Depression Treatment
Depression treatment includes psychotherapy (CBT, interpersonal therapy), antidepressant medication, and complementary approaches to manage major depressive disorder and persistent depressive disorder.
Definition
Depression treatment includes psychotherapy (CBT, interpersonal therapy), antidepressant medication, and complementary approaches to manage major depressive disorder and persistent depressive disorder.
In-Depth
What You Need to Know
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) affects 21 million US adults (8.4%) annually and is the leading cause of disability worldwide. Diagnosis requires 5+ symptoms present for 2+ weeks: depressed mood, loss of interest/pleasure (anhedonia), sleep changes, appetite/weight changes, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, difficulty concentrating, psychomotor changes, and suicidal thoughts. Evidence-based treatments include CBT (strongest evidence), Behavioral Activation (scheduling pleasurable activities), Interpersonal Therapy (addressing relationship patterns), and Psychodynamic Therapy. First-line medications are SSRIs (sertraline, escitalopram, fluoxetine) and SNRIs (venlafaxine, duloxetine), with therapeutic effects typically beginning in 2-4 weeks. Treatment-resistant depression may respond to augmentation strategies, ketamine/esketamine (Spravato), TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation), or ECT. The combination of therapy and medication is more effective than either alone for moderate-severe depression.
Calls & Questions
What Patients Ask
Common phone questions about depression treatment — and how Front Desk handles scheduling and call routing automatically.
Common Patient Questions
- 1What is the best treatment for depression?
- 2How long does it take for antidepressants to work?
- 3Do I need therapy or medication for depression?
- 4What if my medication is not working?
How Front Desk Helps Your Practice
Front Desk schedules intake appointments, ensures safety screening for suicidal ideation (refers to 988 Suicide Lifeline for active crisis), offers both therapy and medication management options, and matches callers with appropriate providers.
Try it freeRelated Terms
Learn More
Explore related mental health terms in our glossary.
Browse Mental Health
More Mental Health Terms
Explore all mental health terms in our glossary.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about depression treatment.
Depression treatment includes psychotherapy (CBT, interpersonal therapy), antidepressant medication, and complementary approaches to manage major depressive disorder and persistent depressive disorder. Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) affects 21 million US adults (8.4%) annually and is the leading cause of disability worldwide.
Your mental health provider can answer this during your appointment. Front Desk schedules intake appointments, ensures safety screening for suicidal ideation (refers to 988 Suicide Lifeline for active crisis), offers both therapy and medication management options, and matches callers with appropriate providers.
Your mental health provider can answer this during your appointment. Front Desk schedules intake appointments, ensures safety screening for suicidal ideation (refers to 988 Suicide Lifeline for active crisis), offers both therapy and medication management options, and matches callers with appropriate providers.
Your mental health provider can answer this during your appointment. Front Desk schedules intake appointments, ensures safety screening for suicidal ideation (refers to 988 Suicide Lifeline for active crisis), offers both therapy and medication management options, and matches callers with appropriate providers.
Ready to never miss a call again?
Stop losing revenue to busy signals. Turn every missed call into a booked appointment, 24/7.
Setup in 10 minutes•Cancel anytime