Treatment of depression

As a short introduction, I would like to say that the treatment of depression depends on the desire to overcome this condition. It is clear that life's troubles can drive anyone crazy and suppress the desire to live, but remember Baron Munchausen, who got out of the swamp by himself, pulling his own hair out! And no matter how bad it is, when asked: "How are you?", you need to answer: "You won't get it!"

As an aid, you can use all sorts of techniques, which we will discuss below, and, of course, the support of friends and family is always important.

Contraindications include alcohol and other artificial stimulants. Otherwise, another diagnosis is threatened - alcoholism or dependence on another drug.

So, let's get down to business, how can we overcome depression, and in the shortest possible time?

For example, the founding father of all medical sciences, Hippocrates treated patients with opiates, and in order to cleanse not only the mind but also the body, he persistently recommended cleansing enemas. One of the more or less effective methods suggested by Hippocrates was sunbathing and walks in the fresh air, which today are a reliable addition, consolidating the achievements of therapy for depressive disorders. The expulsion of demons by various medieval methods is completely unacceptable in our time, although in the Renaissance, the fire of the sacred fire was considered almost the only method that involves the treatment of depression. A little later, works were subjected to fire that could have become a breakthrough in the study of depressive states, their author was a Dutch physician, a member of the city court, Wier, who carefully hinted that not all melancholics are possessed by devilish forces. Following Vier's scientific observations, the books of R. Scott, who studied depression from a medical point of view, and not from a religious aspect, followed into the fire of the Inquisition. Paradoxically, after only a century, depression became a fashionable disease, which only very sensitive, and therefore talented, aristocratic persons could suffer from.

Treatment of depression, historical facts

It should be noted that for quite a long time, depressive patients were treated with extremely harsh methods, ranging from dousing with ice water to bloodletting and emetics. Three centuries ago, German doctors treated patients with rotations on special devices, believing that centrifugal force would relieve patients from painful sensations. Moreover, the English ruler who ruled at the end of the 17th century, George III, who suffered from bouts of depressive disorders, was mercilessly beaten with iron chains with his voluntary consent, apparently in order to switch mental pain to purely physical pain. Russian doctors of the 19th century were also not particularly merciful, since they treated their patients exclusively with mercury, leeches attached to the anus, and even cauterization. A little later, the "fashionable" disease began to be treated with narcotics, which were also quite popular in that century. In psychiatry, cannabis was widely known, and was given not only to depressive patients, but to literally everyone. Of course, a short-term surge of energy and euphoria was soon replaced by a complete decline in mood and real drug addiction. Few people know that the famous Freud wrote a special work dedicated to cocaine, where he sang an ode to the pharmacological properties of coca, naturally, tested on himself. Actually, Sigmund Freud never got rid of his cocaine addiction until the end of his life, which actually cured him of his initial depressive disorders, but led to a condition that was later called "cocaine sadness".

First, treating depression through self-analysis and self-control

How is that? First of all, it is necessary to understand the reason for the unbearable state. Most often, the factors that provoke depression include a monotonous life: home - work, work - home, sometimes even just home. What to do in this case, if nothing can be changed? You can add a "gym" in the morning between "work" and "home". In addition, there is a triple advantage:

• good for the body,
• physical exercise relieves stress,
• new social circle.

Going to a cafe or to the cinema. Even if you have no one to go with, it is useful to spend some time alone, at least for reflection. Walks in the fresh air can also rehabilitate your mental state.

The next reason, which is quite often the key to depression, is separation from a loved one. It is clear that "separation is a small death" (Zh. Aguzarova), but this must be overcome in order to continue living. In this situation, you should never withdraw into yourself. But, nevertheless, you should not rush to start a new relationship.

In fact, there are many reasons for depression in a person's life, and it is not possible to list them all. The main thing is to choose the right course of treatment for yourself. And for this, you need to know the exact diagnosis.

