Depression

In our practice, we offer treatment for depression in Cologne and Frechen with specialist diagnostics and individual therapy.

Depression is a serious mental illness characterized by profound sadness, loss of interest or pleasure, lack of motivation, and low mood. Other symptoms may include sleep disturbances, weight changes, difficulty concentrating, feelings of guilt, and suicidal thoughts.

Depression is diagnosed using diagnostic criteria according to ICD-10 (International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems). Both physical and psychological symptoms are taken into account.

Drug treatment for depression involves various classes of medications, such as antidepressants, which primarily affect serotonin and norepinephrine transmission in the brain. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like fluoxetine or sertraline are the first-line treatment, followed by serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like venlafaxine and duloxetine. Tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are also used, although they are generally considered a third-line option due to their increased side effects.

An important complement to medication is psychotherapy. This may include, among other things, cognitive behavioral therapy or psychodynamic psychotherapy.

Mindfulness and meditation techniques can also help in the treatment of depression. They can help to distract attention from negative thoughts and feelings and strengthen self-confidence.

The prognosis for depression is generally good if adequate treatment is administered. With early diagnosis and treatment, a full recovery is possible.

When sad feelings and negative thoughts dominate your entire life, it's called depression. Read more here about its causes, course, and treatment.

Compilation of current figures and developments as well as articles from basic publications on the RKI website

You can access the website of the German Alliance Against Depression (Deutsches Bündnis gegen Depression eV) here.

The website of the German Depression Foundation