Final answer:
The basic idea behind therapies to treat depression includes psychotherapy, antidepressant medications like MAO inhibitors and SSRIs, electroconvulsive therapy, and deep-brain stimulation, all tailored to the individual's needs. Research continues to evolve in the field of treating depression.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Depression Treatments
The basic idea behind various therapies used to treat depression revolves around addressing the underlying causes and symptoms of the disorder. One of the primary forms of treatment is psychotherapy, which encompasses a range of techniques and approaches to help individuals understand their feelings, thoughts, and behaviors, and develop coping strategies. In particular, studies such as those by DeRubeis et al., (2005) have examined the effectiveness of cognitive therapy, a type of psychotherapy, in comparison to antidepressant medications.
Antidepressants work through different mechanisms to regulate neurotransmitter levels in the brain. For instance, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAO inhibitors) prevent the breakdown of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine, increasing their availability in the synaptic cleft. Conversely, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) block the reabsorption of serotonin into the presynaptic neuron, leading to an increase in serotonin levels. Other treatments for depression include electroconvulsive therapy and deep-brain stimulation, which are typically considered when other treatments have not been successful.
It's essential to tailor the treatment to the individual, considering the unique characteristics of their depression, their response to previous treatments, and their personal preferences. While these treatments have been demonstrated to be effective, it's also important to recognize that the field of depression treatment is one of ongoing research and evolution.