The majority of people have heard of treatment-resistant depression.
This is a serious mental health condition wherein the person who has it does not notice a prolonged cessation of their depressive symptoms. So, this ailment may be non-responsive to antidepressants and even cognitive behavioral therapy.
It is worth noting that if you have been diagnosed with treatment-resistant depression, it may be worth assessing if it is part of another ailment that can be treated with more success. Common examples of comorbid disorders include bipolar, borderline personality disorder, and complex PTSD.
If you are sure that it is treatment-resistant depression, there are still some things you can do, and here, you will be guided on the most effective methods to manage this illness.
Look Into Ketamine
Ketamine has gained traction in recent years as an option to help treatment-resistant depression. It is an anesthetic and has been found to boost glutamate levels in the brain, which are often lacking in those who have treatment-resistant depression. Ketamine is usually administered via infusion therapy and will need to be overseen by a medical team to ensure safety. So, head to a website like daydreammd.com to see if this may be a viable option for you.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
Other theories into the cause of treatment-resistant depression speculate that it can be minimized with stimulation of cranial nerves in the brain. This sounds technical, but a treatment known as transcranial magnetic stimulation, or TMS, has been found to improve the symptoms of severe depression. This is usually administered over 30 sessions, spanning a 4-6 week period, and it uses magnetic waves to alter the brain’s chemistry. Best of all, it is non-invasive and has been found to be beneficial.
Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)
Electroconvulsive therapy, or ECT, has a bad rep. However, it is currently accepted as a popular method of treatment for those with severe depression. During a session of ECT, an electrical current is passed through the brain, causing a seizure. This causes the brain cells to fire rapidly, causing areas of the brain that are underactive to begin working again. This is usually offered to inpatients with depression that is not responding, but it can be suggested to outpatients if they meet certain criteria.
Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)
An option that is usually saved for people with Parkinson’s’, deep brain stimulation, or DBS, has been found to help those who have a chronically low mood. It is, in essence, a pacemaker that is placed in the brain. This pacemaker or electrode delivers a low-level impulse into the brain that helps with the regulation of mood.
Psychotherapy
Lastly, if you have severe depression, you will likely benefit from psychotherapy. This is a more intense form of therapy that explores the potential causes of your depression, such as trauma, and also teaches you more targeted ways to manage the illness. For those with treatment-resistant depression, regular meetings with a mental health professional are vital for prolonged well-being, so don’t feel concerned about reaching out for help.
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Who knew there were so many ways to help treat depression. I still wonder why certain people take their own lives. They seem to have it all together and have great lives, then they do the unthinkable. When I watched the movie ‘After Jimmy’ with Meredith Baxter, I understood depression and suicide so much more.
I recently saw a Gary Gulman comedy special in which he discussed his depression. He described how ECT helped him. I think there’s definitely a lot of misconceptions about it.
I had no idea that there were options like these available for depression. I have never heard of these options before. This was an interesting post to read.h
Very interesting post – thank you! I know someone I can pass this onto for sure.
Im glad there isn’t as much of a stigma around depression anymore; I think that alone is wonderfiul for people wanting to look for treatment
I still worry about ketamine, I hope people are properly trained…