Unipolar depression and psychotherapy

Psychotherapy is a good option for people suffering from unipolar depression. Antidepressant medications have a number of side effects and drug interactions associated with them. Psychotherapy is a more natural, empathetic and positive approach to dealing with the problem of unipolar depression. This therapy includes counseling sessions, cognitive behavioral therapy. Psychotherapy can be done by a psychologist, psychiatrist, social worker or counselor. The therapy sessions may be done on an individual basis or in groups.

Counseling in groups provides a good support network of friends and others who are going through a similar situation. Counseling aims to analyze the root cause or trigger of the depression and to work out ways to deal with it in an effective and healthy manner. The most common psychotherapy used these days is the cognitive behavioral therapy. This method aims to channel the patients mind and energy towards positive and rational thinking rather than depressing and negative ways to thinking.

This treatment is particularly useful in preventing recurrence of depression. Psychoanalysis and psychodynamic psychotherapy aims to analyze the patient’s social and interpersonal relationships to identify the cause of depression and work out a healthy solution. These treatment methods are useful for mild, moderate and severe depression.