Treatment & Management

In Australia there are a large number of possible treatment and management methods for depression depending on an individual’s symptoms, type of depression, severity, and the cause if it is known.

It is important to get a thorough assessment by a trained professional before embarking on a specific treatment program, as some types of depression will respond best to different treatment methods.

A combination of psychological therapy and antidepressant medication is commonly considered the most effective treatment for depression in Australia, however, depending on the nature of the depression, there are a number of other combinations and options that may be suitable for depression management and treatment, including self-management approaches.

Antidepressants

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

Under Investigation

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS)

PSYCHOLOGICAL INTERVENTIONS AND THERAPIES

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

Interpersonal Relationship Therapy (IPT)

Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT)

COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE INTERVENTIONS AND THERAPIES (more info...)

Nutritional Supplements 

SAM-e

Herbal Medicine

St John's wort

Natural Therapies

Kinesiology

Massage

SELF MANAGEMENT

Bright Light Therapy

Exercise

Relaxation techniques

At depressioNet we respect the right of individuals to make informed choice, especially where the experience of depression is mild to moderate.  Therefore, the information we have presented contains some diversity in terms of treatment methods, including medical, psychological, complementary and alternative options.

Please remember that this is for general information purposes only.  It is important that you discuss all treatments with your doctor or healthcare professional before embarking on a new or complementary program.

General references:

Australian National University

Black Dog Institute

Better Health Channel