New Depression Treatment: New Depression Treatments – Old Versus New Depression Treatments

New Depression treatments replace some of the old ones so there can be no discussion of new depression treatments without at least a brief mention of old treatments. Let’s look at some of the old treatments first as it might make the newer treatments more understandable.

Prescriptive medications are not new, not by a long shot. They have however been greatly improved. The newer medications work on specific areas of the brain believed to control mood. They also allow an individual to function as close to normal as possible and lead very successful and productive lives. This will be discussed a little later in this article.

An old depression treatment is called ECT or Electro-convulsive Therapy. This is otherwise known as shock therapy. Electric shocks were delivered to the body that would cause a seizure. This procedure was said to release chemicals in the brain that facilitated better communication between nerves. If used it is usually prescribed on a regular basis, usually monthly or quarterly (every 3 months). This is not without some very serious side effects such as the possibility of further seizures and memory loss.

Some of the newer treatments include Booster Drugs. These are medications that paired with an antidepressant (called the primary medication). The unfortunate aspect of this treatment is that is only fully effective about 50% of the time. Some of the popular booster drugs are Cytonel, Lithium, and Ritalin.

Hormonal Therapy is a new approach that says that women become depressed because they have a verifiable Estrogen and Progesterone imbalance. The amount administered will differ from woman to woman because each one could each have a different deficiency. This treatment necessitates treatment by a very skilled neuro-endocrinologist. Though this treatment is new, it is showing a strong potential for successful future use.

There is a nerve that runs from the neck to the brain called the Vagal nerve. A new treatment is called Vagal Nerve Stimulation. A little device that is similar to a pacemaker that is placed in the chest. A pulse is delivered through this device along the Vagal nerve that is thought to control mood (depression). The stimulation of the Vagal nerve is said to provide relief of depressive symptoms.

Advances in treating depression are continually being made. In the most severe cases depression can be very debilitating. In the mildest form it is a feeling of sadness. No matter the depth of the depression treatment can be very beneficial. It would be up to you and your doctor to determine the most appropriate course of treatment for you.

Deep Brain Stimulation: A New Treatment Strategy for Intractable Depression – Dr. Helen Mayberg – Watch Dr. Helen Mayberg’s talk about deep brain stimulation as an experimental therapy for treatment-resistant depression. Dr. Mayberg pioneered this technique, which delivers small bursts of electrical current to a patient’s subcallosal cingulate white matter via a surgically implanted electrode. From 2009. Recorded at the annual Staglin Music Festival for Mental Health.

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