Depression can be treated well, as long as they are detected early

Depression mostly treatable, but often unrecognized
In depression, those affected can usually be helped with an early-onset therapy, but different factors often prevent them from opening their fellow man or visiting a doctor, according to researchers at the University Hospital Freiburg.

Once the correct diagnosis has been made, up to 80 percent of patients with depression can be helped decisively in a manageable period of time, reports the Freiburg University Hospital. Therefore, it is important to look for signs and, if necessary, seek medical help promptly. "Feel people for a long time without drive and overwhelmed, is often behind a depression," the reference of the Freiburg experts.

Depression is usually treatable, but sufferers often seek help too late. (Image: sompong_tom / fotolia.com)

Recognize signs of depression
When lack of drive and irritability become permanent and even everyday tasks are a burden, these are serious warning signs. In addition, reduce depression - in contrast to simple moods - and the physical and mental functions drastically and people suffering from depression usually withdraw from life, the Freiburg University Hospital. In addition to the mental problems are often also physical complaints. "The own perceived inadequacy in coping with everyday life in turn triggers fears and feelings of guilt, which further burden the ailing constitution," explain the experts at the University Hospital.

Early therapy especially important
"The great individual suffering and the significantly increased suicide rate, especially in seriously ill patients, underline the importance of early therapy," emphasizes Prof. Dr. med. Dr. Katharina Domschke, Medical Director of the Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy of the University Medical Center Freiburg. But the diagnosis is often delayed because ignorance, repression or shame prevents those affected from opening up to the environment or visiting a doctor.

Stabilize the condition of those affected in the long term
After the diagnosis follows a therapy individually tailored to the patient, which causes in up to 80 percent of the patients in a manageable period a decisive alleviation of the symptoms, the experts report. The therapy first attacks the acute depression and then tries to stabilize the condition of the patients so far that a rapid relapse under the daily stress is avoided. In the end, work is also being done on long-term relapse prevention.

Use of antidepressants
The Freiburg University Hospital reports on the details of the therapy that the use of so-called antidepressants is very helpful and therefore recommended in the guidelines both nationally and internationally. Through the remedies improve the mood and the inner drive. At the same time, the physical symptoms such as back or headaches and insomnia are reduced, explain the experts. The antidepressants have a targeted effect on the transmission of nerve impulses in the brain.

Psychotherapeutic approaches to treatment
In addition, a psychotherapeutic treatment is usually recommended, which includes the social environment of the patients and "tries to reduce mental stress and thus stress in everyday situations step by step", explains Prof. Dr. med. Elisabeth Schramm, Senior Psychologist at the Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy in Freiburg. Critical and illness-promoting life situations were to be worked on and it was necessary to develop a supportive network of relationships, a more positive self-image and dealing with difficult emotional situations together with the patients. The research results of the Freiburg experts also show that specially developed psychotherapies - especially in combination with antidepressants - are also successful in the case of chronic forms of illness (if depression persists for more than two years).