what is the best treatment for severe depression/anxiety disorder?
102076
Psychotherapy. Antidepressants are important but usually there is no use of taking antidepressants on their own. For severe depression and anxiety it's usually best to have a combination of antidepressant + psychotherapy treatments. The medication will relieve your symptoms while psychotherapy will help you get to the roots of your anxiety and depression and to resolve the problems. One thing that most conventional doctors don't pay attention to is the overall health of your body. Try to improve your health using natural medicine like homeopathy and chiropractic.
815614
I have also suffered severe depression on and off for quite a while, and am currently battling post-natal psychosis.\nAnti-depressants aren't any good for me either. If medication isn't working for you, then more medication probably isn't going to achieve much.\nSelf-confidence comes with self-esteem, which cannot be provided by any drug. I'm not sure feeling elated all day is exactly normal, either.\nI am currently being treated by a natural therapist and an excellent psychologist, and have come further in the past eight weeks than in the past four years.\nYou need to check things like your hormone levels (these will most likely be out of whack with the depression), there are nutritional factors to consider (depression, anxiety and stress deplete the body of many many nutrients), cognitive behavioural therapy is brilliant, as is learning relaxation techniques. There are probably past issues you need to deal with (psychologist), and good regular exercise is suprisingly helpful (I hate it but I do it!).\nI honestly think you'd be better off exploring other treatment methods than putting your poor mind and body through another horrible experience with medication.\nWhatever you do, I hope it works for you :)
1115642
Visit a specialist..For anxiety works best Xanax and Valium,but they need to be prescribed to you by a doctor..Luck!!
925626
I'm currently dealing with the same things.  It got so bad for me that I had to take time off from work.  What I find helps is to see my dr on a regular basis, and I go see a psycologist also, just to talk and help to get things out and deal with them.  I started keeping a journal again.  Just write, don't think about what you are writing, just write. Its amazing what actually comes out when you don't think about the words.  \nTry taking a nice warm bath, play some relaxing music, light a candle, and just relax.  Slow deep breaths, in through your nose, out through your mouth.  I mix in some lavendar oil with my bath, its very relaxing.  \nTry taking a walk, not a quick run/walk, just a stroll.  Try to enjoy the beauty thats around you, because no matter where you are theres something beautiful.  That helps me to think positive, since in depression  you dont want to be a positive person.  \nTake any medications the dr gives to you.  In time, the majority of them will help.  Only you're doctor can determine which is right for you.  I am on several right now, and I am noticing a difference in myself. \nSurround yourself by friends and family, granted that they aren't the one causing you anxiety.  Talk, and listen to what they have to say.  Enjoy a cup of decaff herbal tea.  Limit your caffiene intake, since it can make your anxiety worse.  \nTry taking up a hobby or craft to keep your hands busy.  I have been doing plastic canvas work, and its helping me keep busy, and when I feel stressed or anxious, I work on my project until the feeling passes.  I have also been trying to read.  it helps me relax also. \nI hope this helped, its whats been getting me through the last few weeks.  Good luck to you!
977026
A psychologist specializing in phobias and anxiety treatment can help you. The condition is almost always curable.\nBest of luck.
