Treatments for Depression Often Ineffective; Study Shows That Many Would Benefit From Alternative Treatment Methods
San Diego, CA (Vocus) June 29, 2010 -- Despite the variety of depression treatments (http://www.healthtree.com/articles/depression/treatment/major/) available, those suffering from depression often have difficulty finding a treatment plan that works. Results from a recent depression treatment poll conducted by HealthTree.com revealed that patients with depression often don’t respond well to traditional treatments, and many discontinue their treatment plan due to ineffectiveness or intolerable side effects. Of particular interest, the study found that the majority of those suffering from depression try three or more treatments to alleviate their symptoms, and 35% of respondents have tried five or more depression treatments.
The survey sampled 1,238 self-reported or diagnosed depressives. Of the total respondents, over 70% were diagnosed with clinical depression, with the remainder considering themselves depressive. The study asked respondents how they had attempted to treat their symptoms, how many treatments they have tried, and their reasons for switching or ceasing treatment. The vast majority of those polled (85%) had tried traditional treatments for depression--prescription drugs and psychotherapy--and had attempted at least three different treatment options. Most respondents (60%) believed that anti-depressants are over-prescribed by doctors. These findings suggest that those suffering from depression are often dissatisfied with traditional treatment options and may benefit from exploring alternative depression therapies.
“With the diversity of responses from the research, we are particularly interested in testing a new interactive method for patient education aimed at helping those struggling to find a depression treatment that works. Our goal is to provide individuals with the knowledge they need to take control of their health, and we’re using increasingly new technology to do so,” said Dr. Regan Carey, the Project Director for the study.
While traditional depression treatments (http://www.healthtree.com/articles/depression/treatment/major/) are ineffective for many patients, still others are reluctant to try them at all. According to a recent study published by the New York Times, as many as 25% of pregnant women suffer from depression, and a large percentage of those women are hesitant to take antidepressants during pregnancy. The same study suggests that alternative treatments can provide relief from depression symptoms.
For more information, visit http://www.healthtree.com/articles/depression/treatment/major/
Full survey results are available upon request from HealthTree.
About HealthTree.com
HealthTree provides personalized health information for consumers to make better, more informed decisions about their health. HealthTree offers personalized information that integrates, and links to, the abundance of information available in communities, blogs, and social media information flow.
Contact:
Emily Sweeney, Senior Editor
Tree.com
1.858.750.7850
# # #
Related Themes:
Easy Ways to find the Right Treatment for Depression.
Depression or prolonged sadness is actually quite common in the United States, around 9.5 percent of the American population actually suffers from this illness, however, not all of them get to be treated, thus, and depression and its ill-effects continue to be a burden to some individuals.
Depression is Brought on by Many Associating Factors
Depression is complex. Depression is a disease that can linger and progress for months and years without detection . It's known that some 15 million people in America will be impacted by some type of depression each year. It is also estimated that less than a third will actually seek some form of treatment for their affliction. In many cases the afflicted do not even realize that they are ill. It is normal in this day in age to fall prey to the stress that rules our lives. It has become harder and harder to deal with the every day obstacles of life. Many families are surviving week to week. The recent economic crises has created even more pressure to obtain and hold a job. Stress can give birth to depression.
A Depression Test can Help to Reveal a serious condition
Depression is a mental illness. No, those afflicted aren't somehow less than others. It does not insinuate that you are a nut case or crazy. You have an illness that strikes the mind and requires medical attention to be cured, that's it. The stereotype of those afflicted with mental illness being useless head cases is not valid. At the first sign of depression use a depression test that can be found on the Internet . There are many sites with a depression test to determine your situation as far as depression. If you take one and it determines that you are showing signs of depression than you can seek further information.
Top Causes of Unipolar Depression
One should not give up on hope Other factors could be lack of proper food, hormonal imbalances, social factors or side effects of medications
Depression Treatment With Chinese Medicines
Chinese medicine has long been used as an alternative way of treating diseases There are herbs and Chinese treatment methods that are deemed to be very effective for certain types of diseases
A Quick Look At Depression Support Group
17 million people in the USA suffer from depression, a serious and real medical condition considered a mental illness. Depression takes on many different forms. Without treatment depression progresses from mild depression to major depression. When an inflicted person reaches the point of major depression than the possibility of attempted suicide is seriously enhanced. The real problem is that most Americans do not want to confront their depression. Being criticized as crazy or insane becomes such a concern that they don't look for treatment. People would rather be considered normal than admit they suffer.
Natural remedies for depression an appropriate treatment
Depression has become a very common disorder in those days. The condition is very common among people who have to deal with the hectic schedule, severe competition and a lot of problems related to daily life. Some people are able to overcome depression easily but others heart and take it to get seriously ill. Some people feel it is a stage where one feels like a black curtain of despair hidden throughout their lives. Others feel really angry and that no energy is left in them to lead a happy life.