Non-drug treatment for depression

The principal alternatives to pharmacological treatment of major depressive disorder (besides electroconvulsive therapy) are different forms of psychotherapy, frequently used in combination with antidepressant drugs. The types of psychotherapy that have proven efficacy are mainly cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT). The efficacy of psychoanalytic therapy has not been proven in methodologically sound studies, despite its frequent use. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation appears promising for some subtypes of depression. Vagal nerve stimulation is most often combined with antidepressant drugs for treatment-resistant depression. Light therapy, also called phototherapy, is frequently combined with sleep deprivation. It appears effective in some subtypes of depression. It is often prescribed together with antidepressants.