strategies and problem-solving skills, CBT works to break the cycle of negative thinking and reduce depressive symptoms [8].
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a type of therapy that helps people manage intense emotions and improve their relationships. It teaches skills for handling conflicting feelings by accepting them without judgment. Mindfulness is a big part of DBT, teaching individuals to observe their thoughts and emotions without getting overwhelmed by them. Through practical exercises, people learn to deal with difficult emotions while focusing on actions that lead to a better life [8].
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people improve their mental well-being by teaching them to accept their inner experiences and commit to actions that align with their values. ACT guides clients to focus on behaviors that lead to a fulfilling life. It encourages clients to observe their thoughts and feelings without trying to change them, allowing them to see themselves separate from distressing emotions [8].
Mindfulness-Based Interventions (MBIs)
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) are mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) that aim to reduce depressive symptoms. These programs involve activities like meditation and yoga and promote nonjudgmental awareness of current experiences. By observing thoughts and feelings without getting caught up in them, individuals can develop constructive responses to challenging experiences [8].
Narrative Therapy
Narrative therapy is a teamwork-based approach that helps individuals change their negative stories about their lives. It’s built on the idea that people make sense of their experiences by creating stories about themselves and their relationships [15].
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR therapy is a structured way of treating depression by dealing with difficult memories and using bilateral stimulation. It works on the idea that traumatic experiences are stored in a way that can cause mental health problems. EMDR helps to reorganize these memories into a healthier pattern [1].
Studies have shown its effectiveness not only in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) but also in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety [1]. By addressing traumatic triggers and negative beliefs, EMDR helps patients achieve remission from depressive episodes [1].
The Neuro Wellness Spa (NWS) Therapy Program: A Holistic Approach:
Our therapy program at Neuro Wellness Spa has been carefully crafted to offer personalized care for individuals dealing with severe, mild, or moderate depression. It is characterized by its adaptability to each client’s unique needs and challenges, ensuring a tailored approach that maximizes therapeutic benefits.
The program spans 13 sessions, beginning with a comprehensive clinical assessment to understand the client’s specific goals and requirements. Subsequent sessions integrate evidence-based therapies tailored to address the client’s psychological challenges, ensuring comprehensive care that caters to their needs.
Core Principles of NWS Therapy Program:
At Neuro Wellness Spa, our therapy program is based on the fundamental principles of person-centered therapy pioneered by Carl Rogers. These principles underscore the significance of delivering empathetic, individualized care to foster healing and personal growth.
Our approach prioritizes cultivating empathy, fostering unconditional positive regard, and ensuring accurate empathic understanding, all of which are essential traits for our therapists. These foundational qualities create a supportive environment where clients feel valued, understood, and empowered to explore their experiences.
Our therapy program emphasizes three fundamental principles [9]:
- Empathy: Cultivating empathy is central to our therapeutic approach. Our therapists prioritize establishing deep connections with clients and fostering trust by genuinely understanding and resonating with their inner experiences.
- Unconditional Positive Regard: We strive to create a safe and accepting space where clients feel valued and respected for who they are. Our therapists demonstrate genuine care and acceptance, promoting an environment conducive to exploration and self-discovery.
- Accurate Empathic Understanding: Our therapists are trained to be fully present and attuned to clients’ experiences, supporting insight, growth, and positive change through accurate empathic understanding.
These core principles guide our therapists in providing empathetic, individualized care that promotes healing and growth, ensuring a meaningful therapeutic journey for every client at Neuro Wellness Spa.
Related: Practical Benefits of Therapy: How Therapy Can Transform Your Life
Who is Brief Integrative Psychotherapy for?
Brief integrative psychotherapy is a good fit for people who:
- Have specific, well-defined issues to address.
- Are motivated to engage in the therapeutic process.
- Possess a level of psychological mindedness, allowing them to understand and reflect on their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
- Can set realistic goals for therapy.
What other treatments are available to help with depression?
Psychotherapy is a strong and effective tool in treating a range of mental health conditions. Still, many other treatment options are available, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and several types of medications.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in specific areas of the brain, particularly the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), which is involved in major depressive disorder [13]. By delivering high-frequency electromagnetic pulses to the left DLPFC, TMS targets behavioral dysregulation and mood control issues related to depression [13]. This stimulation activates brain regions with decreased activity during depression, helping to regulate mood [10].
