A critical overview of the current treatment approaches offered to individuals experiencing depression

Health, as defined by the World Health Organization, encompasses complete mental, physical, and social well-being. Despite this, mental health issues are prevalent in the UK, with depression being notably pervasive. This paper reviews the historical and current approaches to treating depression, highlighting a significant reliance on pharmacological interventions. Historical data shows that treatments have evolved from confining patients in asylums to using antidepressants, which became prominent in the 1950s. These medications, while beneficial for symptom management, have led to dependency issues due to their side effects and the body's tolerance development. Current statistics indicate a substantial increase in antidepressant prescriptions, which some attribute to over-diagnosis rather than advancements in understanding depression. The treatment spectrum for depression includes various antidepressants like Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), with prescriptions often extended without thorough evaluation of long-term effectiveness or patient well-being. This practice has raised concerns about the over-medicalisation of depression, overshadowing alternative therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which may offer sustainable benefits without the drawbacks of medication. Given the complex interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors in depression, this paper argues for a more integrated treatment approach. It suggests prioritising personalised care and broadening treatment modalities to better address the multifaceted nature of mental health issues.