Latest Depression Treatments

The good news is that, if your depression does not improve after residential treatment for depression with psychotherapy or antidepressants, new drugs that are fast-acting offer promise in treating depression resistant to treatment.

SSRIs are the most common and well-known antidepressants. They work by altering the way the brain uses serotonin.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), also known as cognitive behavior therapy, assists you in changing negative thoughts and behaviors such as hopelessness. It's available on the NHS for 8 to 16 sessions.

1. Esketamine

In March 2019, the FDA approved a brand new nasal spray for depression that is called esketamine. (Brand name Spravato). It is derived from the anesthetic ketamine, which has been shown to be effective in cases of severe of depression. The nasal spray is used in conjunction with an oral antidepressant in order to treat depression that has not responded to standard medications. In one study 70% of patients suffering from treatment resistant depression who were given this drug did well - a greater response rate than using an oral antidepressant.

Esketamine is different from standard antidepressants. It increases levels of naturally occurring chemicals in the brain, referred to as neurotransmitters. They transmit messages between brain cells. The results are not immediate. Patients typically feel a little better after a few days, but the effects last longer than SSRIs or SNRIs. Those can take weeks or even months to take effect.

Researchers believe that esketamine improves depression symptoms by strengthening the connections between brain cells. In animal studies, esketamine reversed the breakdown of these connections which can occur during depression and stress. Additionally, it appears to stimulate the growth of neurons that can aid in reducing suicidal thoughts and feelings.

Another reason esketamine is different from other antidepressants is that it is delivered via a nasal spray that allows it to enter the bloodstream much faster than pills or oral medication would. The drug has been shown to decrease depression symptoms within hours, and in some individuals the effects are immediately.

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

At present, esketamine is only available through the clinical trial program or in private practices. It is not considered to be a first-line treatment option for depression and is typically prescribed only when SSRIs or SNRIs have not worked for a person with treatment-resistant depression. A patient's doctor can determine if their condition is refractory to treatment and determine if esketamine could be beneficial.

2. TMS

TMS utilizes magnetic fields in order to stimulate brain nerve cells. It is non medical treatment for depression-invasive and does not require surgery or anesthesia. It has been proven to aid people suffering from depression who have not been able to respond to medication or psychotherapy. It can also be used to treat obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and tinnitus.

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

Researchers believe that rTMS can alter the way that neurons communicate. This process, referred to as neuroplasticity, allows the brain to establish new connections and change its function.

At present, TMS is FDA-cleared to treat depression when other therapies, including talk therapy and medication, haven't worked. It has also been proven to help people with tinnitus, OCD and pain. Scientists are currently examining whether it can be used to treat Parkinson's disease.

TMS has been shown to help with depression in several studies, but not everyone who receives it benefit. It is crucial to have a thorough psychiatric and medical evaluation before trying this type of treatment. TMS is not suitable for you when you have a history of or are taking certain medications.

If you have been struggling with depression treatment centre but aren't getting the benefits from your current treatment plan, a conversation with your psychiatrist may be beneficial. You could be eligible for an TMS trial or other forms of neurostimulation. But, you must first test several antidepressants before your insurance company will cover the cost. If you're interested in knowing more about these life-changing treatments, call us today to schedule a consultation. Our experts will guide you in the decision of whether TMS treatment is right for you.

3. Deep brain stimulation

A non-invasive therapy that rewires the brain's circuitry could be effective in as little as one week for patients suffering from treatment-resistant depression. Researchers have come up with new methods that enable them to deliver high-dose magnetic impulses to the brain in a shorter time and at a frequency that is more suitable for patients.

Stanford neuromodulation therapy, now available in the Advanced Psychiatric Therapeutics Clinic at the UC Davis Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences utilizes MRI images to guide electrodes to deliver magnetic pulses to specific areas of the brain. In a study conducted recently, Mitra & Raichle found that in three quarters (or more) of depression patients that the normal flow of neural activity was reversed from the anterior cortex to the anterior isola. SNT returned that flow to normal within a few days, and it was perfectly timed with the end of depression.

Deep brain stimulation (DBS), a more invasive procedure, can produce similar results in some patients. Neurosurgeons conduct a series of tests to determine the most appropriate placement before implanting one or more leads in the brain. The leads are connected to a neurostimulator implanted under the collarbone, which appears to be a heart-pacemaker. The device supplies continuous electric current to the leads which alters the brain's natural circuitry and reduces depression symptoms.

Some psychotherapy treatments may also help relieve depression pharmacological treatment symptoms, including cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders and interpersonal therapy. Psychotherapy can take place in an environment of group or one-on-one sessions with an experienced mental health professional. Some therapy providers offer telehealth.

Antidepressants are the mainstay of depression treatment. In recent years, however, there have been some notable improvements in the speed at which they can help alleviate symptoms of depression. 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 treatments employ magnetic or electric stimulation to stimulate the brain, for example electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS). These are more complicated procedures that require the supervision of a physician. In some instances, they could cause seizures as well as other serious adverse effects.

4. Light therapy

Bright light therapy, which is sitting or working in front of an artificial light source, has been known for many years to treat major depressive disorder with seasonal patterns (SAD). Studies have shown that it can ease symptoms such as sadness and fatigue by regulating circadian rhythm patterns and boosting mood. It is also beneficial for those who suffer with depression that is not a continuous one.

Light therapy mimics the sun, which is an essential component of a biological clock referred to as suprachiasmatic (SCN). The SCN is associated with mood, and lighttherapy can alter circadian rhythm patterns that can trigger depression. Additionally, light therapy can reduce melatonin levels and improve the function of neurotransmitters.

Some doctors are also using light therapy to treat a less severe type of depression known as winter blues. It's similar to SAD but is less common and only happens in the months when there is the least amount of daylight. They suggest sitting in front of a light therapy box each morning for 30 minutes while awake to reap the maximum benefits. Light therapy can produce results within a week, unlike antidepressants which can take a long time to kick in and can cause side effects such as nausea or weight increase. It is also safe for pregnant women and older adults.

However, some researchers warn that one should never try light therapy without the guidance of psychiatrists or a mental health professional because it could cause a manic episode for bipolar disorder sufferers. Some people may feel tired within the first week due to the fact that light therapy can alter their sleep-wake pattern.

PCPs must be aware of new treatments that have been approved by the FDA however, they shouldn't neglect tried-and-true methods such as antidepressants and cognitive behavioral therapy. "The quest for more effective and innovative treatments is exciting, but we must continue to focus on the most well-established therapies," Dr. Hellerstein informs Healio. He says PCPs must educate their patients on the benefits of new treatments as well as help them stick with their treatment plans. This may include providing transportation to the doctor's office, or establishing reminders for patients to take their medications and attend therapy sessions.