Depression is a common mental health condition that affects millions of people all over the world, many of whom experience debilitating symptoms.

While there are many treatments available for depression, it is important to understand both the potential benefits and the potential depression treatment side effects of each option.

In this article, we’ll discuss the side effects of three common depression treatments: antidepressant medications, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and psychotherapy.

This information can help you and your health care providers choose a treatment option that’s best for you.

Common Depression Treatments and Their Side Effects

See below for a breakdown of three common depression treatments and the possible side effects that patients may experience while undergoing them.

Antidepressant medications

Antidepressant medications are a common treatment option for depression. There are several types of antidepressant medications, each of which interacts with brain chemistry in different ways.

Your doctor may give you serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), or monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) based on what is best for you and your symptoms.

Each type of antidepressant works slightly differently and has its own set of side effects.

Side effects of antidepressant medications

Common side effects of antidepressants include reduced sex drive, upset stomach, drowsiness, nausea, loss of appetite, dizziness, and headaches.

Changing the dosage or adding another medication can help manage these side effects.

However, there are also rare but serious side effects of antidepressant medications that can be life-threatening. Serotonin syndrome is a condition that some experience when there is too much serotonin in the brain.

Patients with serotonin syndrome and depression often experience restlessness, high blood pressure, confusion, fast heart rate, and stiff muscles.

It’s important to pay close attention to any side effects and talk to a doctor about them right away. This can help to ensure that the benefits of the medication outweigh the risks and that the treatment plan is changed accordingly.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)

TMS is a depression treatment method that is done by sending magnetic currents through the brain to stimulate nerve cells.

Researchers believe that TMS stimulates activity in areas of the brain that regulate mood control. These procedures are often performed in a doctor’s office and don’t require anesthesia.

TMS is used to treat severe cases of major depression, along with anxiety, bipolar disorders, and other mental health conditions.

Side effects of TMS

Some of the most common side effects of TMS are headaches and scalp tenderness where the treatment was applied. You may also feel lightheadedness and tingling in the facial muscles.

However, these side effects are temporary, and typically disappear within a few days. Many patients don’t experience any side effects at all.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, is one of the most effective ways to treat depression. Psychotherapy is working with a mental health professional to discover what negative thoughts, feelings, and actions contribute to depression and how to change them.

Side effects of psychotherapy

For most people, therapy is a side-effect free treatment for depression.

Some people may feel emotional pain or have to face upsetting memories and feelings during therapy.

Although, these side effects can be managed with support from a skilled therapist.

The benefits of psychotherapy for depression are numerous. Psychotherapy can help improve mood, coping skills, and can lead to a long-term resolution of depression symptoms.

How NeuroSpa Can Help With Depression

If you’re struggling with major depression, visit our healthcare professionals at NeuroSpa. As Tampa’s number one mental health clinic, we’re proud to offer a wide range of treatments that can improve your quality of life.

Over the years, our mental health professionals have helped countless people with depressive disorders reclaim their lives from the symptoms of depression with custom treatment plans tailored to their needs.

Learn more about our depression services and book a free consultation today.

This blog post is meant to be educational in nature and does not replace the advice of a medical professional. See full disclaimer.

Major depression is a significant mental health illness that can seriously influence a person’s life, making even the most fundamental daily activities difficult.

A depressive condition can produce melancholy, hopelessness, and worthlessness. It may also show itself in physical symptoms, including exhaustion, chronic pain, and difficulties concentrating.

Over the years, there have been many methods of new treatments for depression to help alleviate people’s symptoms. We’ll learn about these treatments in this article.

Traditional Depression Treatments

First, let’s look at traditional treatments for depression.

Medication

Patients use antidepressant medicines to treat severe depression symptoms. These drugs make the brain create more of certain chemicals that help control mood.

Some common types of medication include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), monoamine oxidase inhibitors, and tricyclic antidepressants.

Psychotherapy

Another popular treatment method for depressive disorders is psychotherapy, sometimes referred to as talk therapy.

Speaking with a mental health expert about your thoughts, feelings, and actions will help you understand your situation and develop new coping mechanisms.

New Treatments for Depression

Now we introduce the newer treatments for depression commonly available.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Research shows that CBT is an effective treatment for depressive symptoms.

