Treating Depression: A Personal Battle or a Combination of Professional Treatments?

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Recommended: the cause and effects of depression

Each year, 19 million Americans are affected by clinical depression, sometimes resulting in suicide (Emedicinehealth, 2011). This clinical depression is not merely a feeling of sadness. The illness affects every day activities and performance. Though there are different types of clinical depression, the most extreme case is major depressive disorder. The reoccurring disorder often prevents individuals from enjoying usually pleasurable activities and causes physical symptoms (Emedicinehealth, 2011). These individuals search for coping mechanisms and possible treatments. Seu (2008), a WORLD magazine writer, boldly stated that depression can be overcome by personally clearing your mind, living as though you are not depressed, and relying on spirituality. However, Manber et. al (2008) said that depression must be treated through a combination of psychotherapy and medication.

Seu (2008) acknowledges that depression is common. He wrote a number of suggestions for coping with the illness. Suggestions included: focusing on spiritual life, getting a good night rest, talking to your depression, finding a clear state of mind, living as though you are not depressed, and reminding yourself that there are individuals with greater problems than your own. An individual can battle depression without professional help (Seu, 2008).

In a study conducted, Manber et al. (2008) aimed to reach remission of depression in participants. They analyzed predictors of remission through receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) (Manber et al. 2008). Authors defined remission to be a minimal level of symptoms for three consecutive weeks in the participants. Participants ages 18-75 were in three groups (Manber et. al 2008). The first group re...

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...er. The result of ignoring symptoms of depression could make major depressive disorder a lifelong problem. Professional treatment is necessary. The study conducted by Manber et al. (2008) concluded that the most effective way to reach remission from major depressive disorder is through a combination of CBASP and medication.

References

Emedicinehealth. (2011, November 15). Depression. Retrieved from http://www.emedicinehealth.com/depression/article_em.htm

Manber, R., Kraemer, H. C., Arnow, B. A., Trivedi, M. H., Rush, A., Thase, M. E., & ... Keller, M. E. (2008). Faster remission of chronic depression with combined psychotherapy and medication than with each therapy alone. Journal Of Consulting And Clinical Psychology, 76(3), 459-467. doi:10.1037/0022-006X.76.3.459

Seu, A. (2005, April 16). Out of the blue. Retrieved from http://www.worldmag.com/articles/10537

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