NON-PHARMACOLOGICAL TREATMENT METHODS FOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Depression affects about 5% of adults worldwide and can severely harm quality of life and physical health if untreated. While antidepressants are the standard treatment, many patients do not respond to them, and drugs can cause side effects. Non-pharmacological methods are increasingly accepted in Western medicine and can complement drug therapy. This review covers both newer holistic approaches—such as exercise, dietary changes, psychedelics, and mindfulness—and established techniques like psychotherapy, electroconvulsive therapy, and deep brain stimulation. The aim is to present alternative treatments for depression and explore how they can improve quality of life and well-being.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Depressive disorder is a widespread psychological condition. It affects approximately 5% of adults globally. Untreated depression can compromise the quality of life in all its aspects, leading to deterioration of physical health or even suicide. Currently, the recommended treatment is pharmacological therapy, however, not all patients respond to traditional methods, and drug treatment is related to many undesirable side effects. While antidepressants remain the gold standard, non-pharmacological treatment methods are gaining popularity and recognition in Western medicine. While these methods are not always available as a substitute for pharmacotherapy, they can complement and enhance the therapeutic effects. In this paper, we will cover the newly researched, holistic methods of non-pharmacological treatment of depression, including physical exercise, dietary adjustments, psychedelics, or mindfulness, as well as the commonly accepted techniques, such as psychotherapy, electroconvulsive therapy, or deep brain stimulation. This review aims to present alternative treatments for depression and offer insight into the complex topic of improving quality of life and obtaining general well-being.