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Second, treating depression at a professional level

If you are unable to overcome depression on your own, you can seek help from the following specialists: –

To a psychologist. A psychologist is an expert in the field of mental health, but he is not a doctor. Accordingly, he has no right to recommend antidepressants or other medications. But he helps to understand yourself and overcome many complexes and fears that suppress a person's consciousness. Complexes and fears that are provocateurs of depression include: an inferiority complex (I am ugly, I am fat, I am lonely, etc.), a feeling of dissatisfaction or envy (this can only happen to me! Others have it, but I don't!) and so on,

• – to a psychoanalyst. A psychoanalyst is a specialist in the field of psychoanalysis, that is, he solves problems with mental disorders, including mild depression. He is considered one of the types of psychotherapists. –
• to a psychotherapist. First of all, this is a person with a medical education. Since a psychotherapist is a doctor, the patient can receive medication treatment for depression if necessary, –
• to a psychiatrist. A psychiatrist is also a doctor. You should contact him at the moment of serious mental disorder, -
• to a neuropsychiatrist. A combined term for a psychiatrist and a neurologist. Mental illnesses accompanied by neurosis may be the reason for visiting this doctor. Depression can sometimes trigger neurosis, –
• to a psychophysiologist. A specialist in the field of psychophysiology - analysis of physiological reactions to psychological phenomena. In simpler terms, a psychophysiologist examines the patient's emotional state, studying the body's reaction (changes in heart rate, pupil size, electrical resistance of the skin) to certain psychological perceptions. An excellent option for those experiencing alcohol depression is
• to a neuropsychologist. A neuropsychologist is a doctor who understands neurology and clinical psychology. In addition, he is well versed in physiology, age and clinical anatomy, psychophysiology, neuropharmacology, psychiatry, psychotherapy and many other related disciplines, –
• to a hypnotherapist. A hypnotherapist is a doctor who helps a person heal themselves by putting the patient into a trance state through hypnosis. This method works great when a person does not see a purpose in life and does not know how to live on, which leads to depression.

Some people turn to "grandmas" and healers for help, and it helps them. No one disputes the possibility of healing with the help of alternative medicine, but due to the current economic situation in the country, among these healers there are many charlatans who are engaged in deception for the purpose of profit.

Third, treatment for depression: pills or vitamins?

Before answering this question, I would like to say that if you are wondering about medications for depression, then this is already a clear sign that you cannot postpone a visit to the doctor, since any medication has certain properties that are not suitable for everyone.

Let's look at some of the drugs in more detail:

1. Antidepressants. Their main purpose is to change the emotional state, or rather its normalization. They act by the method of reformation in the brain for the presence of mediators, which are, in a way, intermediaries between thoughts and emotions.

Many people believe that antidepressants can cause addiction. But this is impossible. Addiction can be caused by tranquilizers such as: "Relanium", "Fazepam", "Tizepam", "Elenium" and similar.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants, which, since the 50s of the last century, have significantly improved in terms of effectiveness and safety. A clearly expressed therapeutic effect, almost complete absence of side effects allow psychiatrists to prescribe, in addition to tranquilizers and tricyclic drugs, new generation drugs. All antidepressants are aimed at normalizing the depressed state of patients with depression. In addition, drugs for the treatment of depression are often prescribed to neutralize irritation of the intestinal tract, with erosive processes in the intestine, in a therapeutic complex for the treatment of asthma, anorexia, childhood hyperkinesis, bulimia.

