Mental Health guide

Treatment

There are a number of different kinds of treatment which may be available to you.  Each may have its benefits and drawbacks, and each will be better for some people than others.  It's important that you find out good information about treatment before you have it.  Your advocate can help you with this.  This is a very brief summary of some of the treatment available.

Self-help

Works on the principle that you are an 'expert' in your own distress, and can draw on your own strength and solutions.

Self-help can take place in a number of different ways, including:-

  • groupwork – listening, sharing and working with others who may be going through similar experiences
  • peer support – with one or more people
  • working with books and/or tapes
  • lifestyle changes - such as increased exercise, and a healthy diet

Talking Treatments

Counselling, and other forms of therapy that involve talking and listening, start from the belief that you can change your own negative thoughts, feelings or behaviour.

Many people find talking treatments extremely helpful.  Some people are reassured by the fact that no medication is involved (although it may be used alongside talking treatments.)

Drugs/Medication

A large number of people take prescribed drugs as part of their treatment. Many people feel medication is very beneficial, but many experience problems, including side effects and/or withdrawal problems from certain drugs.

The main types of prescribed drugs currently used in mental health:

  • Anti-depressants: commonly used to treat moderate to severe depression, but can also be used for anxiety, panic attacks and obsessional problems, eating disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder.  There are several different types of anti-depressants.
  • Antipsychotic drugs: can be effective at controlling symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations. They are often given to people diagnosed with schizophrenia, as well as mania and severe depression, and sometimes for dementia, delerium and anxiety. They are not cures.  There are different types of antipsychotic drugs.  The newer 'atypicals' seem to cause less bad side effects.
  • Mood-stabilisers: lithium is the most commonly used, helpful for 70-80% of people, but includes bad side effects and can be dangerous.
  • Benzodiazepines: sometimes used, especially to relieve anxiety.  They have side effects and withdrawal problems, and can be addictive.

Alternative/complementary treatments

Sometimes called holistic.  Aimed at helping the whole body, a practitioner will look at all aspects of your life, including diet and exercise.  There are numerous types of therapy, including acupuncture, aromatherapy and homeopathy.

ECT (electro-convulsive therapy)

Perhaps the most controversial treatment, used for depressive illness, mania, catatonia and, occasionally, schizophrenia.

During ECT, electrodes are put onto the head and an electric current is passed to the brain, which causes a seizure.  ECT is given under general anaesthetic.  A course of 6-12 sessions, over a period of 3-6 weeks is usually given.

The immediate effects of ECT include confusion, weakness, headache and dizziness. Memory loss is common but usually short-lived. The procedure can have an enormous emotional impact, and research by Mind points to a huge range of views among people who have had ECT, from that it seems very helpful, to people who campaign to have it banned completely.

NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence) published guidelines in April 2003 which state that ECT should only be used for 'the treatment of severe depressive illness, a prolonged or severe episode of mania, or catatonia...' and also state various conditions.

Occupational Therapy

Helps people to learn or relearn skills. Can help with everyday activities such as planning a return to work, and coping around the house.

Physiotherapy

Uses physical means like massage, exercises and activities to help rehabilitation and, for example, relieve mental stress by relaxing the body.

Creative therapies

Use art or music to help you explore and express thoughts and feelings. Can be particularly helpful if you have difficulty communicating through words.

Light boxes

For people with Seasonal Affective Disorder.  A box projects a very bright light which, for some people, can help to make up for the lack of light during Winter

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