Depression is a common mental health condition that affects 1 in 6 or 16% of adults in the UK, according to the Office for National Statistics.
Once diagnosed, many effective methods for treating depression can see an improvement in your condition.
There are four main categories of treatment for depression. They are:
A depression screening test won’t diagnose depression, but it can help you to make sense of how you’ve been feeling recently and give you some direction on what you should do next.
Diagnosing depression starts with a healthcare professional assessing your symptoms, medical history and overall mental health. They may ask how long you've felt down, the severity of your symptoms and how they impact your daily life.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V) outlines criteria for diagnosing depression. Five or more of the following nine symptoms must be present for at least 2 weeks and at least one must be either ‘little interest or pleasure in doing things’ or ‘feeling down, depressed or hopeless’:
Therapy for depression helps you to understand, manage and reduce your symptoms by addressing the emotional and psychological aspects of depression.
Therapy supports you to develop new coping skills, increase your self-awareness and learn strategies to tackle the underlying causes of depression.
There are four main psychological treatments for depression as outlined by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns that contribute to depression. By learning to reframe these thoughts, you can manage your symptoms more effectively and build resilience against future depressive episodes.
Interpersonal therapy (IPT) emphasises improving communication and social skills by addressing the relationship issues that may contribute to depression. By resolving interpersonal conflicts and improving social functioning, IPT helps you to form more supportive relationships.
Psychodynamic therapy delves into unresolved, often unconscious conflicts rooted in the past. By exploring these underlying issues, you can gain insight into the root causes of your depression, which can help you to better understand and manage your symptoms.
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) combines elements of CBT with mindfulness techniques, encouraging you to stay present and observe your thoughts without judgment. This can be particularly effective if you’re prone to depressive thinking, as it helps you to manage negative thoughts as they arise.
Many other types of therapy can be effective for depression. You’ll work with a mental health professional, like a therapist, to decide which therapy will be best for you.
Therapy can take place in individual or group settings. Individual therapy, which can take place face-to-face or online, allows for a private setting where you can build a one-to-one relationship with a therapist.
Group therapy is an involves working alongside other people facing similar challenges. This peer support can provide motivation, encouragement and a sense of shared understanding, which can be powerful in recovery.
The main antidepressant medications recommended by NICE work by influencing the brain's neurotransmitter systems, impacting mood and emotional regulation in unique ways:
Each medication type works differently and prescription is based on individual needs.
Alternative treatments for depression are neither psychological nor pharmacological but can be used if other methods don’t bring enough relief or can be used alongside therapy or medication.
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) is a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. As a treatment for depression, it’s recommended as an option after first trying medication and psychotherapy.
rTMS involves placing a coil on the scalp that generates magnetic fields. These fields produce small electrical currents which activate neurons in specific areas of the brain, usually the prefrontal cortex, which is the part of the brain that controls mood.
Supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D and herbal remedies like St John's Wort have shown some benefits when it comes to tackling mild to moderate depression
Mind-body techniques such as yoga, meditation and acupuncture can promote relaxation and emotional wellbeing, helping to reduce depression symptoms
Light therapy, specifically used for SAD (seasonal affective disorder), involves exposure to bright light to regulate your circadian rhythm and improve mood
In some cases, you might need residential depression treatment within a hospital. This is especially the case if your depression is severe, or accompanied by significant risk factors.
Residential mental health hospitals provides specialist inpatient treatment for depression, intensive therapy, medication management, structured routines and a supportive environment. It gives you the chance to spend some time away from any outside influences that might be making your depression worse.
Residential depression treatment is likely to be the best option for people who need a higher level of support to stabilise their condition.
Lifestyle changes can play a crucial role in coping with depression. A balanced diet, regular exercise, sufficient sleep, relaxation techniques and doing things you enjoy can significantly improve your wellbeing.
Making this type of lifestyle adjustment can work well alongside other treatment approaches and enhance the effectiveness of depression management strategies.
The first line of treatment that’s recommended for depression depends on the severity of depression symptoms, personal preferences and other factors:
Private depression treatment services are available wherever you are in the UK. These are typically funded either through private medical insurance (PMI), self-pay, or other corporate funding arrangements.
While private treatment comes with cost factors, you can gain access to treatment quickly. Private treatment will come with the very best treatment programmes, supported by teams of expert staff and outstanding facilities.
Priory provides private depression treatment from hospitals and wellbeing centres across the UK. Depending on the severity of your depression, we offer different levels of treatment tailored specifically to your needs, keeping you at the centre of your care.
Treatments may be delivered through:
It is possible to get support for depression from a range of free services.
Response to depression treatment varies based on factors such as depression type, duration, severity, and treatment type, with mild cases often responding quicker than severe ones. Effective recovery may require patience and persistence, as antidepressants and therapy can take weeks to months to show results and may need adjustments.
Antidepressants can effectively reduce symptoms but may cause side effects like nausea, weight gain or insomnia.
Self-help strategies could include regular exercise, maintaining a healthy sleep routine, practising mindfulness, engaging in social activities and setting small, achievable goals.
Here are some helpful resources:
Yes, alternative therapies like yoga, meditation, acupuncture and herbal supplements may help. However, their safety and effectiveness can vary so make sure you consult a doctor before use.
Yes. With effective treatment and ongoing management, many people with depression can lead a normal life.
Treatment-resistant depression occurs when symptoms of depression persist despite trying two or more antidepressant treatments at suitable doses and durations.
