For many of our patients in El Paso, Texas that have been diagnosed with depression there are a range of different depressive disorder treatment options to consider. Some patients may require a combination of treatments including psychotherapy or counseling as well as medications.
There are also different alternative types of treatments that are more and more a part of our holistic approach to client care and well-being. These can include exercise, nutrition and even lifestyle changes that can help to reduce or limit the risk of another depressive episode in the future.
Types of Medications
There are several new types or classes of medications that are far superior to the medications used for depressive disorder treatment even just a decade ago. SSRIs or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are very effective for a great number of our patients.
These medications are well-tolerated, safer for the individual and have very few side effects. Another similar medication that often works if a SSRI doesn’t is an SNRI or serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor.
There are other medications as well including tricyclic antidepressants that can be used, but they are more likely to cause problems with side-effects in many of our patients. Often they are used only if other options are not effective. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors or MAOIs also fall into this group and they are only prescribed with caution.
Psychotherapy as a Depression Treatment in El Paso, Texas
Effective psychotherapy by professionals that have years of experience in working with depression is typically used in combination with medications. It can also be a very effective depressive disorder treatment on its own.
Generally in our facility the goal is to keep our patients on medication as necessary, but not to have medication alone as the treatment plan. This allows our staff to monitor the patient’s progress and then, when appropriate, discontinue the medication.
During treatment with the therapists different treatment methods will be used that are selected for our individual patients. Many of our patients come to one or more group or educational sessions a week, which provides a lot of support and encouragement and compassionate place to explore challenges and celebrate successes.
