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Psychotherapy for Depression in Toronto
All of us have experienced sadness, the undesired
emotion which accompanies
undesired events, such as loss of a valued object or individual, or failure
to achieve a
desired goal. While healthy people report days when they are “a
bit down” for no
apparent reason, in healthy people, deeper and longer-lasting sadness
occurs only as a
reaction to events. Read more about depression.
Make sure you get the best psychotherapist for you specializing in depression
therapy in Toronto.
In the mood disorders, the mood shifts excessively
in response to minor events, or
autonomously, that is, in the absence of stimulating events, and once
established the
pathological mood is sustained.
Psychotherapy for Major depressive episode
A major depressive episode is a batch of symptoms,
and is much the same for major
depressive disorder and bipolar depression. The final diagnosis of major
depressive
disorder as opposed to bipolar depression depends on whether there has
been an
episode of mania (pathological mood elevation) in the past.
Criteria for major depressive episode:
1. At least one of the following
for at least two weeks:
•
persistent depressed mood
•
loss of interest and pleasure.
2. At least four of the following:
•
significant weight loss or gain
•
insomnia or increased sleep
•
agitation (worrying and physical restlessness) or retardation (slowed
thinking and moving)
•
fatigue or loss of energy
•
feelings of worthlessness or inappropriate guilt (Illustration)
•
diminished ability to concentrate or indecisiveness
•
thoughts of death or suicide
Psychotherapy for Major depressive disorder
Major depressive disorder is diagnosed
when there is/has been one or more major
depressive episodes and no history of mania or hypomania.
Psychotherapy helps people with depression
Psychotherapy helps individuals understand their behaviours,
emotions, their mind and ideas that contribute to his or her depressed
state. Understand and identify the life problems or events—like
a major illness, a death in the family, a loss of a job or a divorce—that
contribute to their depression and help them understand which aspects
of those problems they may be able to solve or improve. Regain a sense
of control and pleasure in life. Learn coping techniques and problem-solving
skills.
Types of Psychotherapy
Although therapy can be done in different formats—like family, group,
and individual—there also are several different approaches that
mental health professionals can take to provide therapy. After talking
with the patient about his or her depression, the therapist will decide
which approach to use based on the suspected underlying factors contributing
to the depression.
Other types include psychotic depression, post-partum depression and seasonal
affective disorder. Please review How to choose a psychotherapist in
Toronto as well as Psychotherapy with or without medication.
Psychoanalysis for Depression
Psychoanalysis is both a theory of human nature and a therapeutic treatment
of psychological disorders. Psychoanalysis attempts to reveal unconscious
aspects of a person's nature that may contribute to psychological distress
such as depression. Principles of psychoanalysis include the idea that
each person is an individual and that unconscious factors determine behavior
and emotions. Depression is a treatable condition, and the most common
forms of treatment are antidepressant medications and some form of psychotherapy.
Psychodynamic therapy
Psychodynamic therapy is based on the assumption that a person is depressed
because of unresolved, generally unconscious conflicts, often stemming
from childhood. The goal of this type of therapy is for the patient to
understand and better cope with these feelings by talking about the experiences.
Psychodynamic therapy is administered over a period of three to four months,
although it can last longer, even years.
Interpersonal therapy
Interpersonal therapy focuses on the behaviors and interactions a depressed
patient has with family and friends. The primary goal of this therapy
is to improve communication skills and increase self esteem during a short
period of time. Therapy usually lasts three to four months and works well
for depression caused by mourning, relationship conflicts, major life
events, and social isolation.
Psychodynamic and interpersonal therapies help patients resolve depression
caused by:
• Loss (grief)
• Relationship conflicts
• Role transitions (such as becoming a mother or a caregiver)
Cognitive behavioral therapy(CBT)
Cognitive behavioral therapy helps people with depression to identify
and change inaccurate perceptions that they may have of themselves and
the world around them. The therapist helps patients establish new ways
of thinking by directing attention to both the "wrong" and "right"
assumptions they make about themselves and others.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is recommended for patients:
• Who think and behave in ways that trigger and perpetuate depression
• With mild-to-moderate depression as the only treatment or in addition
to treatment with antidepressant medication
• Who refuse or are unable to take antidepressant medication
• Of all ages who have depression that causes suffering, disability,
or interpersonal problems
Psychotherapy in Toronto Depression
Therapy works best when you attend all of your scheduled appointments.
The effectiveness of therapy depends on your active participation. It
requires time, effort, and regularity.
As you begin therapy, establish some goals with your therapist. Then spend
time periodically reviewing your progress with your therapist. If you
don’t like your therapist’s approach or if you don’t
think the therapist is helping you, talk to him or her about it and seek
a second opinion if both you and your therapist agree, but don’t
discontinue therapy abruptly.
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