Latest Depression Treatments

If your depression doesn't improve with antidepressants and psychotherapy new medications that work quickly may be able to treat depression pharmacological treatment resistant to treatment.

SSRIs also known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are the most commonly prescribed and well-known antidepressants. These antidepressants work by altering the way that the brain processes serotonin.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), also known as cognitive behavior therapy, helps you to change negative thoughts and behaviors such as hopelessness. The NHS offers 8 to 16 sessions.

1. Esketamine

The FDA approved the new treatment for depression in March 2019 nasal spray known as esketamine (brand name Spravato). It is made from the anesthetic ketamine, which has been shown to be effective in cases of severe of depression treatment psychology. The nasal spray can be used alongside an oral antidepressant to treat depression that hasn't responded to standard medication. In one study, 70% of people with treatment resistant depression who were given this drug did well - a greater response rate than using an oral antidepressant.

Esketamine differs from standard antidepressants. It boosts the levels of naturally occurring chemicals in the brain, called neurotransmitters, that relay messages between brain cells. The results are not immediate. Patients typically feel a little better after a couple of days, but the effects last much longer than SSRIs or SNRIs, which may take weeks or even months to take effect.

Researchers believe that esketamine reduces depression symptoms by enhancing brain cell connections. In animal studies, esketamine reversed these connections which are weakened through Depression Treatment Without Medication and chronic stress. It also appears to stimulate the development of neurons that could aid in reducing suicidal thoughts and feelings.

Another reason why esketamine is distinct from other antidepressants is the fact that it is administered via nasal sprays that allows it to get into the bloodstream much faster than pills or oral medication could. The drug has been proven in studies to lessen depression symptoms within a couple of hours. In certain instances, the effects can be instantaneous.

A recent study that tracked patients for 16 weeks revealed that not all who began treatment with esketamine had reached the remission phase. This is not unexpected, according to Dr. Amit Anand, an expert on ketamine, who was not part of the study.

Esketamine is only available in private practice or in clinical trials. It isn't considered a first-line treatment option for depression and is typically prescribed only when SSRIs or SNRIs haven't worked for a person with treatment-resistant depression. A patient's doctor can determine if the condition is not responding to treatment and determine if esketamine could be beneficial.

2. TMS

TMS utilizes magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. It is noninvasive, does not require surgery or anesthesia and has been proven to improve depression for people who are not responding to medication or psychotherapy. It has also been used to treat the disorder of obsessive compulsiveness and tinnitus (ringing in the ear).

TMS treatment for depression is usually delivered in a set of 36 daily treatments spread out over six weeks. The magnetic pulses can feel like pinpricks in the scalp. It may take some time to become used to. After the treatment, patients are able to return to work or at home. Based on the type of stimulation used the session TMS session lasts between 3.5 and 20 minutes.

Researchers believe that rTMS works by altering the way that neurons communicate with each other. This process, referred to as neuroplasticity, enables the brain to form new connections and to change its function.

TMS is FDA approved to treat depression in situations when other treatments like medications and talk therapy have not worked. It has also been proven to aid people suffering from tinnitus, OCD and pain. Researchers are also investigating the possibility of using it to treat Parkinson's and anxiety.

TMS has been shown to improve depression in several studies, however not every person who receives it benefit. It is important that you have a thorough psychiatric and medical evaluation prior to beginning this type of treatment. If you have a history of seizures or are taking certain medications, TMS might not be right for you.

If you've been suffering from depression but aren't seeing the benefits of your current treatment plan, a conversation with your psychiatrist could be helpful. You may be eligible for an TMS trial or other forms neurostimulation. But, you must first try several antidepressants before your insurance company will cover the cost. If you're interested in learning more about these life-changing treatments, call us now for a free consultation. Our specialists will guide you in deciding if TMS treatment is suitable for you.

3. Deep brain stimulation

A non-invasive treatment that resets the brain's circuitry may be efficient in just one week for patients suffering from treatment resistant depression. Researchers have developed new techniques that enable them to deliver high-dose electromagnetic pulses to the brain in a shorter time and on a schedule that is more suitable for patients.

Stanford neuromodulation therapy (SNT) SNT, that is now available at the UC Davis Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences' Advanced Psychiatric Therapeutics Clinic makes use of MRI imaging to guide electrodes which send magnetic pulses to the targeted areas in the brain. In a recent study Mitra and Raichle observed that in three-quarters of people suffering from depression, the normal flow of neural activity from the anterior cingulate cortex to the posterior insula was disrupted. SNT returned the flow back to normal within a few days, coinciding perfectly with the end of depression.

Deep brain stimulation (DBS), a more invasive procedure, may produce similar results in some patients. Neurosurgeons perform a series of tests to determine the ideal place to implant one or more leads into the brain. The leads are connected to a neurostimulator implanted under the collarbone, which appears to be a heart-pacemaker. The device delivers continuous electrical current to the leads which alters the brain's natural circuitry and reduces depression symptoms.

Some psychotherapy treatments like 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. Therapists may also offer Telehealth services.

Antidepressants are a key component of treatment for depression. However, in recent times, there have been remarkable advances in how treat anxiety and depression quickly these medications can work to lift depressive 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 repetitive transcranial magnet stimulation (rTMS) utilize electric or magnetic stimuli to stimulate the brain. These are more complex procedures that require the supervision of a doctor. In some cases, they can cause seizures or other serious side effects.

4. Light therapy

Bright light therapy, which involves working or sitting in front of a bright artificial light source, has been used for years to treat major depression disorder through seasonal patterns (SAD). Studies show that it can alleviate symptoms like sadness and fatigue by regulating the circadian rhythm and enhancing mood. It also aids those suffering from depression that is sporadic.

Light therapy works by mimicking sunlight, which is a crucial element of the biological clock called the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). The SCN is associated with mood, and light therapy may alter the patterns of circadian rhythms that can contribute to depression. Light therapy can also decrease the production of melatonin and improve the function of neurotransmitters.

Some doctors use light therapy to treat winter blues. This is a milder form of depression that is similar to SAD, but only affects fewer individuals and is most prevalent in the seasons that have the least amount of sunlight. They suggest sitting in front of a light therapy device each morning for 30 minutes while awake to gain the maximum benefit. Light therapy produces results in one week, unlike antidepressants which can take a few weeks to begin working and may cause negative side effects, such as nausea or weight increase. It is also suitable for pregnant women and older adults.

Researchers warn against using light therapy without the supervision of a mental health professional or psychiatrist, since it can trigger manic episodes in people with bipolar disorders. Some people may feel tired during the first week, as light therapy can reset their sleep-wake pattern.

PCPs should be aware of the new treatments that have been approved by the FDA, but they shouldn't overlook tried-and-true techniques like antidepressants and cognitive behavioral therapy. Dr. Hellerstein told Healio that while the search for newer and better treatments is exciting, we should prioritize the most proven therapies. He says that PCPs should concentrate on teaching their patients about the benefits of new options and helping patients adhere to their treatment plans. That can include offering transportation to their doctor's office or setting reminders for them to take their medication and attend therapy sessions.