Treatment-Resistant Depression Options
Have conventional methods for treating depression like medications and psychotherapy left you frustrated? Been diagnosed with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and not sure what to do next?
First, let’s get a better understanding of what depression actually is and why some treatments fail.
What is Depression?
Depression is a mental health condition that can strike individuals from every age and walk of life.
Be aware: every person experiences sadness or “feeling down” throughout periods of their lives due to setbacks and struggles. It’s normal. It’s part of the human experience.
Depression is different. And it’s complicated. While it is relatively easier to test and treat physical conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or a broken leg, treating depression isn’t as straightforward.
But why
For many individuals, depression is caused by a combination of psychological, biological, and social factors. Despite common perception, for many, it is not just a chemical imbalance in the brain. Sure, brain chemistry may play a role. Other biological factors like hormone imbalances, inflammation, and abnormal brain activity can also be to blame.
But depression is usually more than simple biological factors--and that’s why it can be difficult to treat.
For example, history of trauma, poor self-esteem, undeveloped social skills, and lifestyle choices may be affecting how you deal with the pressures of everyday life. Substance abuse, relationship problems, chronic illness/pain, current events, and even your personality may make you more likely to suffer from depression.
Given the variety of factors, the first line of defense for treating depression is often a combination of psychotherapy and depression medications. This form of depression treatment addresses both biological and social/psychological influences.
That being said, up to 46% of individuals receiving treatment for depression, especially for major depressive disorder (MDD), may not respond to conventional treatments. This is known as treatment-resistant depression.
What to Do for Treatment-Resistant Depression
Let’s start with the basics. If you are coping with depression and have a psychiatrist and/or therapist you are comfortable with...it’s a great first step. Your therapeutic relationship and willingness in the treatment process can make a big difference.
During treatment, it is important that you:
Stick to your treatment plan: Continue therapy sessions, use medications as directed, and be open and honest about what you’re feeling.
Manage stress: While it may seem easier said than done, your therapist can provide useful tools and exercises to handle stressful situations.
Avoid alcohol or recreational drugs: Substance abuse is common for those experiencing depression. It seems like a quick solution to feel better. Unfortunately, this just masks the underlying causes of depression and may make things worse. If you feel like you can’t control your drinking or drug use, talk to your therapist to help address these issues.
Get enough sleep: Your brain and body heal while you sleep. The quality and length of your sleep affects your mood, concentration, energy levels, and ability to cope.
Exercise: Regular exercise helps boost your mood, reduce stress, improve sleep, make you feel more grounded, and ease depressive symptoms. Choose enjoyable exercises to make it easier to establish a routine.
Treating Treatment-Resistant Depression
Are medications not working? Sick of the side effects?
There are other options to explore including:
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT): This method has been used for years, but it still can be effective for those with TRD. While asleep, a specific dose of electricity is administered to your brain triggering a small seizure. ECT helps change brain chemistry and reverse depression symptoms.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS): A painless, FDA-approved procedure for those struggling with MDD or TRD. TMS uses brief magnetic pulses--similar to an MRI--to a specific area of the brain that plays a role in mood regulation. The pulses help reactivate neurons affected by depression. No sedation or IV lines are required.
Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS): If the previously mentioned therapies don’t work, VNS may be appropriate. This involves implanting a device in your chest that connects to the vagus nerve. Electrical signals from the device stimulate the vagus nerve and travel to the mood centers of the brain.
Ketamine Therapy: A recently FDA-approved nasal spray taken under the supervision of qualified professionals that can help repair damage from excess proteins in the brain caused by years of stress. Ketamine may improve depression symptoms quicker than traditional oral medications.
Treatment Resistant Depression Options at The Moment
The Moment is a physician-owned and managed wellness community focused on exploring every effective option for treating depression. We start by getting to know you. We want to learn:
What you’re experiencing,
What you tried before
Your frustrations and setbacks
Your personal goals for treatment
Then we make a plan to move forward. We offer more traditional approaches--but maybe a little different than you’re used to experiencing them. After all, we’re not your typical doctor’s office.
And we can also discuss if TMS or Ketamine Therapy is a good option for you.
Ready to take the next step? Then call our office today at (424) 532-1552. We’ll answer your questions and do a quick pre-assessment over the phone.
You can finally overcome depression...let us help you find the way.