- Antidepressants - Major depressive and dysthymic disorders are treated with antidepressant medication to provide an immediate relief for the symptoms of the disorder.
- Psychosocial therapy - focuses on the personal and interpersonal issues behind depresion.
- Electroconvulsant therapy - usually is employed after all therapy and pharmaceutical treatment options have been explored. However, it is sometimes used early in treatment when severe depression is present and the patient refuses oral medication, or when the patient is becoming dehydrated, extremely suicidal, or psychotic.
- Alternative treatment - St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) is used throughout Europe to reat depressive symptoms. Unlike traditional prescription antidepressants, this herbal antidepressant has few reported side effects.
- Homeopathic treatment also can be therapeutic in treating depression. Good nutrition, proper sleep, exercise, and full engagement in life are avery important to a healthy mental state.