The first drugs for depression treatment were created in the middle of the last century, interestingly, they were initially developed for the treatment of tuberculosis and their properties to neutralize the symptoms of depression were discovered almost by accident. Treatment of depression was previously carried out with first-generation antidepressants, which include tricyclic drugs, such as the well-known amitriptyline, imipramine, anafranil. These drugs are called tricyclics or TCAs due to their specific chemical structure, which is based on the triple carbon ring. These drugs are able to improve the cognitive properties of the brain, as they activate important neurotransmitters - serotonin and the adrenal stimulating hormone - norepinephrine. Tricyclic drugs differ in the way they affect the body, so amitriptyline acts as a sedative, and imipramine, on the contrary, quickly activates and stimulates the brain. These drugs, in addition to the obvious therapeutic effect, sometimes also cause complications such as excessive drowsiness, indigestion (constipation), nausea and general weakness. The first generation of TCAs, drugs for the treatment of depression, also include drugs called MAO inhibitors (substances that suppress the process) of monoamine oxidase. These drugs are prescribed in cases where depression demonstrates atypical symptoms and traditional treatment with tricyclics does not give a lasting result. Such drugs include nialamide, phenyuzin, espril, which also have undesirable side effects such as metabolic disorders, sleep disorders, edema, dizziness, decreased erectile function. In addition, MAOI drugs are absolutely incompatible with certain types of products that contain amines - tyrosine or tyramine, since such a combination can provoke a severe hypertensive crisis.

Treatment of depression with second-generation drugs is more effective and has far fewer side effects. These drugs are called selective, as their action is more targeted and reaches the intended "pathological" target faster. The second-generation category also includes TCAs, but they are more advanced in chemical structure, such as ludiomil, lerivon (mianserin). In addition to tricyclics, the second category includes MAO inhibitors, which have a reversible, controlled action, such as pyrazidol, befol, moclobemide, inkazan. These drugs act a little slower, but are much less toxic and do not cause addiction.

The third category of antidepressants, or more precisely, third-generation drugs, is the most effective group, which is readily prescribed by psychiatrists, since the therapeutic effect of these drugs is quite long-lasting, and there are practically no contraindications. It should be noted that drugs included in the group of third-generation antidepressants are somewhat weaker in therapeutic effect than the classic TCAs from the first group, but they are more effective than second-generation drugs, and their prescription implies the possibility of outpatient treatment, much safer than their older "brothers". Selective inhibitor drugs that have the property of reuptake of serotonin are called SSRIs, they include cipramil, citalon, fluoxetine, rexetine, zoloft.

Treatment of depression sometimes involves the prescription of drugs included in the fourth-generation antidepressant group. These drugs are even more selective and precise in their mode of action, so they are close in therapeutic effectiveness to first-generation tricyclics, and in relative safety and good tolerability to SSRIs - the third-generation group. Among this category, we can note such drugs as Ixel, Remeron, Velaxin. New-generation antidepressants are able to restore and normalize the balance of neurotransmitters and transmitters, eliminating the biochemical cause of depression.

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What types of antidepressants are there?

Tricyclic antidepressants. This type of antidepressants is more popular than others in the fight against depression. Their history begins in the 50s. And they are characterized as stimulants of good mood. Unfortunately, not everyone can raise their spirits in this way, since in case of improper use or overdose, even a fatal outcome is possible. In addition, depression with suicidal predisposition is included in the contraindications. This also includes people with somatic diseases, bipolar depression. Tricyclic antidepressants include:

• "Azafen" acts as a sedative on the central nervous system. It is prescribed to patients with the following diagnosis: astheno- and anxious depression, depressive degree of manic-depressive psychosis, involutional melancholy, depression of organic genesis, somatogenically determined depression, reactive depression.

The course of treatment against depression with this drug is as follows: take 25 to 50 mg after meals. The dosage after 3-4 doses is gradually increased by 25-50 mg per day. As a rule, doctors recommend increasing the dose to 150-200 mg per day. But the option of a daily dose of up to 400 mg is not excluded. Upon reaching the maximum dose, the drug should not be abruptly stopped, but gradually, the portion should be reduced to a minimum: 25-50 mg per day. The total period of administration is 1-1.5 months.

"Azafen" has no pronounced side effects. Some side effects are possible, but in isolated cases: nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and then they quickly pass in the process of reducing the dose.

Contraindications: should not be taken together with MAO inhibitors. If these medications were taken, then you should wait 2 weeks before using Azafen.

