ABSTRACT
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and brief psychotherapy have been proved to be therapeutic in mild and moderate depression. Both aim to readjust the patient's thought processes away from a negative self-image and attitude towards a positive one. Regular, rhythmic exercise should be strongly advised, as it has been shown to improve all levels of depression. Dysthymic patients have persistently depressed mood, on most days, for most of the day, sometimes lasting for years. In Electroconvulsive therapy, an electric shock applied across the patient's temples causes a generalized central nervous system (CNS) convulsion. Manic-depressive disorder requires specialist management. Lithium carbonate is usually effective in 'ironing out' the peaks and troughs of mood, but it is a dangerous drug whose therapeutic dose is close to its toxic dose. The billion neurons in the CNS communicate with each other and with other parts of the brain and body by means of chemical signals - the neurotransmitters.
