City Research Online

Depression: Current treatments with low cost strategies

Phillips, Y. & Mutsatsa, S. (2014). Depression: Current treatments with low cost strategies. British Journal of mental Health Nursing, 3(5), pp. 210-216. doi: 10.12968/bjmh.2014.3.5.210

Abstract

Depression has profound social, economic and personal consequences for the affected individual, and it shows no signs of abating in the general population. There are several treatment modalities available for this debilitating illness, however, effective as they are, these treatments have pitfalls. Antidepressants are the most common form of treatment for depression; they are relatively cheap and effective, but induce uncomfortable side-effects, some of which can be life threatening. These can include cardiotoxicity, weight gain, serotonin syndrome, sexual dysfunction, dry mouth and urinary retention. Electroconvulsive therapy has been used in the treatment of depression since the late 1930s and is effective particularly in severe depression. It is quick acting, but its use tend to evoke moral and ethical debates. Psychological therapies have been used since the 9th century and are effective and have little side-effects but they are relatively expensive and there is a long waiting list in the NHS for these therapies. Emerging evidence suggest a place for the use of exercise to improve depressive symptoms. The article discusses evidence in support of exercise and ecotherapy in particular to alleviate symptoms of depression and promote recovery. This has implications for mental health nursing practice.

Publication Type: Article
Subjects: R Medicine > RC Internal medicine
Departments: School of Health & Psychological Sciences
SWORD Depositor:
[thumbnail of Revised Depression are current interventions sufficient sent to revised iinc reviewerscomments BJMHN.pdf]
Preview
Text - Accepted Version
Download (260kB) | Preview

Export

Add to AnyAdd to TwitterAdd to FacebookAdd to LinkedinAdd to PinterestAdd to Email

Downloads

Downloads per month over past year

View more statistics

Actions (login required)

Admin Login Admin Login