• "Amitriptyline" - eliminates depressed mood, therefore, it is exactly what is needed for the treatment of depression. The ideal option for eliminating anxiety-depressive state, as it reduces anxiety and any manifestations of depression. During the treatment, there are no unpleasant symptoms, such as delirium or hallucinations, which are characteristic of some types of antidepressants ("Impiramin" and others).

How to take this remedy? There are 2 ways of treatment: injection - intramuscularly or intravenously and orally - drink. Usually the doses are as follows: take after meals 50-75 mg per day, adding 25-50 mg daily until reaching 150-200 mg per day in 3-4 doses. The most important thing is to take the medicine during the day and before bed. Just like in the previous option, the dosage is gradually reduced, reaching a minimum. In special cases, the maximum daily dose is 300 mg.

If we talk about injections, this method of treatment is mainly used in a hospital setting, where a course of treatment is prescribed.

• "Ftoracizine" is an antidepressant with a sedative effect, i.e. a calming agent for the central nervous system. Its purpose: anxiety-depressive state, manic-depressive psychosis, schizophrenia, reactive and neurotic state, which is accompanied by depression, depression caused by the use of neuroleptic drugs. Its peculiarity is that it can be combined with other types of antidepressants, including tricyclics.

The method of administration is both intramuscular and oral.

Oral: after meals, start: 50-70 mg per day for 2-3 days. Then the dose increases to 100-200 mg, but not more than 300 mg per day.

Intramuscular: 2 ml of 1.25% solution 1-2 times a day. The dose is gradually increased, and when the desired result is achieved, injections are replaced by tablets.

During treatment with this drug, some side effects are possible: low blood pressure, fatigue, nausea, dry mouth, difficulty urinating, pain in the limbs, disorientation of visual perception.

"Ftoracizine" should not be taken by people with impaired liver and kidney function, gastric ulcer, hypertrophy, glaucoma, atony of the urinary bladder. Simultaneous administration of MAO inhibitors is also contraindicated.

2. MAO (monoamine oxidase) inhibitors.

Some medical experts prefer this group of antidepressants more than the previous one. When taking these drugs, you have to follow a diet that excludes aged cheeses, sour cream, dry-cured sausages and meat products, corned beef, soy sauce and cottage cheese, salted and smoked fish, fish eggs, snails, sauerkraut and canned cabbage, legumes, avocados and dried figs. Plus, antidepressants, especially this type, are incompatible with alcohol. If we talk about soft drinks, then coffee, tea and chocolate are crossed out from the diet.

The results of drugs belonging to this category of antidepressants are not immediately visible, but only a couple of weeks after taking them.

Let's look at this group of antidepressants in more detail:

• "Niar" (coated tablets). Used against Parkinson's disease, symptomatic parkinsonism.

Contraindications: hypersensitivity, angle-closure glaucoma, arterial hypertension, diffuse thyrotoxic goiter, pheochromocytoma, prostate adenoma, dementia, psychosis, severe angina, arrhythmia and tachycardia.

It is not recommended to take during pregnancy and lactation.

In case of overdose, the following phenomena are real: headache. If the daily norm is more than 60 mg combined with tyramine-containing food products (the above were indicated: sauerkraut and canned cabbage, snails, etc.), then a hypertensive crisis is possible.

Niar should be taken as prescribed by your doctor.

Similar but not identical drugs include Segan, Selgin, Selegin, Selegin Knoll, Selegin-STS, Selegos, Sepatrem 10, Selegilin, Eldepryl, Yumex.

3. Other types of antidepressants:

• "Bupropion" is intended for the treatment of depressive states. Its advantage is that, unlike other antidepressants, it does not contribute so much to: weight gain and sexual dysfunction.

Side effects include: anxiety, increased activity, insomnia, nausea, mild tremor. In case of overdose, epileptic seizures, fever, high blood pressure, asthenia, tachycardia, convulsions, hallucinations, bronchospasm, headache and dizziness, hypersensitivity and other symptoms are possible depending on the individual characteristics of the patient's body.

Contraindications: psychogenic bulimia and anorexia, history of seizures, hypersensitivity to the drug. Cannot be taken with other MAO inhibitors.

