Latest Depression Treatments

The good news is that if your depression doesn't improve after treatment with psychotherapy or antidepressants, new drugs that are fast-acting show promise for treating treatment-resistant depression.

SSRIs are the most well-known and well-known antidepressants. These work by changing how the brain processes serotonin as an important chemical messenger.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), also known as cognitive behavioral therapy, helps you to change negative thoughts and behavior such as despair. It's available through the NHS for 8 to 16 sessions.

1. Esketamine

In March 2019, the FDA approved a brand new nasal spray for depression called esketamine. (Brand name Spravato). It is created from the anesthetic drug ketamine, which has been shown to help in severe cases of depression. The nasal spray is utilized in conjunction with an oral antidepressant in cases of depression that isn't responding to standard medication. In one study, 70 percent of people with treatment-resistant depression who were treated with the drug had a positive response with a much higher response rate than with just an oral antidepressant.

Esketamine is different from standard antidepressants. It raises the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain that transmit messages between brain cells. The results aren't immediate. Patients typically feel better after a few days, but the effects last longer than SSRIs and SNRIs.

Researchers believe that esketamine helps alleviate depression symptoms by strengthening connections between brain cells. In animal studies, esketamine reversed the breakdown of these connections that could be found in chronic stress and perimenopause depression treatment. Additionally, it appears to stimulate the development of neurons that aid in reducing suicidal thoughts and feelings.

Another reason why esketamine is distinct from other antidepressants is the fact that it is delivered via a nasal spray, which allows it to reach the bloodstream more quickly than pills or oral medication could. It has been proven to decrease symptoms of depression within a matter of hours. In certain people the effects are instantaneous.

A recent study that followed patients for 16 weeks found that not all patients who started treatment with esketamine had reached Remission. This is disappointing, but not surprising according meds to treat depression Dr. Amit A. Anand, a ketamine expert who was not involved in the study.

Esketamine is currently only available in private practice or in clinical trials. Esketamine is not a primary option to treat depression. It is prescribed when SSRIs and SNRIs do not be effective for a patient suffering from treatment-resistant depressive disorder. A patient's doctor can determine if the condition is refractory to treatment and decide if esketamine could be beneficial.

2. TMS

TMS makes use of magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. It is noninvasive, doesn't require anesthesia or surgery and has been shown to improve depression for people who are not responding to psychotherapy or medication. It has also been used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorders and tinnitus (ringing in the ear).

TMS therapy for depression is typically delivered in a series of 36 daily treatments spread over six weeks. The magnetic pulses may feel like pinpricks on the scalp. It may take some time to become accustomed to. After an appointment, patients can return to work or at home. Based on the stimulation pattern used and the stimulation pattern used, each TMS session is between 3.5 and 20 minutes.

Researchers believe that rTMS works by altering the way that neurons communicate with each other. This process is referred to as neuroplasticity and allows the brain to create new connections and change how it functions.

TMS is FDA approved for treating depression in cases that other treatments such as talk therapy and medication have not been successful. It has also been proven to be effective in treating tinnitus and OCD. And scientists are exploring whether it could be used to treat Parkinson's disease.

TMS has been proven to improve depression in a number studies, however not every person who receives it benefit. Before attempting this type of treatment, it's important to undergo an exhaustive mental and medical evaluation. If you have any history of seizures or are taking certain medications, TMS may not be the best option for you.

If you've been struggling with inpatient depression treatment centers, find out this here, but aren't getting the benefits from your current treatment plan, a conversation with your psychiatrist could be beneficial. You may be eligible for an TMS trial or other types of neurostimulation. However, you must first test several antidepressants before your insurance will cover the cost. If you are looking to learn more about these life-changing treatments, call us today to schedule a consultation. Our experts can guide you through the process of deciding whether TMS is the right option for you.

3. Deep stimulation of the brain

A non drug treatment for depression-invasive treatment that resets the brain's circuitry could be effective in just one week for people with depression that is resistant to treatment. Researchers have developed new methods that deliver high-dose magnetic waves to the brain faster and with a schedule that is more manageable for patients.

Stanford neuromodulation therapy, which is now available in the Advanced Psychiatric Therapeutics Clinic at the UC Davis Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences utilizes MRI images to direct electrodes to send magnetic pulses into targeted areas of the brain. In a recent study, Mitra & Raichle found in three quarters of patients suffering from depression the normal flow of neural activity was disrupted, shifting from the anterior cortex to the anterior isola. With SNT, that flow returned to normal within a week, and coincided with a reduction in their depression.

A more invasive procedure called deep brain stimulation (DBS) can produce similar results in some patients. After several tests to determine the best location, neurosurgeons insert one or more wires, called leads, in the brain. The leads are connected to a neurostimulator that is implanted under the collarbone. It appears like a heart pacemaker. The device delivers a continuous electric current through the leads. This alters the brain’s natural circuitry, which reduces depression symptoms.

Some psychotherapy treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and inter-personal therapy can also help with depression symptoms. Psychotherapy can be offered in one-on-one sessions with an expert in mental health or in group settings. Some therapists also provide Telehealth services.

Antidepressants remain a cornerstone of treatment for depression. However, in recent times, there have been remarkable advancements in the speed at which these medications can work to alleviate depression symptoms. Newer drugs, such as gepirone (Exxua), esketamine (Spravato), brexanolone (Zulresso) and dextromethorphan-bupropion (Auvelity), all have been shown to work faster than older antidepressants.

Other therapies, such as electroconvulsive treatment (ECT) or repeated transcranial magnet stimulation (rTMS) make use of electric or magnetic stimuli to stimulate the brain. These are more involved procedures that require the supervision of a doctor. In some instances they can trigger seizures or other serious adverse effects.

4. Light therapy

Bright light therapy, which entails sitting or working in front of an artificial light source, has been known for a long time to help with major depressive disorder and seasonal patterns (SAD). Studies have shown that it can alleviate symptoms such as fatigue and sadness by controlling circadian rhythm patterns and enhancing mood. It is also beneficial for those suffering from pregnancy depression treatment that is sporadic.

Light therapy mimics sunlight, which is a crucial element of the biological clock referred to as the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). The SCN is connected to mood, and light therapy can rewire misaligned circadian rhythm patterns that may contribute to depression. In addition, light therapy can reduce melatonin levels and improve the functioning of neurotransmitters.

Some doctors are also using light therapy to treat a less severe type of depression referred to as winter blues. It's similar to SAD but is less common and only occurs in the months with the least daylight. To get the best results, they recommend that you lie in front of the box for 30 minutes each morning while you are awake. Light therapy produces results in one week, unlike antidepressants which can take a few weeks to begin working and can cause adverse effects like nausea or weight increase. It is also suitable for pregnant women and older adults.

Researchers warn against using light therapy without the supervision of an expert in mental health or psychiatrist, since it could trigger manic episodes in people with bipolar disorders. It can also make people feel tired during the first week of treatment due to the fact that it can reset their sleep-wake patterns.

PCPs should be aware of the new treatments that have been approved by the FDA however, they shouldn't be ignoring tried-and-true approaches such as antidepressants and cognitive behavioral therapy. Dr. Hellerstein told Healio that although the quest for newer and better treatments is exciting, we should prioritize the most established therapies. He says that PCPs should concentrate on informing their patients on the benefits of new options and helping patients adhere to their treatment plans. That can include providing them with transportation to their doctor's office or setting reminders to take medication and attend therapy sessions.