Around 21 million US adults experience a Major Depressive Episode every year. Of that, 30% have treatment-resistant depression, which is a type of depression that does not respond to medication or psychotherapy.
Treatment-resistant depression is a serious mental health concern because it inhibits people from living their life. Treatment-Resistent depression puts people at a higher risk of unemployment and suicidal ideation.
Until very recently, effective treatment options were limited and usually time-consuming and costly. New research into the field provided a much needed, groundbreaking discovery into the treatment of this type of depression.
What Is Treatment-Resistant Depression?
Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) refers to a condition where individuals with depression do not experience significant improvement in their symptoms despite undergoing standard treatments such as antidepressant medications or psychotherapy. In TRD, these traditional treatments are not sufficient to alleviate the symptoms, and individuals may continue to experience persistent depression.
Additionally, TRD can occur when patients have tried multiple first-line antidepressants at appropriate dosages and durations without success in managing their depression symptoms during a depressive episode. This type of major depressive disorder (MDD) may require alternative treatment approaches beyond the initial standard interventions.
Overall, TRD presents a challenge in clinical practice, as healthcare providers may need to explore different strategies, such as combining medications, psychotherapy, or even innovative treatment modalities like transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) or electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), to address the persistent depressive symptoms.
Symptoms of Treatment-Resistant Depression
Struggling with depression is hard, and navigating treatment options can be overwhelming. If you find yourself facing treatment-resistant depression, it’s essential to recognize the signs and seek the support you need. Here are some common symptoms of treatment-resistant depression:
- Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness: You may find it challenging to shake off these emotions, even with treatment.
- Decreased energy or fatigue: Feeling constantly drained and lacking motivation to engage in daily activities.
- Sleep disturbances: Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or oversleeping without feeling rested.
- Appetite changes: Significant changes in appetite that lead to weight loss or weight gain.
- Difficulty concentrating: Struggling to focus, make decisions, or complete tasks that used to be manageable.
- Loss of interest in activities: Losing interest in hobbies or activities that once brought joy.
- Thoughts of death or suicide: Feeling overwhelmed by thoughts of self-harm or suicide.
If you’re experiencing these symptoms, remember that effective help and support are available. Reach out to a mental health professional, explore different treatment options, and know that recovery is possible. By taking proactive steps and seeking the right support, you can work towards managing treatment-resistant depression and moving towards a brighter, healthier future. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey, and help is always within reach.
Exploring Advanced Treatment Options for Treatment-Resistant Depression
When facing treatment-resistant depression, it’s crucial to remember that there are innovative treatment options available to help you on your journey towards healing. Here are some advanced therapies that may offer relief for individuals whose symptoms have not responded to traditional treatments:
Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT):
Electroconvulsive therapy, or ECT, is a safe and effective treatment option for severe depression. During ECT, small electric currents are passed through the brain to induce controlled seizures, which can help regulate brain chemistry and alleviate symptoms. ECT is often considered when other treatments have not been successful, offering hope for those struggling with treatment-resistant depression.Ketamine:
Ketamine is a promising treatment for individuals with treatment-resistant depression. As a fast-acting medication, ketamine works on different neurotransmitter systems in the brain, providing rapid relief from depressive symptoms. Ketamine is often administered as an infusion or nasal spray under medical supervision and has shown significant benefits for those who have not responded to traditional treatments.Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS):
Transcranial magnetic stimulation, or TMS, is a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. By targeting specific areas associated with mood regulation, TMS can help alleviate symptoms of depression. TMS is well-tolerated and has shown success in relieving depression symptoms in individuals who have not found relief with other treatments.Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS):
Deep brain stimulation involves the surgical implantation of electrodes in specific areas of the brain to regulate abnormal brain activity. DBS is typically considered for severe cases of treatment-resistant depression when other options have not been effective. By modulating brain circuits related to mood regulation, DBS can provide significant symptom relief and improve overall quality of life.
A new form of treatment: SAINT® Neuromodulation System
In a groundbreaking research discovery, Magnus Medical, Inc., had their depression treatment approved by the FDA.
SAINT works like a transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). It stands out from other similar treatments because it uses MRI scans to pinpoint specific anatomical targets for more precise and personalized neurostimulation.
Every person’s brain is different, and those with depression are no different. Recent studies found 6 subtypes of depression, each working in unique areas of the brain. It’s becoming increasingly well-known that technologies such as TMS can’t just target one area of the brain on everyone: it must be precise.
This precise technology has had huge success so far. The treatment is on an accelerated, five-day timeline, which drastically reduces the patient’s treatment time and gets them feeling better quicker. Preliminary research shows that 4 weeks after the 5 day treatment significant reduction in depression symptoms were still seen, a promising prognosis.
As of right now SAINT is only available at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), an inpatient mental health clinic. However, there is hope that the technology will catch on and be used more widely to help people with treatment resistant depression.
Psychotherapy for Depression
Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, for depression, is an effective way to treat most forms of depression. It isn’t always helpful for those with treatment-resistant depression, but can help in the maintenance phases of recovery.
For those with MDD that is not treatment-resistant, psychotherapy can be incredibly helpful. This is true for both online and in-person psychotherapy.
To find a depression therapist near you, search a local directory or give a call to a reputable mental health company such as Lifebulb Counseling and Therapy.