Dosage: the course of treatment is carried out in stages, starting with a dose of 150 mg per day for individuals over 18 years of age. After several weeks, as a rule, a positive result is already visible. If necessary, the daily dose is increased to 300 mg. But it should be taken into account that the maximum single dose is 150 mg. If the daily dose is higher than 150 mg, it should be divided into 2 stages with an interval of at least 8 hours.

• "Trazodone" - treatment of depression of various types: endogenous, psychotic, neurotic, and so on.

Side effects: digestive problems, nausea, low blood pressure. Since the drug causes changes in heartbeat, people with heart disease are not prescribed "Trazodone". In addition, men experience extremely painful erections.

Contraindications: individual sensitivity to the drug, myocardial infarction, tachycardia, extrasystole, ventricular arrhythmia, renal or hepatic insufficiency, children under 6 years of age.

The following should be considered before taking the medication: persons under 18 years of age, patients with arterial hypertension, a history of priapism, pregnant and nursing mothers.

The course of treatment should be discussed with your doctor.

• "Venlafaxine hydrochloride" - in tablets or capsules is intended for the treatment of depression. Contraindications include: hypersensitivity, pregnancy, breastfeeding and simultaneous use of MAO inhibitors. As for the periods of pregnancy and lactation, the option of using this antidepressant is possible, but in extreme cases and under strict medical supervision. Side effects of the drug: drowsiness, fatigue, headache and dizziness, low blood pressure. It is better to discuss the course of treatment and dosage with a doctor, without self-medication.
• "Nefazodone hydrochloride" - is intended to eliminate depressive states. As in the previous version, the daily proportions and period of administration should be discussed with a specialist. Side effects: vision problems - accommodation disorder, fatigue, drowsiness, low blood pressure.
• "Mirtazapine" is available in powder form. It has properties to eliminate depression. Contraindications: hypersensitivity, simultaneous use with other drugs of the same group. Restrictions on use: organic brain damage, including epilepsy; heart disease; arterial hypotension; drug dependence and its tendency; mania and hypomania; problems with urination; diabetes; high intraocular pressure; renal, hepatic insufficiency; minors. As for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, no trials have been conducted in this area.

Neuroleptic drugs

These drugs are much stronger in their mode of action than antidepressants, neuroleptics are prescribed in cases of exacerbation of depressive disorder for rapid relief of symptoms, such as psychosis, elimination of fears, irritation and excitement. Neuroleptic drugs are classified as psychotropic, therefore they have many undesirable effects - tremor of the limbs, rigidity (stiffness) of the muscles of the body. Together with neuroleptics, psychiatrists try to prescribe drugs that reduce side effects, for example, cyclodol, PC-merz. One of the first neuroleptic drugs was aminazine, which has a strong antipsychotic effect, successfully and quickly neutralizes conditions associated with delirium, which often occur with diagnosed major depression in the acute stage. Neuroleptics are also divided into groups:

Atypical neuroleptic drugs - these drugs do not have obvious toxicity, therefore they treat all apathetic states and neurotic symptoms manifested somatically (in the body) well. Atypicals include solian, azaleptin, rispolept (stops phobic attacks).

Piperidine neuroleptics are improved versions of the aminazine group, which do not cause persistent drowsiness, tremor, inherent in the drugs of the initial, first generation. The drug neuleptil more specifically combats anxiety symptoms, well neutralizes increased excitability.

Piperazine group of neuroleptics - drugs much more powerful than the aminazine group, in terms of stopping acute conditions, both psychotic and depressive. These are drugs such as moditen, etaperazine, mazheptil.

Neuroleptics, which are developed on the basis of butyrophenone (haloperidol, trisedil) are not intended for the treatment of depression. These drugs are intended for the treatment of purely psychiatric diseases.

Fourth, treatment of depression with folk remedies

Chamomile-mint tea. Dry chamomile flowers - 1 tablespoon plus mint leaves (both fresh and dry) 3-4 leaves pour 1 glass of boiling water. This drink is an ideal tonic that relieves emotional stress.

