Do you sometimes feel a heavy burden on your heart, sadness, loneliness, and a feeling of not wanting to do anything? Perhaps you have seen a friend or family member suffering from this condition. This condition we call 'depression', or as it is called in medical science, ``Major Depressive Disorder'', is now a very common mental illness in our country as well as in the world. But the most important thing is that this is not a weakness or something that is made up, but a treatable disease. The good news is that with the advancement of medical science in the past 20 years or so, many very successful and new treatments for depression have been introduced.
The same treatment does not suit everyone!
Unlike in the past, we now know that depression affects each person differently. Just like our fingerprints, each person is unique. A major reason for this is that the chemical processes that occur in our brains, called ``Neurochemistry,'' vary from person to person.
Simply put, our emotions, thoughts, and actions are controlled by chemical messengers in the brain called ``Neurotransmitters.'' When depression occurs, the balance of these chemicals is disrupted. So, the main goal of today's treatments is to identify exactly this chemical change that has occurred in each person's brain and provide a targeted treatment that matches it. That is, instead of giving everyone the same medicine, creating a treatment plan that is specific to you .
| Treatment method | Things to know about it |
|---|---|
| Drug Therapy | The antidepressants available today are much more advanced than those available in the past. They work more specifically and have fewer side effects. For example, drugs such as (Citalopram), (Escitalopram), (Fluoxetine), and (Sertraline) are commonly used. In addition, new drugs such as (Auvelity) and (Spravato) have also been introduced. |
| Psychotherapy | Counseling or psychotherapy can be very effective while taking medication. There is evidence that Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) , which is a treatment that identifies and changes your negative thought patterns, and Psychodynamic Therapy are very effective. |
| Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) | Some people may be scared when they hear this name. But the method used today (Electroconvulsive Therapy - ECT) is much safer than it used to be, and it is also painless. It is usually used only for people with very severe depression who have not responded to any other medication or psychotherapy. And that too under the strict supervision of specialist doctors. |
Remember, your doctor should decide which of these treatments is best for you. Avoid taking medication based on what you read online or heard from someone.
The latest treatments that are being talked about these days
In addition to the traditional methods mentioned above, there are now several newer treatments for depression that have shown very successful results. One of these is `(Ketamine)` treatment.
What is Ketamine treatment?
You've probably heard of `(Ketamine)` as an anesthetic. Yes, it's used to numb pain during surgery. But recent research has found that this drug, when given in very low doses, under medical supervision, can quickly control even severe depression that has not responded to other treatments.
How does it work?
Imagine that depression causes some of the neural networks in your brain to become "stuck" or malfunction. What Ketamine therapy does is to suddenly "reset" those neural networks. This gives the brain a chance to build new, healthy connections. As a result, many of the symptoms of depression are quickly reduced, and some patients even experience long-term relief.
But this is very important: Ketamine is not a drug that can be used at home. It is a very specific treatment that is only given in a hospital setting, under the strict supervision of a specialist psychiatrist. It is essential to monitor the dosage, the method of administration, and the patient's condition constantly.
Currently, this treatment is only used for people with severe depression that is not responding to other treatments (treatment-resistant). But there is talk among doctors that it could be used earlier in the future for severe depression.
Take-Home Message
- Depression is not a weakness, it is a real, treatable illness caused by chemical changes in the brain.
- Today, there are many highly advanced, effective, and side-effect-free treatments for depression. So don't give up hope.
- If you suspect that you or someone you know has depression, the best thing to do is to see your doctor and talk about it.
- When both medication and psychotherapy are combined, the best results can often be achieved.
- Do not use any medication or stop taking it without medical advice. It can be dangerous.
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