TMS offers a unique treatment method for depression without the need for invasive procedures. What sets TMS apart is its compatibility with antidepressant medications, giving individuals more treatment options. Clinical guidelines from the TMS Society endorse combining TMS with antidepressants or other medications, highlighting its flexibility in treatment protocols [11]. In cases of treatment-resistant depression (TRD), where traditional methods like medication and therapy are ineffective, TMS therapy can be a valuable addition to treatment plans [13].
At Neuro Wellness Spa (NWS), we believe in comprehensive care that goes beyond conventional methods. We understand the importance of tailoring treatments to individual needs. Aligned with our therapy program, we integrate medication management and TMS therapy to enhance treatment efficacy and provide holistic care.
Medication Management: A Vital Component
In treating depression, medication management plays a crucial role alongside therapy. Studies indicate that combining antidepressant medication with therapy is more effective than using medication alone [7]. While there’s no universal solution for depression treatment, recent research underscores the benefits of integrating medication and therapy [7].
A comprehensive review of 25 studies found that pairing psychotherapy with medication leads to better outcomes for major depression [7], highlighting the importance of a combined approach [7]. Moreover, this combination not only helps manage symptoms but also reduces the risk of depression recurrence. A three-year study demonstrated that individuals receiving both interpersonal therapy and antidepressants were less likely to experience a relapse compared to those receiving only one treatment [7].
While starting with either medication or therapy alone might suffice for mild to moderate symptoms, integrating both becomes crucial to treat severe depression or as symptoms worsen over time. Collaboration with a mental health professional is essential in crafting an effective treatment plan. By combining medication and therapy, individuals have a greater chance of effectively managing their depression [7].
Start Healing From Depression
At Neuro Wellness Spa, our experienced medical team works closely with therapists to create personalized medication plans that complement psychotherapy. Engaging in therapy alongside medication management or TMS treatment significantly enhances treatment outcomes.
Our multidisciplinary team ensures that each aspect of treatment complements the others, leading to improved depression symptom management and a better quality of life. We’re committed to providing holistic and integrative care that addresses the complex factors contributing to depression, empowering individuals to achieve lasting recovery and regain control of their lives.
Contact us today to discover how Neuro Wellness Spa can guide you toward greater well-being and lasting empowerment through our comprehensive depression therapy program, tailored medication management through in-person and online psychiatry, and innovative treatments like TMS therapy.
References:
- Altmeyer, S., Wollersheim, L., Kilian-Hütten, N., Behnke, A., Hofmann, A., & Tumani, V. (2022). Effectiveness of treating depression with eye movement desensitization and reprocessing among inpatients-A follow-up study over 12 months. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, 937204. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.937204
- American Psychiatric Association. What is Depression? https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/depression/what-is-depression
- Center for Substance Abuse Treatment. Brief Interventions and Brief Therapies for Substance Abuse. Rockville (MD): Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US); 1999. (Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) Series, No. 34.) Chapter 7—Brief Psychodynamic Therapy. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK64952/
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- Depression. National Institute of Mental Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression
- Gray, K. (2017). —perspectives on Psychological Science.
- Harvard Health Publishing. (2020, May 26). Medications or therapy for depression? Or both? Harvard Health Publishing. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/medication-or-therapy-for-depression-or-both
- Hofmann, S. G., & Gómez, A. F. (2017). Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Anxiety and Depression. The Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 40(4), 739–749. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psc.2017.08.008
- Locher, C., Meier, S., & Gaab, J. (2019). Psychotherapy: A World of Meanings. Frontiers in Psychology, 10, 460. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00460
- Mayo Clinic. Transcranial magnetic stimulation. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/transcranial-magnetic-stimulation/about/pac-20384625
- Perera, T., George, M. S., Grammer, G., Janicak, P. G., Pascual-Leone, A., & Wirecki, T. S. (2016). The Clinical TMS Society Consensus Review and Treatment Recommendations for TMS Therapy for Major Depressive Disorder. Brain stimulation, 9(3), 336–346. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brs.2016.03.010
- Psychodynamic Therapy. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapy-types/psychodynamic-therapy
- Rizvi, S., & Khan, A. M. (2019). Use of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Depression. Cureus, 11(5), e4736. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.4736
- Sansone, R. A., & Sansone, L. A. (2014). Serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors: a pharmacological comparison. Innovations in clinical neuroscience, 11(3-4), 37–42.
- Wallis, J., Burns, J., & Capdevila, R. (2011). What is narrative therapy and what is it not? What is the usefulness of Q methodology in exploring accounts of White and Epston’s (1990) approach to narrativ Clinical psychology & psychotherapy, 18(6), 486–497. https://doi.org/10.1002/cpp.723