And, early treatment increases the likelihood of preventing serious recurrences. The most commonly used treatments are antidepressant medications, psychotherapy, or a combination of the two. The choice of treatment depends on how severe the depressive symptoms are and the history of the illness. When you talk to your doctor or mental health professional, make sure they are informed about all treatment options. Talking with a trained mental health professional can help teach better ways of handling problems.
Therapy can be effective in treating clinical depression, especially depression that is less severe.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy helps change negative styles of thinking and behaving that may contribute to clinical depression. Interpersonal therapy focuses on dealing more effectively with other people, working to change relationships that can cause or worsen clinical depression. Antidepressant medication acts on chemical pathways of the brain. There are many very effective antidepressants. Antidepressant medications are not habit-forming.