Different Types Of Therapies For Depression

One of the common mental health conditions and a major depressive disorder that negatively affects how you feel, think or even act is depression. It is a multifaceted condition that affects millions worldwide. However, there exist effective treatments which can improve the condition and also help in the long run. Traditionally, depression was treated with medication for biological causes and psychotherapy for psychosocial factors. However, this distinction is becoming outdated.

A 2017 paper published in the Brazilian Psychiatric Association, titled Depression and psychodynamic psychotherapy, suggests that both medication and psychotherapy lead to similar changes in brain functioning, blurring the lines between biological and psychological treatments. Consequently, psychotherapy is now widely recognized as an effective standalone option or as a complement to medication.

Here are the most common therapies used to treat depression:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most evidence-based treatments for depression. It focuses on identifying and altering negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to depressive symptoms.

A CBT therapist can help you explore the connection between your thoughts, emotions and actions and help you in guiding in replacing those negative feelings with balanced ones. It also asks you to sit with those feelings to find the root of it to know how to deal with them. A 2020 study published in the Indian Journal of Psychiatry titled Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Depression has highlighted CBT’s effectiveness, particularly when combined with medication. Additionally, CBT has shown lower relapse rates compared to medication alone, making it a sustainable long-term treatment option.

Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) is useful especially for people whose depression has stemmed from challenges in relationship. It is a short-term therapy, that lasts for 12 to 16 weeks and focuses on improving communication, conflict resolution and building a strong and supportive network. A 2020 study published in Frontiers in Psychiatry highlights IPT’s effectiveness in reducing depressive symptoms, especially in work-related or interpersonal stress scenarios. By addressing the relational aspects of depression, IPT fosters emotional growth and a stronger social foundation.

Mindfulness-based therapies integrate mindfulness principles to help manage depressive symptoms. These approaches, such as Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), emphasize present-moment awareness and nonjudgmental acceptance.

There are various mindfulness practices where the person can learn to observe their thoughts without reacting impulsively to it. Often times these methods and approaches to deal with depression are used together and not separately. Mindfulness technique also helps with breaking the cycle of rumination and negative thinking, and helps in preventing depressive relapses.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is yet another example that cannot be seen as a separate approach as it combines elements of CBT with mindfulness practices, making it effective for treating depression and other mood disorders. Originally designed for borderline personality disorder, DBT targets negative thought patterns and emotional dysregulation.

These skills help to cope with negative thoughts and also helps you to have more balanced thoughts.

This is one of the oldest approaches and is deeply rooted in the theories of Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung. So how does it work? It delves into the unconscious processes and unresolved conflicts that contribute to depressive symptoms.

By exploring past experiences and their influence on present emotions and behaviors, psychodynamic therapy fosters self-awareness and emotional healing. Recent studies, including a 2017 study published in Brazilian Psychiatric Association, validate its effectiveness, making it a valuable option for individuals seeking deeper insights into their depression.