Lemonade with mint. For a liter of water, 1 lemon and 1/3 cup of mint leaves. Cut the lemon into circles, it is better not to chop the mint leaves. Pour boiling water over the lemon and mint. Drink cold. So, you have a tonic with an invigorating effect.

It is better to drink honey with warm milk at night, as its essence is to provide a person with healthy sleep. Sleep, by the way, plays a huge role in mental health. Often, depression and irritability are caused by lack of sleep.

Calming valerian decoction. Usually the dosage is indicated on the package. Valerian is known to all for its relaxing properties, which normalize the heartbeat and relieve tension.

Fifth, treating depression with aromatherapy!

A very effective way to treat depression, especially in the cold season, is aromatherapy. Why in the cold season? In botany, this is called photosynthesis, which is impossible without sunlight. It turns out that not only plants miss the sun, but people too. The smell of the sea, which can be created artificially (with aromatic candles or essential oils, for example), can have a positive effect on the state of mind. Floral scents resemble a meadow, coniferous ones - a forest. You can resort to a more exotic option: the aroma of lotus, sandalwood, almond, orange, and so on.

What aroma is best to use as a stimulant of a good mood? Of course, the one that you would like to feel at the moment. And if you enjoy incense accompanied by pleasant relaxing music, the effect will be stunning!

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Treatment of depression: what determines the choice of treatment method?

Having gone through a rather difficult and winding path, modern psychiatry has long abandoned the "barbaric" methods that were used to treat depression in the past. Today, the gold standard in therapy is considered to be drug treatment and long-term psychotherapy. The use of monotherapy with antidepressants does not give a lasting result, and complex treatment of depression with the correct differential diagnosis gives a positive therapeutic effect.

Depression, unlike many other diseases, does not affect any one organ or system, it literally affects the entire body, so its treatment must be comprehensive and extensive. Correct diagnosis is extremely important, since depressive states have many varieties and "masks".

ICD-10 (International Classification of Diseases) divides depressive states into categories and forms based on causes, the nature of the disease and its severity. Thus, depression can be neurotic, that is, associated with internal contradictions, reactive, provoked by psychological trauma, endogenous, associated with a violation of neurochemical processes in the body. Depression can also be "masked", hidden and classical, manifested. Major or minor form depends on the period of the disease and the etiological base. The most difficult to diagnose is somatized, hidden depression, which hides behind any physical ailment.

Here is a list of the most characteristic, somatized “masks”:

• Painful sensations in the epigastric region are abdominal symptoms. These may be constipation or diarrhea, a feeling of heaviness or coldness in the abdomen, cramping, sharp pains, nausea. The patient persistently undergoes treatment at a gastroenterologist, unsuccessfully trying to alleviate his suffering, but classical methods of treating the digestive system do not give results.
• Headache, with a feeling of a squeezing hoop or distension, as a rule, the pain intensifies at night, remains until the morning, starting in the second half of the day, passes, and returns again in the evening. Analgesics or antispasmodics do not give the desired effect. The diagnosis often sounds like the notorious "vegetative-vascular dystonia", and the patient suffers for years.
• Depression often disguises itself as inflammation of the trigeminal nerve, toothache, which has no real inflammatory prerequisites. Treatment by a neurologist gives short-term relief, while treatment by a dentist is fraught with the loss of relatively healthy teeth and their prosthetics.
• Heart pain, arrhythmia, burning in the heart area with a relatively good cardiogram. All cardiological drugs temporarily relieve spasm, but do not give a lasting result.
• A typical "mask" is pain in the joints and muscles that has no real etiological causes. Depressive arthralgias are usually differentiated by characteristic discrepancies between the radiograph and the pain sensations presented by the patient, i.e. the localization of the pain does not coincide at all with the location of the actual pinched nerve or sore joint.
• Insomnia is the main "companion" of depressive disorders. Often, sleep disturbances are the main indicator of the onset of a depressive process.
• Phobias, fears, panic attacks that clearly manifest themselves at night and subside in the afternoon.
• Sexual dysfunctions that do not have a somatic cause. Any sexual dysfunctions can become a sign of a depressive, latent condition.