251828
While therapy and antidepressant medication are the most effective treatments for depression, home treatment is also important. There are many steps you can take to help yourself during a depressive episode and to prevent future episodes:\n\nSet realistic goals for yourself, and take on a reasonable amount of responsibility. \nBreak large tasks into small ones, and set priorities. Do what you can when you are able. \nPostpone major life decisions (such as changing jobs, moving, or getting married or divorced) when you are depressed. \nTry to share your feelings with someone. It is usually better than being alone and secretive. \nLet your family and friends help you. \nEven if you don't feel motivated, try to participate in religious, social, or other activities. \nGet regular exercise. \nEat a balanced diet. If you lack an appetite, eat small snacks rather than large meals. \nAvoid drinking alcohol or using illegal drugs or medications that have not been prescribed to you. They may interfere with your medications or worsen your depression. \nGet adequate sleep. If you have problems sleeping: \nGo to bed at the same time every night and, more importantly, get up at the same time every morning. \nKeep your bedroom dark and free of noise. \nDon't exercise after 5:00 p.m. \nAvoid caffeinated beverages after 5:00 p.m. \nAvoid the use of nonprescription sleeping pills or alcohol, because they can make your sleep restless and may interact with your depression medications. \nBe patient and kind to yourself. Remember that depression is not your fault and is not something you can overcome with willpower alone. Treatment is necessary for depression, just like for any other illness. \nTry to maintain a positive attitude—remember that feeling better takes time, and your mood will improve little by little. \n\nOther Treatment\nProfessional counseling is an important part of treatment for depression. Complementary therapies such as massage therapy and yoga may also help you recover more quickly and improve your quality of life. For information about relaxation techniques you can do at home, see relaxation exercises. \n\nFamily therapy may help you and those who care about you deal with depression. \n\nElectroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may be used for those who cannot take antidepressant medications, who have not responded to other treatments, or whose depression is severe and includes symptoms of psychosis, suicidal behavior, or an inability to eat. 10 \n\nOther Treatment Choices\nCounseling is an important part of the treatment for depression. The types of counseling most often used for effective treatment of depression include:\n\nCognitive-behavioral therapy, a type of counseling that teaches a person how to become healthier by modifying certain thought and behavior patterns. This type of therapy can be provided individually or in a group setting. \nInterpersonal therapy, which focuses on social and personal relationships and related problems. \nProblem-solving therapy, which focuses on the problems you are currently facing and on helping you find solutions to those problems. \nFamily therapy, a type of counseling involving the entire family. \nElectroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may be used to treat severe depression or depression that has not responded well to medications and counseling. ECT also may be a treatment choice for someone who cannot tolerate the side effects of antidepressant medications. Modern ECT treatments consist of mild electric brain stimulation while you are unconscious (under general anesthetic) and are an effective treatment for depression. Side effects of ECT include memory loss and confusion. \n\nComplementary therapies \n\nThe herb St. John's wort has been shown to work for mild to moderate depression, but it can interact with other medications. \nFish oil containing omega-3 fatty acids is currently being studied for possible antidepressant effects. \nSAM-e ( S-adenosylmethionine), a substance that occur
1142160
1.Medication 2.Psychotherapy.\nSee your Family Physician or a Psychiatrist. Medication treatment for both is usually the same, so they hit two birds with one stone, which is good.
250938
none!!!There is no **best** way. Suicide is a long-term solution to a short-term problem!!! All problems/solutions can be resolved but suicide cannot be reversed. Therapy,medication,etc. are all available.  Remember, God said, "Lean not on YOUR OWN UNDERSTANDING". Tough times pass and beautiful days appear. If this was your personal question, I have you in my prayers at this very moment.  Please call a hotline or a close friend.  All things pass...and they get better, and sometimes bad...but,remember, when you're down, there-s only one way you can go....AND THAT'S UP!!!! God Bless YOU!!!!
379368
There is no complete treatment. Medication helps but doesnt take the scizophrenia away, just makes it more easier to cope with day to day. Therapy, talking bout the issues with a proffesional who is experienced in that subject.
984821
There are loads of options. Depression's not my bag, I'm bipolar, but I suggest you wander over to http://www.crazyboards.org for some more advice.
343647
With a psychaitrist and medication. Medication was like a miracle. Within a few weeks I was happy and content and could deal with anything and especially the cause of my depression.\nIt's really hard to get over this alone. The problem is that your mind is playing tricks on you, and you have unbalanced chemistry in your brain. Medication helps balance that out. \nThe medicine that they have today is incredibly good, and works really well.
801943
Registered Nurse here;  First I'm not a Physician, therefore I cannot suggest Anti-depressant, furthermore over the Internet without a complete history of all your symptoms and medical/mental history, no one should suggest a anti-depressant to you.  However, I truly believe there is hope for you, now if you will make an appointment with a mental health clinic, psychiatrist, therapist, or perhaps your primary care physician, you can be helped.  Due to the complexity and severity assessing strictly from what you have written.  Sounds as if you may need some inpatient therapy.  Please don't even entertain the Ideal or thought of suicide, when this comes into your mind, force it out with more positive thoughts.  Something lead to your unhappiness, you can be happy again.  It's pure speculation here on my part, but perhaps you truly do have a chemical imbalance in your brain.  Having said this, sometimes a person needs to try different anti-depressants, many times the patient and physician need to work closely together via trial and error, till that right medication is found for you.  Also most anti-depressants don't tale effect immediately, usually it's a 2wk, to 4wk, period for full benefit of anti-depressant to kick in.  I don't mean to quote you a cliche', but "Please Remember Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem".  You've already taken an important step you are seeing a Mental Health Professional for your on anti-depressant.  You get a standing Ovation from me for this, now just don't give up.  You've taken the biggest step, now keep stepping until you find the medication/therapy combo that works for you.  Once again you will not worry and be happy! Just give it some time.  I hope this has helped and I appreciate the opportunity to address such a well written question.
