In treating depression the aim is to eliminate the depressive symptoms and to prevent a recurrence of the illness. In order to help every patient as well as possible leading German experts on depression regularly publish so-called Versorgungsleitlinien (health care guides) (as of 12/09), in which the most recent and the best procedures are described.
Differential diagnostics of depression
In a differential diagnosis the doctor or psychotherapist establishes whether a patient has a depression or not and how serious it is. This diagnosis can only be carried out by a doctor or a psychotherapist. A scientifically tested self-test can provide you as a patient with a first indication and support your doctor or psychotherapist with the diagnosis. to the free screener
Psycho-education
In the current guidelines for treating depression psycho-educational offers are recommended for patients and their families. The term psycho-education means the training of a person with a psychological disorder, with the aim of treating it and enabling rehabilitation. The boundaries between psycho-education and genuine psychotherapy are fluid.
Shared Decision Making
The better you prepare yourself for a visit to the doctor or psychotherapist, the greater your chances are of receiving the best possible treatment. It has been confirmed that better informed patients can support their doctor or therapist and so take an active – “participative” – part in the decisions reached. How you can prepare for your visit to the doctor or therapist is explained here: preparation for consultation
Watchful Waiting
In the current German health guidelines “watchful waiting“ is recommended especially in cases of minor depression. This means that the mood of the patient is observed without implementing specific treatment.
Psychotherapy/ Pharmacotherapy
In depression various degrees of severity can be distinguished: mild, moderate and severe. The current health care guidelines recommend different treatment options for the different degrees of depression. Whereas either psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy with drugs are recommended for mild and moderate depression, a combination of the two is regarded as advisable in the case of severe and chronic depression.
Doctor or psychotherapist?
There are several places you can go for the treatment of a depression. In cases of severe depression professional treatment by a doctor or psychotherapist is essential. When you take up psychotherapeutic or psychiatric treatment please make sure you are in the hands of a qualified and certified expert!
The following persons and institutions are competent to deal with the recognition and treatment of a depression and to give further advice. You can also make enquiries with them if you are interested in offers such as Deprexis.
General practitioner
General practitioners are often the first doctors contacted in cases of mental illness and they can treat mild to moderate depressions themselves. If the depression does not improve after six weeks of treatment by the general practitioner the health care guidelines recommend a visit to a specialist or psychotherapist. You can support your general practitioner in making his diagnosis with a self-test. to the free depression screener
Psychotherapist
Psychotherapists have a basic training in psychology or medicine and an additional qualification in psychotherapy. Psychotherapeutic treatment alone is recommended for mild and moderate depressions. In the case of severe or chronic depression the experts recommend a combination of psychotherapy and drugs. If there is no improvement after three months of psychotherapy a visit to a specialist is recommended.
Psychiatrist / Neurologist
A psychiatrist or neurologist is a doctor who has specialized in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illnesses. In discussion with you he will make a precise diagnosis of the depression, talk to you about suitable treatment options and then carry out the treatment. Treatment by a psychiatrist or neurologist is particularly necessary in cases of moderately severe to severe depression. In treatment by a psychiatrist or neurologist the focus is usually on the use of drugs and anti-depressants.
Inpatient treatment
Inpatient treatment of depression in a clinic is particularly recommended when there is a danger of suicide or the patient poses a threat for other people. Early outpatient treatment by a doctor or psychotherapist before the depression has become severe or chronic can reduce the likelihood of having to stay in a hospital.
