A family history of health problems is taken as well. A. Medication is the most common form of therapy, and is essential for severely depressed people. A physician may try different dosage levels and combinations of medications to see what works best. Medications may take three to six weeks to be fully effective. People with recurring episodes or bipolar disorder may need to stay on medication to prevent relapse or lessen symptoms.
Psychotherapy alone helps more than half of mildly to moderately depressed people.
Sometimes it is used in combination with medication therapy. Some people also find help through support groups and other social contacts, especially those who are dealing with loneliness, grief, or a chronic illness. Generally, the patient sits for at least one hour a day in front of lights. ECT affects the same neurotransmitters that medications do. With ECT, a small amount of electricity is applied to electrodes that have been placed on the head.