What should be done if a patient with depression does not want to eat?
Apr 21, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhu Gang
Introduction
Depressed patients who have no appetite can improve through general treatment, medication, and physical therapy. It is recommended that patients maintain regular作息 (daily routines) and healthy eating habits, actively engage in moderate exercise, and seek psychological counseling to help better manage their emotions, enhance self-regulation abilities, and overcome the shadow of depression.
Depressed patients who have no desire to eat may improve through general treatment, medication, and physical therapy. The specific approaches are as follows:
1. General Treatment
Patients with depression who have difficulty eating can adjust their diet by choosing nutrient-rich foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole wheat bread, and fish, along with appetite-stimulating and spleen-tonifying foods. Moderate physical activities like jogging or hiking can help strengthen the body. It is recommended to seek help from a psychologist to learn techniques for managing emotions and enhancing self-regulation, promoting self-recovery and enabling a more positive approach toward life and work.
2. Medication
Selecting appropriate antidepressant medications can alleviate depressive symptoms and help restore appetite. Under medical supervision, patients may take medications such as fluoxetine hydrochloride capsules, Jianwei Xiaoshi tablets (for digestive health), or escitalopram oxalate tablets.
3. Physical Therapy
After evaluation by a physician, patients may consider physical treatments such as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) or magnetic stimulation therapy to address loss of appetite.
It is also recommended that patients maintain regular sleep patterns and healthy eating habits in daily life, actively participate in moderate exercise, and proactively seek psychological counseling to better manage emotions, enhance self-regulation, and overcome the challenges of depression.