207743
That guy leproso is a jerk. Where do these people come from??\n\nTo answer your question, it sometimes takes a lot of trial and error to come up with the best medication because everyone has a slightly different body chemistry. Have you tried taking an antidepressant along with an anti-anxiety medication? It may help to get you past the adjustment period. \n\nA friend of mine was on Imiprimine and he gained a ton of weight. He also tried Zoloft, but it gave him migraines. Now he's on Prozac and is doing a lot better.
1033147
Cognitive therapy is what helped me, also. I've taken two different kinds of antidepressants (Celexa and Effexor XR), and although they helped lift my mood, they still didn't treat the root cause of my symptoms, which was my negative thoughts. I began using the cognitive therapy methods described in the book "Feeling Good" by Dr. David Burns, and I was able to put my negative thoughts in a more realistic light and eventually cure myself of clinical depression altogether.
1070246
I tried Zoloft and it gave me a lot of anxiety and agitation. Paxil helped alot tho.
278784
I understand your desire to stay away from "sledgehammer" solutions that involve powerful, sometimes untested prescription medicines. When it comes to your health, remedies that are stronger are not always better. I have three things that have gotten me through times when I've been depressed, and they're all gentle solutions that I think will suit an intelligent person like yourself. \n\n1 - The first is what Freud calls the "talking cure". He insists that it must be performed by a psychoanalyst who you are paying for, but actually I've performed it by writing in a diary. The key is to be very honest, and try to find connections that you might otherwise be supressing, because these are the areas that need work. For example, what's the first thing that pops into your mind when you think of "depression"? If the answer is "flying a kite", then follow the chain... What do you think of when you think of "kite" and "flying"... You'll be surprised how quickly this takes you right down to an event in your childhood or an unresolved conflict that might have happened a year ago.\n\n2 - Looking for lies. A chair cannot make you depressed. A lampshade cannot make you depressed. Only another person can make you depressed. I believe it is because a chair and a lampshade cannot lie. Only a person can lie. Depression, it seems to me, comes from believing a lie. That conflict (between reality and the lie) takes up so much mental energy to maintain, it drains you as a whole. You may find, after using technique #1, that it leads to you to this conclusion #2. For example, after free associating your way to an event, you might find that it was when someone told you that you weren't worth a hill of beans. The problem is not that they insulted you, the problem is that you believed the lie. Beware, giving up on a lie that we've believed in for a long time is tougher than it sounds.\n\n3 - This one is going to sound goofy, especially after wading in deeply with the other two techniques. Get some light to shine on the cells in the back of your eyes. Go outside for an extended period of time without sunglasses (no need to stare at the sun or a light-bulb, indirect light will do). Use one of those gentle light therapy products like www.everlyte.com . Take a trip on a sailboat. Spend a few hours in open fields on sunny days. It's those cells in the eyes that produce much of the chemical that pills and herbal remedies seek to replace, but the cells in the eyes put the chemicals where they are needed, in your brain, and not in your stomach and everywhere else. This third technique will help you with the other two, allowing you to think clearly, and get out from being stuck in a loop.\n\nI hope this "whole-istic" answer is as helpful to you as it has been to me over the years. A gentle look at the whole picture is often better than a sledgehammer to just one piece of the problem.
259376
it took me over a year to find the right drug combo.  I guess I'm lucky there...it felt like forever to me!\n\nI think you should talk to your doctor- tell him/her exactly what you said here.  See if they have solutions and work together to make a plan for your treatment.  It will be good to have a plan with a few steps to assess along the way.  Also, think about adding therapy to your treatment.  often you need this in conjunction with medications- even if you've tried, never needed, or "graduated" from therapy in the past- it could help alot with your CURRENT situation.   \n\nyou might also consider exercise or yoga- sometimes these activities will give you a little extra boost of energy to feel a little better.