All types of addictions, from alcohol to gambling, are independent diseases. However, either their cause or consequence is inevitably depression.

Depression can only be diagnosed by a doctor. Self-diagnosis is not only inappropriate, but can provoke unnecessary, groundless anxiety and actually lead to a depressive state. It is not for nothing that there is a proverb: “A person can instill any disease in himself if he really wants to.” Also, one should not stoically endure a long-term bad mood and consider it an insignificant deviation that will pass by itself. Two weeks are enough to form a persistent depressive disorder, then it either develops rapidly or begins to “hide” behind somatic diseases. Untimely initiation of drug and psychotherapeutic therapy not only aggravates the course of the disease, but can lead to sad consequences, including suicide. False shame, lack of habit of going to the doctor with mental problems, fear of treatment with psychotropic drugs - all this is insufficient information, which we are trying to fill in this article.

Is it possible to treat depression with vitamins alone?

Yes, if the cause of depression is vitamin deficiency. In essence, depression treatment consists of comprehensive self-care. If the depressive state is mild, then a person can heal himself or achieve complete recovery thanks to a psychologist and vitamins. In more serious situations, psychotherapy or psychoneurology should be used.

So, what vitamins help during periods of depression?

Vitamin complexes, nootropic drugs (fezam, bilobil) help to restore the energy balance in the brain, improve and activate cognitive functions, and increase overall performance.

Thiamine or vitamin B1 activates memory, improves reaction speed, gives the body energy. Contained in cereals, soy, and sea fish.

Niacin or vitamin B3 slows down the breakdown of an important substance – L-tryptophan, which is involved in the production of serotonin. It is found in nuts, meat, sea fish, eggs.

Pantothenic acid or vitamin B5. Helps to synthesize transmitter substances (acetylcholine) to activate memory and concentration. Contained in sea fish, dairy products, liver.

Pyridoxine hydrochloride or vitamin B6. In combination with other B vitamins and magnesium, it significantly accelerates the neutralization of homocysteine, an amino acid that has neurotoxic properties and reduces the production of serotonin. It is found in legumes, nuts, cereals, eggs and liver.

Folate or folic acid (vitamin B9). Helps neutralize and remove homocysteine, which provokes cardiac pathologies and depressive states.

Cyanocobolamine or vitamin B12. This vitamin enters the body from the outside, the body is not able to synthesize it on its own. Constant replenishment of vitamin B12 resources allows to significantly improve and activate the general condition of the body, eliminates weakness, increases appetite, neutralizes irritability. Contained in meat, liver, milk, eggs.

Biotin or vitamin B7 (vitamin H). Helps activate the enzymatic functions of the whole organism, improves nerve conductivity, in combination with B vitamins helps restore cognitive (thinking) functions of the brain. Contained in eggs, in smaller quantities in nuts and seeds.

Vitamin D

A lack of this vitamin in the body can cause an exhausted emotional state. Some studies have shown that after taking vitamin D, the patient comes out of the state of depression in 2-3 months. What foods contain this vitamin?

• herring,
• canned salmon,
• mackerel,
• sour cream,
• liver (beef, pork, poultry),
• butter,
• milk,
• egg yolks.

Vitamin C

The problem of fatigue, which is often the cause of depression, occurs due to a deficiency of vitamin C in the body (vitamin preparation "Natura Vigor" with natural vitamin C). Cabbage and citrus fruits contain a large amount of this vitamin. An orange in the morning is a reliable way to lift your mood and increase activity. If you replace a cup of coffee and a sandwich with a glass of orange juice and a vegetable salad with cabbage, then a person will be charged with energy for the whole day. 3.