It’s a highly effective psychotherapy method that aims to help patients recognize and alter negative thought patterns and behaviors.

It is helpful to treat severe depression by assisting individuals in identifying their distorted thoughts and replacing them with more positive, realistic ones.

Furthermore, CBT helps patients develop coping strategies for dealing with difficult situations or emotions. With CBT, individuals learn to manage their stress and anxiety and improve their overall quality of life.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a relatively new treatment for depression that has recently gained popularity. With TMS, magnetic pulses stimulate the brain to lift mood and lessen depressive symptoms.

During a TMS session, healthcare providers place an electromagnetic coil against the patient’s scalp to send short bursts of magnetic energy into the brain.

The use of TMS to treat depression has a number of benefits. Most importantly, TMS is a non-invasive and painless procedure that doesn’t call for sedation or anesthesia.

Research has suggested its effectiveness in reducing symptoms of depression, including feelings of sadness and hopelessness.

Exercise and diet for depression

Many may not know this, but regular exercise and a balanced diet can be beneficial in alleviating symptoms of severe depression.

Regular exercise can be one of the best ways to promote a healthier mental state. It reduces depressive symptoms, elevates mood, and increases vitality. Exercise releases endorphins, substances that help reduce stress and support general well-being.

A healthy diet also includes essential nutrients that can help improve mood and lessen the effects of depression. Fish, nuts, and seeds are examples of foods high in omega-3 fatty acids that can lower inflammation in the body and enhance general mental health.

Alternative Therapies for Depression

Finally, let’s explore alternative therapies to improve our mental well-being.

Herbal remedies for depression

Herbal medicines are becoming increasingly popular to treat depression that doesn’t respond to other treatments.

Herbs grown in nature can help with depression symptoms like sadness and a lack of hope. Some of the most common plants used to treat depression are St. John’s wort, ginkgo biloba, and lavender.

Meditation and mindfulness for depression

Meditation and being aware of the present moment can help people who are depressed. Mindfulness is the practice of being aware of one’s thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations in the present moment without judgment.

Research has shown that meditation and mindfulness can help reduce symptoms of depression, improve mood, and increase overall well-being.

Light therapy for depression

One form of treating depression is light therapy, which involves exposing the patient to bright light. This type of therapy can help regulate the body’s circadian rhythm, which is responsible for regulating sleep and wake cycles.

Light therapy is effective in alleviating depressive symptoms, including melancholy and hopelessness. Boosting energy and mood may improve your overall quality of life.

How We Can Help

There are many new treatments for depression that you should consider. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a painless, effective procedure that can help reduce symptoms of depression.

Physical activity and diet may also benefit those suffering from depression, as they can help improve mood and reduce stress.

Additionally, herbal remedies, meditation and mindfulness, and light therapy can all help reduce symptoms of depression.

Combining these new treatment options can help even those with severe depression find relief.

If you are struggling with depression, professional help can help you reclaim your life. At NeuroSpa, our healthcare providers offer a variety of treatments for depression, including revolutionary new solutions.

Our team of experienced professionals is here to help you find the best treatment option for your needs, so schedule an appointment today.

This blog post is meant to be educational in nature and does not replace the advice of a medical professional. See full disclaimer.

Almost 10 percent of Americans are affected by depression. Though, depression often ranges in terms of severity. In any case, common symptoms of depression often include sadness, apathy, fatigue, poor sleep, weight anomalies, and thoughts of self-harm.

This disorder in adults comes in a variety of forms. Some people experience major depressive disorder (also known as “clinical depression”) which is a severe, prolonged form of depression.

Others may experience minor depressive disorder (also known as “everyday depression”) which is a more mild form of depression and may be characterized with shorter, temporary episodes of sadness.

If you suffer from major depressive disorder, you may not feel well enough to go to work or do anything else. In fact, you might feel so bad that you’d rather stay home and sleep. This is referred to as a “major depressive episode.”

One thing is certain: major depressive disorder has the ability to impact all facets of your life.

Fortunately, however, with severe clinical depression treatment, most people with this mental health condition can get better quickly.

MDD treatment can take various forms including medications, psychotherapy, exercise, and diet changes.

