Depression is a mental health condition that alters both how people think and feel, with serious repercussions for both personal and social functioning.
Antidepressant medications and psychotherapy remain among the most effective solutions to depression; however, they don’t work for everyone. Frequency therapy offers another method that may help ease feelings of sadness.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) is an noninvasive, drug-free brain stimulation therapy used to treat depression. This noninvasive procedure employs magnetic energy to stimulate neurons in specific parts of the brain using magnetic energy pulses that then reactivate underactive circuits in those areas of the brain which had become inactive over time. TMS therapy boasts a high remission rate and may be administered alongside talk therapy or behavioral activation; when coupled with both approaches it has even proven more successful than psychotherapy alone!
TMS treatment begins by having a specialist map the area of the brain that needs to be targeted using a cap similar to that worn for swimming, then short electromagnetic pulses are delivered via a magnetic coil placed on your scalp – these pulses resemble clicking sounds and may cause tapping, knocking, or tingling sensations on the scalp; although most patients report painless treatment; some may experience mild discomfort or experience headaches afterward.
TMS stands out from traditional medications in that it can be tailored specifically to each individual patient, thus minimizing side effects while simultaneously being more effective than generic remedies. This makes TMS one of the premier treatments available today.
TMS has proven highly successful at treating treatment-resistant depression. One study demonstrated this success when 79% of participants suffering from suicidal ideation achieved remission within five days after receiving targeted TMS, significantly outpacing the 13% who achieved success using placebo therapy alone.
Although the exact mechanism by which TMS works to treat depression remains elusive, researchers do know that it acts on specific parts of the brain to normalize their connections and restore them. Magnetic energy absorbs by cells in the brain and alters their activity patterns – this makes communication between areas easier while improving mood.
TMS therapy may also cause microcosmic adjustments in how neurons communicate, including adding dendrites – branches with branched ends that receive signals from other neurons – into neural circuits to regulate mood and reduce symptoms of depression.
Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)
At this therapy, a therapist assists the patient in recognizing and addressing interpersonal challenges that contribute to depression. Group sessions allow participants to share experiences to encourage one another and discuss strategies that work. Furthermore, the therapist emphasizes the importance of creating trust while creating a safe space where participants can share personal details without fear. Finally, she will encourage her participants to practice the skills learned both within the group sessions as well as at home.
The therapist will begin by reviewing a patient’s history and identifying problem areas that are contributing to depression. They will then use an IP inventory as described above to identify key issues; if multiple issues exist, then focus should be given on one that appears most responsive to treatment. They will then create an IP formulation linking target diagnosis to IP focus as well as treatment goals.
In group therapy sessions, therapists assist their patients in creating and implementing strategies to boost their mood and identify any barriers preventing participation in once pleasurable activities. If an individual is having trouble with their partner, homework will be assigned so they can start having calm conversations between sessions.
At the conclusion of each group session, the therapist will review participant progress. In addition, they may suggest options for continuing treatment (e.g. continuation and/or pharmacotherapy) and refer them to other services as necessary.
Group IPT should not be considered long-term therapy; typically lasting no more than 20 weeks, it helps patients take immediate steps and reduces dependency on their therapist.
Before commencing a group therapy session, every participant was given pre-group counselling (one individual session). Counselors assisted participants to recognize depressive symptoms as they related to interpersonal conflicts, and set their goals and tasks for each session of group therapy.
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) is an approach combining mindfulness with cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). The goal is to teach people healthy ways of responding to anxiety, depression and other mood conditions; studies have proven its efficacy for treating recurrent depression; UK National Health Service is increasingly prescribing it as first-line treatment, while it is used in other countries including US and other parts of Europe to treat various mental illnesses.
MBCT is an eight-week group-based treatment, teaching participants mindfulness meditation exercises and techniques such as three-minute breathing space. Furthermore, participants learn to recognize and accept their negative emotions – which has its origins in Mark Williams, Zindel Segal, John Teasdale, and Jon Kabat-Zinn’s work.
This program includes two-hour classes every week, as well as daily homework that requires about 45 minutes of practice outside class. Classes utilize audio-guided meditations and other techniques designed to promote momentary awareness. Numerous studies have confirmed its efficacy at improving depression and decreasing anxiety; more research needs to be conducted into long-term results as well as its protective properties against future episodes of depression.
Researchers recently conducted a meta-analysis analyzing six randomized controlled trials of MBCT, and discovered it reduced depressive relapse risk by 34% compared with control groups. They speculated that this may have been caused by greater therapist adherence that can be difficult to measure with these types of trials.
One study discovered that MBCT successfully reduces rumination and depression symptoms. Furthermore, it has also been proven to decrease frequency of depressive episodes among recurrent depression in remission patients as well as those experiencing anxiety disorders or bipolar disorder.
The authors of the MBCT study noted that its effectiveness does not appear to vary depending on age or gender; rather, it seems equally effective among men and women. Researchers theorize this could be because MBCT focuses on helping participants build skills to manage difficult emotions rather than specific diagnoses or symptoms.
Group Exercise Therapy (GET)
New research published in Psychotherapy and Behavior Change shows how exercise can augment antidepressant medication and psychotherapy treatments like cognitive-behavioral therapy for depression. Participants who combined behavioral therapy with physical activity experienced less depressive symptoms than those receiving cognitive-behavioral therapy alone. Current guidelines advise individuals living with depression to participate in some sort of physical activity; this research shows how group exercise could offer more benefits.
Researchers evaluated seven trials of group exercise therapy for depression and found that it significantly enhanced quality of life and reduced BDI scores compared to control groups, particularly among younger patients and those who started therapy later. Furthermore, evidence indicates that exercise became more effective if introduced after therapy was underway.
Group exercise sessions match participants with others who share similar goals, providing encouragement and helping each person stay on track with their individual fitness plans. In addition, the social aspect helps combat loneliness and isolation that often accompany depression; exercise leaders are available to answer any questions and offer encouragement as needed. Finally, exercise releases endorphins that can boost one’s mood – this alone can make beginning an exercise routine worthwhile; but always seek professional advice first before embarking on any new workout program.
Though the study results are encouraging, its design is limited. Studies varied considerably when it came to types of aerobic or resistance exercise performed; duration/frequency/control groups; this resulted in greater heterogeneity that hampered meta-analyses’ ability to show strong effects consistently across studies. Dropout rates among exercise groups were high; Wearden 1998 reported 25% loss-to-follow-up while Jason 2007 stated on average 25% did not complete all their sessions.
If you’re keen on beginning to exercise, talk to your GP about exercise on prescription. Many GP surgeries now provide this service for conditions including depression. Programs typically last 10 weeks with multiple sessions weekly with a trained practitioner overseeing them.