Talking (psychological) treatments

If available, a doctor can refer a person to a psychologist or other professional for this type of treatment. This type of treatment normally involve 16-20 sessions over 6-9 months and may include:

Cognitive Therapy

This is based on the ideas that certain ways of thinking can trigger certain mental health problems such as depression. The therapist helps a person to understand thought patterns and, in particular any harmful or unhelpful or any false ideas or thoughts that can lead to depression. Once these are established the aim is to change ways of thinking and help thought patterns to be more realistic and helpful. Sessions are usually weekly.

Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT)

This is a combination of cognitive and behaviour therapy.  Behaviour therapy helps with changing any harmful or unhelpful behaviours.  CBT helps people with changing the way they think, feelings and behaviour.

For moderate depression, the number of people who improve with cognitive therapy and cognitive behaviour therapy is about the same as with antidepressants.  These treatments require motivation and so may not work for persons with severe depression who find motivation difficult.

Some research suggests that a combination of taking an antidepressant and a talking treatment e.g. CBT is better than either treatment on their own.

Other type of therapy

Interpersonal, problem-solving and psychodynamic psychotherapy.

Exercise and counselling

Regular exercise is thought to improve symptoms. Specific counselling may help if a person has a particular problem e.g. relationship, bereavement etc

Other treatments

St John’s Wart recently became a popular over the counter herbal antidepressant that can be bought without prescription. Many doctors do not advise the use of this treatment for several reasons:

Ø       It is not clear how the medication works. Some studies suggested it may help depression but not confirmed by other studies.

Ø       There can be side effects. Although it is a natural substance it is not safe and contains chemicals which can sometimes cause problems.

Ø       The treatment can react with other medicines which can sometimes cause serious problems e.g. you should not take St John’s Wart if taking warfarin, cyclosporine, oral contraceptives, anticonvulsants, digoxin, theophylline or certain HIV medicines.

Ø       If taking antidepressants you need to be very careful. St John’s Wart should not be taken at the same time as certain other prescribed antidepressants.

Specialist and hospital based treatments

A person may be referred for specialist medicines or electrical treatment (ECT) if symptoms of depression have not been eased with other treatments.

Choosing not to have treatment

A person has a right to refuse treatment. If you do so it may take several months or even longer to recover from depression. Having said that, many people do get better without treatment.  One has to bear in mind that, living with the illness can be difficult and distressing not only for the person affected, but also for family and friends.  Relationships employment etc can be seriously affected. There is also the danger that people may turn to illegal drugs, alcohol or suicide. Therefore many people with depression try some form of treatment.

Can depression reoccur?

It is common to have a one-off episode of depression but some people have several episodes. Treatment can be given for each episode but, if you are prone to reoccurring episodes you would be advised on taking an antidepressant long-term to stop depression reoccurring.

Other related conditions

Postnatal depression

Some women develop depression just after having a baby.

Bipolar affective disorder (manic depression)

Some people can alternate between having periods of depression and periods of elation and over-activity.

Seasonal affective disorder

Some people suffer recurrent depression over the winter months only.

Other mental health problems

Depression can also occur at the same time with other mental health disorders e.g. people with anxiety, panic disorders or personality disorders quite often develop depression.

Important note:

Ø       Recognising the symptoms of depression, will enable you to accept you are ill and seek help from your Doctor.

Ø       Don’t bottle up symptoms. Being open about feelings with close family and friends will help them understand and help.

For help and more information log on to

Depression Alliance: www.depression.alliance.org

Saneline: www.saneline.org.uk

Oxford Cognitive Therapy Centre (OCTC): www.octc.co.uk

Self-help leaflets based on a CBT approach: www.nnt.nhs.uk/mh/content.asp?PageName=selfhelp

Ultrasis: www.ultrasis.com