What Causes Major Depressive Disorder?

Major depressive disorder (MDD) occurs when depression symptoms affect the lives of people with depression adversely. 

The cause of this mental disorder is still unknown. However, several factors contribute to the development of depression and can impact people of all ages. 

Genetics, hormones, medications, environmental triggers, and lifestyle choices all play a part in whether someone develops depression.

What are the Symptoms of Depression?

These are examples of some of the associated emotions:

• Feelings of sadness
• Hopelessness
• Worthlessness
• Guilt
• Anger
• Fatigue

If you feel you’re suffering from depression, a good first step is to talk to your doctor. They can help diagnose the problem and prescribe the most efficacious treatment.

Treatment for Major Depressive Disorder

While many people are aware of the symptoms of depression, most don’t realize how common these mental health conditions are. A variety of clinical depression treatment options exist for those suffering from major depressive disorder.

Psychotherapy for depression

Psychotherapies are effective behavioral treatments for chronic depression. They include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), supportive psychotherapy, group therapy, and psychodynamic therapy. Simply put, these methods involve speaking with a mental health professional.

Medications for major depressive disorder

Major depressive disorder medications to treat depression are available via prescription from your doctor and are available at your local pharmacy. These antidepressant medications include:

• SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
• MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors)
• TCAs (tricyclic antidepressants)
• Lithium
• Psilocybin-assisted therapy (not yet FDA approved) 
• TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation)

A new treatment called ketamine has shown promise. Researchers found that low doses of ketamine as an active drug can help to relieve symptoms of depression.

Cognitive therapy for depression

Cognitive therapy is highly regarded as psychological therapy. In cognitive therapy, patients learn to challenge their negative beliefs and supplant them with constructive thoughts.

In addition, they are taught to recognize their automatic thoughts and to question their validity.

There is a spectrum of CBTs, including individual and group treatment therapies.

Talk therapy for depression

Talk therapy is considered the first choice for mild cases of depression, although some patients find that antidepressants work faster than talk therapies.

However, talk therapy is still very helpful for many people experiencing major depressive disorder.

Brain stimulation therapies

Several types of brain stimulation therapies are being studied and developed to help people suffering from depression.

Brain stimulation therapies include deep brain stimulation and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation. TMS therapy essentially stimulates nerve cells in the brain to help regulate mood control, therefore helping people that may be experiencing MDD.

Lifestyle Changes to Treat Major Depressive Disorder

You can alleviate the symptoms of a major depressive disorder by making lifestyle changes.

Exercising, for example, can help reduce depression symptoms. And something as simple as getting enough quality sleep is also important in coping with depression.

So here are some lifestyle changes you can make to improve your mood.

Nutrition counseling to treat major depressive disorder

Nutrition counselors help patients understand how food choices affect mood and energy levels. They teach patients to eat healthy foods that provide the best nutrition for better cognitive functioning.

This type of treatment is called nutritional therapy. For example, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables may help with depressive episodes.

Avoid alcohol and certain processed foods

Alcohol is a nervous system depressant and should be avoided if you are experiencing depression. If you drink too much, it can lead to heightened feelings of sadness, hopelessness, irritability, and even suicidal thoughts.

Processed foods have also been linked with an increased risk of depression. Researchers found that those who ate more processed food had a greater chance of developing depression.

They also discovered that those who consumed healthy foods had less likelihood of having depressive symptoms.

Sleep well

A lack of sleep can cause depression, according to a study in the Journal for Biological Psychiatry.

Researchers believe that insufficient sleep could affect mood because it causes changes in levels of hormones, such as cortisol and melatonin.

Finding the MDD Therapy You Need

Major depressive disorder (MDD) affects millions of Americans each year.

Fortunately, many effective treatments are available today, including combined treatment methodologies.

At Neuro Spa Therapy Centers, we offer a variety of treatments to suit the needs of each individual patient. If you believe you’ve been suffering from major depressive disorder, book a free consultation with us today.

This blog post is meant to be educational in nature and does not replace the advice of a medical professional. See full disclaimer.

At the end of the year, it is common for people to experience the often misunderstood condition of seasonal depression.

