Approaches For Severe And Treatment-Resistant Depression

For many people with depression, a combination of psychotherapy and various classes of mental health medications can improve symptoms or even allow them to achieve remission. After traditional treatment approaches, some people still struggle with severe depression. There are a few remaining options that may help those with severe and treatment-resistant depression.

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

ECT is an older method of treating depression. When ECT was first developed, it was widely used for depression and other mental illnesses. Once it was established ECT was too widely used, ECT was only used in limited cases. The most common use for ECT is for severe, treatment-resistant depression. The administration of ECT is also different than it was decades ago. Patients are sedated and receive muscle relaxers before treatment. Whether ECT is unilateral or bilateral depends on the treatment goals. People who need more urgent relief from depressive symptoms will have bilateral ECT, but unilateral is more common. Being more selective about how ECT is applied reduces the risk of side effects, such as memory loss and cognitive problems. In the beginning, ECT may be done several times each week and as symptoms reduce, it may only be necessary once every few weeks.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

TMS involves using a strong magnet applied to specific areas of the head to help stimulate brain activity in the areas of the brain associated with mood regulation. Each treatment involves pulses in rapid succession, which can provide longer-lasting results. Treatment with TMS generally requires several sessions each week for a month or more. Although many treatments are needed, each treatment is non-invasive and only takes a few minutes. There is no need for sedation, and the treatments are not typically painful. TMS may be preferred as the next step after standard treatments since it is less invasive than ECT. For more information on TMS therapy, contact a professional near you.

Ketamine

Ketamine is a medicine typically used in hospital settings for anesthesia, but it is more commonly viewed as a recreational drug. Doctors have realized ketamine has benefits beyond the operating room. Ketamine clinics are increasingly popular as a way to reduce treatment-resistant depression. Each clinic has different ways of administering the medication, with IV and nasal spray being among the most common. Ketamine treatment can only be done in the clinic setting, so medical professionals can be certain you are not diverting the treatment and watch for any side effects. A treatment regimen usually involves receiving ketamine twice per week and gradually reducing the number of treatments to one or two per month. Ketamine treatments are done in combination with standard treatments since the antidepressant effects may wear off between treatments.

Both severe and treatment-resistant depression can take a toll on the lives of people who experience the condition. Going beyond standard treatments can help some people reduce their depressive symptoms quickly, or experience remission.

Share