Vitamin B ₁₂

As a rule, it is administered intramuscularly - the sensation is not pleasant. But in pharmacies you can buy an alternative to injections, regular vitamins, which contain vitamin B 12 (Vitogepat, Sirepar, Gepavit, etc.). Foods that are rich in vitamin B 12: pork, beef, eggs, nuts, dairy and fish products, peas, beans. Vitamin B 12 affects the functioning of the brain. A deficiency of this vitamin in the body can adversely affect not only mood, but also memory.

Vitamin complexes (Stress Formula) can not only improve emotional well-being, but also strengthen health in general.

Psychotherapeutic treatment of depression

Treatment of depression is carried out by many methods, but the most effective, time-tested to date are the following:

A cognitive-behavioral method, which is good for its relative brevity, unlike psychoanalytic methods. Such a method allows you to form an independent skill of managing your own condition, organize not only your day to get rid of depressive thoughts, but often your living space, including family, career and personal development. Restructuring a depressive state with the help of cognitive-behavioral techniques leads to the formation of a new way of thinking and a new assessment of the situation. The patient relearns to analyze his condition and objective events surrounding him, checks how dangerous or safe his thoughts and beliefs are. Thus, not only a new, more positive way of outlook on the world is gradually formed, but also behavioral habits. Sessions should be held at least twice a week for at least two months.

Hypnosis, suggestive techniques

Conducted only by a qualified doctor with certificates and relevant permits. Hypnotechnics are good for relieving fears, acute panic attacks. With the help of suggestive hypnotic techniques, the doctor gains access to unconscious mechanisms that “anchor” negative situations and provoke a habitual response to them. With the help of special techniques, the doctor interrupts the pathological mechanism of triggering depressive reactions and introduces a new, positive attitude. In addition to directive hypnotic techniques, depression treatment involves the use of metaphorical Ericksonian hypnosis, in which the patient does not fall asleep, but is in a trance state. Thus, together with the doctor, the patient gains access to his hidden internal reserves and learns to manage his condition. Modern hypnotic techniques are absolutely safe and environmentally friendly for the patient, moreover, it has been statistically proven that during hypnosis, a person activates the production of hormones of joy - serotonin and various endorphins.

Psychodynamic method

A psychodynamic method that allows you to resolve hidden internal contradictions, conflicts, thereby releasing the energy of dissonance contained in the body. This method was developed in the last century by the psychiatrist Bellak. Psychodynamics is carried out in a short course (6-8 sessions) and is aimed at treating depression that is not accompanied by schizoaffective psychoses. The method involves the patient exploring their internal mental reactions and manifestations - self-esteem, self-punishment, dependence and the need to be loved, looked after, a feeling of dissatisfaction and disappointment with the world around them, claims to it, the level of narcissism, egoism and suppressed anger. Realizing and recognizing everything that happens in the soul, the patient stops getting hung up on these processes and learns to release feelings and emotions more spontaneously, vividly. Psychodynamics also helps to reduce the level of auto-aggression, which often leads to suicide attempts.

Treatment of depression also involves a set of physiotherapeutic procedures; acupuncture, a special diet and moderate physical activity are effective at the recovery stage. It is interesting that for more than ten years, acupuncture (acupuncture therapy) has been considered an officially recognized method that significantly accelerates the treatment of depression. WHO (World Health Organization) included acupuncture in the list of recommended methods for the management of depressive disorders. Acupuncture, using small, thin needles, affects energy flows - meridians, biologically active, energy points of the body. All these points and zones are responsible for the work of a certain organ or system, since it is in the reflexogenic points that the nerve endings are located, which transmit signals throughout the nervous system, right up to the brain. Depression disrupts the normal transmission process, blocking it; with the help of acupuncture manipulations, a specialist removes the blocks. Scientific evidence of the reality of energy flows exists, but it is too little for official recognition. However, acupuncture does provide amazing results in the treatment of depression, apparently by improving overall nerve conduction and the tone of the body's nerve tissues.

Despite its prevalence, depression can be treated, and quite successfully, the main thing is to recognize the signs of depressive disorder in time and begin to fight them.