According to Boston University, around 10 million Americans experience seasonal affective disorder yearly. And while most people recover naturally after the season passes, others continue to struggle with symptoms throughout the rest of the year.

As a result, daily activities can become more difficult, sleep patterns suffer, and even the risk of suicide goes up.

Many treatments are available for seasonal depression, including light therapy, antidepressants, and electroconvulsive therapy.

But before you go looking for treatment, you should first understand why you feel depressed in the first place.

This guide will help you explore the various treatments available for seasonal depression and find the best ones for you.

Seasonal Affective Disorder

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of mood disorder. Another name for it is Winter depression, as it is mostly suffered during the fall and winter months. People suffering from it feel sad, anxious, and depressed.

As you would expect, depressive symptoms such as low energy levels, fatigue, lack of motivation, and difficulty concentrating are commonplace. Some people even become disinterested in pursuits they used to love. Social withdrawal is also often reported.

The symptoms are similar to those experienced by people with major depressive disorders. However, unlike major depression, seasonal affective disorder tends to occur only during certain seasons, typically autumn and winter.

Will I Only Suffer From SAD in Winter?

While seasonal affective disorder is most commonly experienced in the fall or winter, some people experience this disorder in the spring and summer months. Essentially, there are different patterns of SADS, including winter patterns and summer patterns.

Winter pattern SAD is characterized mainly by hypersomnia, overeating, weight gain, social isolation, and other symptoms.

In contrast, summer-pattern SAD is characterized mostly by insomnia, poor appetite and restlessness, anxiety, episodes of violence, and other symptoms.

How Is SAD Treated?

SAD treatment options include:

• Light therapy is possibly the most well-known treatment for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). This method involves exposing oneself to natural sunlight for 30 minutes every day. Therapy with natural light intensity works best for mild to moderate cases of SAD.
• Transcranial bright light therapy is a more effective form of light therapy that can be administered by a mental health professional.
• Negative air ionizers produce negative air ions, which are charged particles in nature. They are believed to improve mood and reduce stress.
• Dim light simulators of sunset have also been shown to shift circadian rhythm and help people sleep better. Sunrise simulator devices could be an effective alternative for those who cannot take medications or undergo other treatments.

People who suffer from SAD sometimes awake at night due to the lack of daylight, which may lead to insomnia, fatigue, and irritability. Sunrise simulators provide a natural source of light to help alleviate symptoms.

Treating Seasonal Depression at a Therapy Center

While there are many low-cost and self-administered options to treat SAD, their effectiveness is debatable.

A good therapy center can offer a broader range of treatments under professional supervision to give you the best seasonal depression treatment options available.

For example, at NeuroSpa Therapy Centers, we offer medical advice and a range of professional treatments to push back the winter blues:

• Talk therapy with a qualified mental health professional
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps you change your mindset and improve your Winter seasonal mood. SAD patients develop better ways to manage stress and cope with anxiety.
• Functional medication addresses both the neurological and physical root causes of your seasonal pattern of depression
• TMS Therapy is a proven therapy that can help many types of depression

Lifestyle Changes to Alleviate Seasonal Depression

If you’re suffering from SAD, it may be helpful to make some living adaptations to cope with your melancholic depression.

These changes will help you get through the seasons without feeling miserable.

1. Exercise has been shown to increase vitality levels and decrease feelings of lethargy. It can also help you sleep better. If physical exertion is new to you, take your time adapting to a healthier way of living.
2. Craving carbohydrates increases in winter. But healthy meals will aid your neurological functioning.
3. A regular self-examination, including your physical condition, symptoms, and behavior patterns, will help you decide if a change of seasons has also induced this anxiety disorder.

Year-Round Mental Health

Seasonal depression treatment options include light therapy (exposing oneself to bright lights), antidepressants, and psychotherapy.

Light therapy has been shown to work well for mild cases of seasonal affective disorder, but it may take several weeks before its effects become noticeable.

Antidepressants have also proven effective for treating SAD, although their efficacy varies from person to person.

Psychotherapy is another option, though it takes longer than medication or light therapy to see results.

If you think this seasonal affective disorder is holding you back, contact us for a free consultation.

This blog post is meant to be educational in nature and does not replace the advice of a medical professional. See full disclaimer.