Many patients suffering from a severe depressive disorder—which includes various types of depression that last at least two weeks—find that antidepressants are pretty helpful in alleviating symptoms, allowing them to return to the life they once had. On the other hand, standard drugs often provide little to no assistance for treatment-resistant depression (TRD) patients.
One-third of those suffering from depression suffer symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as persistent sadness, insomnia, fatigue, and thoughts of suicide or death. If your primary physician prescribed antidepressants and your depression symptoms aren’t improving regardless of treatment and medications, ask your doctor whether they would recommend you to a psychiatrist experienced at diagnosing and treating psychological illness.
Common Treatments for TRD
Ketamine
Ketamine is among the kinds of anesthetics commonly used in battlefields and the field of veterinary medicine. Compared to the amount required for anesthesia, a lesser amount of Ketamine can treat depression. It can help treat depression-related symptoms that are hard to cure in a short time, and its effects can persist for several weeks or even for days. It’s typically administered in a sequence of smaller doses spread over time.
On the other hand, Esketamine is a kind of Ketamine consumed intranasally. It delivers quick and efficient results. Esketamine is also known as the S variant of Ketamine. Since it’s a new technology that manufacturers of pharmaceuticals are likely to finance clinical research to prove its use. However, the risk of misuse and abuse is a concern. The FDA has granted an intranasal dosage of Ketamine for use at a physician’s practice under the guidance of a medical specialist who will monitor any adverse reactions.
Esketamine is useful for people who have tried at least two different antidepressants. Studies found it effective in controlling their symptoms. Ketamine and esketamine function differently in the brain than traditional antidepressants, so they are better for treatment. For better results, take it together with an oral antidepressant.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
The treatment known as TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) is among the many mental health innovations available today. It is a non-invasive treatment for depression. It utilizes magnets to stimulate neurons in the brain. If the other treatment methods for depression aren’t working, TMS is advisable. Repetitive TMS, also referred to as rTMS, is a treatment for depression that uses repeatedly generating magnetic pulses. If you need assistance with your mental health challenges, you can visit an established discovery center for more details about therapy.
Experts set up an electromagnet near the forehead during an RTMS treatment. The coil produces an uninvolved magnetic pulse that stimulates nerve cells within the area of your brain, which regulates mood and depression. It allows brain areas that are not as active when people suffer from depression. Although the rTMS function isn’t known, the stimulation changes how the brain functions. It could help ease depression and boost mood.
Psychological Counseling
Psychologists and other professionals in mental health offer effective counseling for psychological issues (psychotherapy). For many people, a combination of medicine and therapy is the most effective. It can assist you in determining the source of the issues that may cause your depression. It is also possible to develop specific strategies and habits to conquer depression by speaking with your counselor. Psychotherapy, for instance, can assist you in overcoming:
- Increasing your ability to face life’s challenges.
- Repair emotional wounds that have occurred in an earlier time.
- Manage relationships with more excellent health.
- Learn ways to reduce the effects that stress has on your lifestyle.
If you are curious about learning more about counseling and want to join a reputable team, you can browse mental health care jobs for more details.
Stress Management
Problems with relationships, financial concerns, poor work-life balance, and other issues can lead to stress and severe depression. Institutions like Compass Pathways offers TRD therapy for people suffering from extreme anxiety and prolonged depression. It is among the options available. Yoga mindfulness, Tai Chi meditation, meditation, relaxing muscles, and writing down your thoughts in journals ease tension. Combined with professional care, these methods can be an effective mental health treatment for people suffering from depression.
Proper Sleeping Hygiene
Sleep deprivation can exacerbate depression. Your mood, energy level, capacity to concentrate, and stress resilience can all be affected by how much and how well you sleep. If you’re experiencing difficulty sleeping, consider ways to improve your sleeping habits or seek advice from a mental or medical health expert.
It is not advisable to take a treatment that only partially relieves your depression or is effective but has serious adverse consequences. Talk to your doctor or a different professional in mental health for the most effective solution for your particular requirements. Even if you are experimenting with other techniques takes effort and time.