The treatment of depression includes medication and psychotherapy. Drug therapy is generally divided into acute stage, consolidation stage and maintenance stage.

1, acute phase:

It usually takes 1-2 months. The treatment in acute phase is to relieve the depressive symptoms of patients and improve their quality of life. Patients usually take effect in about two weeks, so they should take medicine patiently. Don't give up just because they think it's useless after taking the medicine for a few days. Learn as much as possible about the side effects of taking medicine, actively communicate with the attending doctor, and feedback your current specific situation. Be sure to follow the doctor's advice during taking the medicine.

2. Consolidation period:

It usually takes 4-9 months. The purpose of the treatment in consolidation period is to consolidate the therapeutic effect, prevent the fluctuation of the disease and help the patients recover their social functions to some extent. Usually, in the consolidation period, the treatment plan, drug dosage and use method in the acute period will remain unchanged.

3. Maintenance cycle:

Maintenance treatment generally takes 1-2 years, and the goal is to prevent recurrence and reduce the frequency and severity of recurrence. The dosage of the drug is smaller than that in the consolidation period.

4, psychotherapy:

Psychotherapy is a long-term process, usually 1-2 times a week, and the number of treatments will generally decrease with the improvement of patients' symptoms in the later stage.