(a) Medications
Doctors may prescribe medications to treat depression. There are 2 main types of medications:
- Antidepressants work to normalize neurotransmitters in the brain.
- Tranquillizers help to temporarily reduce anxiety.
Medications can alleviate depression symptoms in 3 to 4 weeks and patients can get better in 4 to 6 weeks. In general, patients should continue taking medications for at least 4 to 9 months after the symptoms are gone. For severe or frequently recurrent depression, patients have to stay on the medications for longer period of time. Medications should be stopped only under a doctor’s instruction.
Side effects of medications (depending on which type of anti-depressant you are taking) include:
Constipation, diarrhea, dry mouth, vomiting, drowsiness, insomnia, dizziness, headache, tiredness, weight gain, blurred vision and shortness of breath.
Not everyone experience the same side effects. Moreover, the side effects are usually temporary and will subside over time.
Caution:
Do not change or stop any of your medications without consulting your doctor first.
(b) Psychotherapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and psychoanalytic therapy (or psychodynamic therapy) are types of psychotherapy commonly used in Hong Kong.
Psychotherapy aims to help patients change their negative styles of thinking and behaving into positive ones, so as to solve their emotional problems objectively and efficiently. The medical professionals will help patients to find out the triggering factors of their depression. When necessary, it is used along with medications to get a better outcome.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
It seeks to help patients develop new ways of thinking and lifestyle through thought analysis. The treatment period is usually short-term with pre-determined therapeutic targets.
- Psychoanalytic therapy
It seeks to help patients understand unconscious mind which affect current emotions and behaviors by analyzing past experiences and thoughts. It is an intensive and rather long-term therapy process.
(c) Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
Doctors may suggest electroconvulsive therapy for people with severe depression who don't get better with medications and psychotherapy. In electroconvulsive therapy, electrical currents are passed through the brain to relieve depressive symptoms. The treatment course depends on the needs of the individual.
Before ECT is administered, a patient is put under brief anesthesia. An electric shock will be applied to the patient's head which can raise the levels of the mood-related chemicals such as serotonin and noradrenaline in the brain.