Your Treatment Options
The treatment options for any mood disorder can often vary widely depending
upon diagnosis, personal preference and availability.
For example, according to 'The Voice': The independent mental health newsletter:
Research by the Mental Health Foundation found that almost 80% of GP's (doctors in the UK) prescribe anti-depressants even
though they believe other treatments would be more effective. 66% did this because there was no suitable ‘local’
alternative (such as counselling, exercise, acupuncture) that they could actually prescribe. Consequently, in 2003, there
were 26 million prescriptions for anti-depressants issued in England alone.
Notwithstanding this, there are (theoretically at least) so many options, which are available to us that
the choice could appear overwhelming. This being so, we are highly recommended to take our time and learn what exactly is
available to us- and to discuss with our family doctor what our best course of action might be.
It
may be that a ‘mix-and-match’ combination of therapies could prove to be most beneficial. This
could include different forms of medication, psychotherapy, social supports and alternative therapies. Discovering exactly
the right treatment for you could take some time - so whatever happens, don't give up - you can feel better - you are
starting a journey of discovery.
Health care professionals
Health care professionals can bring expertise, understanding and skill
to our assistance. In theory at least, they are able to support us in doing what needs to be done. There are a number of different health care professionals who could become involved in the recovery process. These include psychiatrists, general doctors, psychologists, psychiatric nurses,
social workers etc.
Different therapies you might consider
The following list contains some of the more widely used therapies used to treat people who are suffering from a mood
disorder. Psychotherapy. Cognitive
behaviour. Supportive counselling. Interpersonal therapy. Psychodynamic psychotherapy and other therapies - such as biofeedback,
desensitization and hypnotherapy are often prescribed and can be of benefit. Again these options need to be discussed with
your health service professional. Other treatments
can reduce symptoms of and help you recover from, a mood disorder. These treatments can be used alone but are often used in
combination with psychotherapy. This includes: Medication. Hormone replacement therapy. Light therapy Electro convulsive Therapy.
Trans-cranial Magnetic Stimulation
Medications
Medications are clearly an extremely important area that you need to discuss
with your doctor. However, the most common medications used to treat mood disorders are: Antidepressants Anti psychotic medications.
Anti anxiety medications and Mood stabilizers. Warning If placed on medication resist the temptation to stop taking it or reduce
its dosage. This can be dangerous – talk with your doctor.
Alternative Therapies
Alternative
therapies that can be used in combination with traditional therapies to support your recovery include: Exercise: When you
exercise your body produces endorphins which are known to have a positive effect on mood. Relaxation: Learning how to relax
through a panic attack can be an effective tool in managing an anxiety disorder. Vitamins: Certain
vitamins, such as B12, are reported to support an enhanced mood. Herbal Medicines: Some herbal medicines, such as St. John's
wort, are reported to alleviate the symptoms of depression.
Social Supports
Loneliness and isolation only serves to make any condition worse. We all need some form of social support. Recommended
sources of social supports are: peer groups faith based groups and family and friends
Finding the Right Combination
There appears to be no such thing as a universal cure when it comes to treating mood disorders. Often
the best approach is a combination of treatments. You could discuss the following options with your health care practitioner.
It may be optimistic to think that we will get it right first time – but we need to try and try again until we do get
it right.
Depression
Antidepressants Cognitive behaviour therapy Individual therapy TMS Exercise Relaxation Vitamins Herbal medications
Anxiety Disorders
Antidepressants Antianxiety medications Cognitive behaviour therapy Individual therapy Interpersonal therapy Hypnotherapy
Desensitization Relaxation Herbal medications
Bipolar Disorder
Antidepressants Antianxiety medications Antipsychotics Mood stabilizers Cognitive behaviour therapy Individual therapy
Interpersonal therapy Group therapy Family therapy ECT TMS Exercise Relaxation Vitamins Herbal medications
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Antidepressants Light therapy Interpersonal therapy Group therapy Family therapy ECT Cognitive behaviour therapy Individual
therapy Interpersonal therapy Exercise Vitamins Herbal medications
Concurrent Disorders
Antidepressants Antianxiety medications Antipsychotics Individual therapy Cognitive behaviour therapy Exercise Relaxation
Vitamins Herbal medications
Hormone
Related Mood Disorders
Antidepressants Individual therapy Family therapy Group therapy
HRT Individual therapy Exercise Vitamins Herbal medications
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