physiological factors are involved in the development of depressive disorders, as well as other psychological problems.TREATMENTThere are many different types of treatment in aiding with depression, some of which include psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of both. In psychotherapy, the patient and therapist discuss the patients experiences, relationships, events, and feelings to identify the areas of difficulty. Psychotherapy, which is also known as the psychological treatment of depression helps the depressed individual in several ways. Supportive counseling helps to ease the pain of depression, and addresses the feelings of hopelessness that accompany depression. Cognitive therapy assists in changing the pessimistic ideas, unrealistic expectations, and overly critical self-evaluations that create depression. Cognitive therapy helps the depressed person recognize which life problems are critical, and which are minor. Thirdly, psychotherapy helps to change that certain area of the persons life that is causing stress and causative to the depression. Regrettably, there are many under qualified counselors who can do nothing beyond providing supportive counseling. This will not eliminate the depression, it will in fact continue with little improvement unless the depressed person makes critical life changes (these changes being both internal and external). Internal changes usual include self-evaluation along with the evaluation of others, and the expectations of the patient for themselves and others. External changes consist of stress management, problem solving skills, communication skills, life management skills, and the skills needed to develop and sustain relationships. With psychotherapy the time-span of the treatment varies due to the severity of the depression along with the number of life problems that are needed to be addressed. Most begin to experience relief within 6 to 10 sessions, and 70-80% of those notice ...
