Psychodynamic Treatment May Help Depression. Results From A Finnish Study

There are few studies comparing the efficacy of short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy (STPP) and pharmacotherapy in major depressive disorder. A group of finnish investigators conducted a comparative study on the efficacy of STPP versus fluoxetine treatment in patients with major depressive disorder in a primary care setting.

Fifty-one patients with major depressive disorder (DSM-IV) of mild or moderate severity were recruited through occupational health services providing primary health care. Patients were randomized to receive either STPP (1 session/week) or fluoxetine treatment (20-40 mg/day) for 16 weeks. The outcome measures included the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and the Social and Occupational Functioning Assessment Scale (SOFAS).

At the end of the study, intent-to-treat analyses indicated that both treatments were highly effective in reducing the HDRS (p < style="font-weight: bold;">between the treatments.

Of those 40 subjects who completed the follow-up, 57% in the psychotherapy group and 68% in the fluoxetine group showed full remission (HDRS 7) after 4 months. The Authors concluded that both STPP and pharmacological treatment with fluoxetine are effective in reducing symptoms and in improving functional ability of primary care patients with mild or moderate depression.

Depression Definition.

Depression is a mental health disorder that can affect the way you eat and sleep, the way you feel about yourself, and the way you think about things. A depressive disorder is more than a passing mood. It is not a sign of personal weakness, and it cannot be willed or wished away.

A depressive disorder involves the body, mood, and thoughts. People who are depressed cannot "snap out of it" and get better. Without treatment, symptoms can last for months or years. Treatments such as antidepressant medications and psychotherapy can reduce and sometimes eliminate the symptoms of depression.

Types of Depression

Depressive disorders come in different forms. Three of the most common are Major Depression, Dysthymia, and Bipolar Disorder. Even within these types of depression there are variations in the number of symptoms, their severity, and persistence.

Major depression is manifested by a combination of symptoms (see symptom list below) that interfere with the ability to work, study, sleep, eat, and enjoy once pleasurable activities. Some people have a single episode of depression, but many have episodes that recur.

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Depression Causes.

Genetic predisposition There is strong growing evidence that genes can be a risk factor for developing depression therefore increasing the likelihood that severe environmental stresses may precipitate the onset of depression. Some personality traits, such as a propensity for high anxiety levels, may also be linked with genes.

Personality
There appears to be a link with certain personality characteristics and depression. According to Gordon Parker and The Black Dog Institute, a person who exhibits one or more of the following, may be more at risk of depression. experiences high levels of anxiety, is a ‘worrier’ or is irritable is self-critical or has low self-worth is hypersensitive is a perfectionist has a self focused style.

Traumatic events

The natural grief we feel at the death of a loved one, or the breakdown of a marriage or other relationship is a healthy reaction to a stressful life event, and sadness/anxiety in these circumstances may be normal. If the grief however is severe and continues beyond a reasonable time it may develop into clinical depression.

Medical conditions

If an illness or medical condition is life threatening, disabling or significantly affects lifestyle in a negative way, there is a possibility that depression may occur as a result of having to deal with it emotionally. However, there are also some illnesses that are known to cause depression such as some cancers. The hormonal changes that occur naturally throughout life are common igniters of anxiety or depression.

The hormonal changes at puberty, during pregnancy, childbirth and menopause may cause symptoms of depression. Illnesses that affect hormones such as Addison's disease and Cushing's disease can also trigger depression. Illnesses that are more likely to be associated with or who present with depression include: AIDS, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, influenza, thyroid imbalance, Ross River fever, viral pneumonia, neurological disorders, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, sleep apnoea, and stroke.

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Depression Treatment

Once you have a depression diagnosis, your doctor will discuss the different depression treatment options with you. The kind of depression treatment that’s best for you depends on the type of depression you have. For example, some patients with clinical depression are prescribed antidepressants. Others are prescribed antidepressants and psychotherapy. Still others may undergo electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), also called electroshock therapy. This treatment may be used with patients who do not respond to standard depression treatment options

Whatever depression treatment your doctor prescribes, it’s important to understand that there are no “instant” solutions. You may have to try several antidepressants to find the most effective drug for you. In addition, you’ll have to take the antidepressant for several weeks to see if it benefits you at all. Being patient is important. Trust your doctor to know your personal history. With that, he or she can find the best depression treatment options that help improve your mood.

What are depression medicines?

Depression medicines include many types of antidepressants and other mood stabilizers. They can help lift your mood and ease the sadness and hopelessness you feel. You’ll need to work with your doctor to find the depression medicine that is most effective with the fewest side effects.

CYMBALTA

Cymbalta is an antidepressant in a group of drugs called selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SSNRIs). Cymbalta affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause depression. Cymbalta is used to treat major depressive disorder and general anxiety disorder.

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