Latest Depression Treatments

The positive side is that if your depression and treatment doesn't improve after psychotherapy and antidepressants, new drugs that are fast-acting are promising for treating depression resistant to treatment.

SSRIs are the most common and well-known antidepressants. They work by altering the way that the brain processes serotonin as a chemical messenger.

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

1. Esketamine

In March 2019 the FDA approved a new nasal spray for depression that is called esketamine. (Brand name Spravato). It is made from the anesthetic ketamine which has been proven to help in severe cases of depression. The nasal spray is applied in conjunction with an oral antidepressant to treat depression that hasn't responded to standard medication. In one study 70% of patients with treatment resistant depression who were given this drug responded well - a much greater response rate than taking an oral antidepressant.

Esketamine differs from standard antidepressants. It boosts the levels of naturally occurring chemical in the brain, called neurotransmitters, that relay messages between brain cells. The effects aren't immediately apparent. Patients generally feel better after a few days, but effects last longer than SSRIs and SNRIs.

Researchers believe that esketamine reduces symptoms of depression by strengthening connections between brain cells. In animal studies, esketamine reversed the breakdown of these connections that could be found in chronic stress and depression treatment medications. It also appears to encourage the development of neurons which can help reduce suicidal thoughts and thoughts.

Esketamine differs from other antidepressants in that it is delivered via nasal spray. This allows it to get into your bloodstream faster than oral or pill medication. It has been proven to decrease symptoms of depression within a matter of hours, and in some people the effects are immediately.

However, the results of a study that tracked patients for 16 weeks found that not all patients who began treatment with esketamine continued to be in remission. This is disappointing but not unexpected, according Dr. Amit Anand, an expert on ketamine, who was not involved in the study.

For now, esketamine is only available through a clinical trial program or private practice. Esketamine is not a primary option for treating depression treatment elderly. It is prescribed when SSRIs and SNRIs fail to work for a patient with treatment-resistant depressive disorder. The doctor can determine whether the disorder is resistant to treatment and then decide whether esketamine may be beneficial.

2. TMS

TMS makes use of magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. It is non-invasive and does not require surgery or anesthesia. It has been proven to aid people suffering from depression who have not responded to medication or psychotherapy. It is also used to treat obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and tinnitus.

TMS therapy for depression is usually delivered in a series 36 daily treatments spread out over six weeks. The magnetic pulses can be felt as pinpricks on the scalp. It could take some time to get used to. After an appointment, patients can return to work or go home. Depending on the stimulation pattern used and the stimulation pattern used, each TMS session can last between 3.5 and 20 minutes.

Researchers believe that rTMS can alter the ways that neurons communicate. This process is referred to as neuroplasticity. It allows the brain to form new connections and change how it functions.

TMS is FDA approved for treating depression in cases when other treatments like medication and talk therapy have failed. It has also been shown to help people with tinnitus, OCD and pain. And scientists are exploring whether it could also be used to treat Parkinson's disease.

Although a number of different studies have shown that TMS can help with depression however, not everyone who receives the treatment benefits. It is important that you have a thorough psychiatric and medical examination prior to attempting this treatment. TMS is not a good option if you have a history or are taking certain medications.

Talking to your doctor can be beneficial if you are suffering from depression, but are not seeing any benefits from the treatment you are currently receiving. You could be eligible for the TMS trial or other forms of neurostimulation. However, you need to first try a variety of antidepressants before your insurance will cover the cost. If you're looking to learn more about these life-changing treatments, contact us now for a free consultation. Our specialists will guide you through the process of deciding if TMS treatment is the right one for you.

3. Deep brain stimulation

A noninvasive therapy that resets the brain's circuitry may be effective in just one week for people with treatment resistant depression. Researchers have devised new strategies that deliver high-dose electromagnetic waves to the brain faster and at a time that is more manageable for patients.

Stanford neuromodulation therapy (SNT), which is now offered at the UC Davis Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences' Advanced Psychiatric Therapeutics Clinic, uses MRI imaging to direct electrodes that transmit magnetic pulses to the targeted areas in the brain. In a recent study, Mitra and Raichle found that in three-quarters of patients who suffer from depression, the typical flow of neural activity from the anterior cingulate cortex to the anterior insula was reversed. SNT returned that flow to normal within a few days, coinciding perfectly with the lifting of depression.

A more in-depth procedure known as deep brain stimulation (DBS) can produce similar results for some patients. Neurosurgeons will perform a series tests to determine the ideal placement before implanting one or more leads into the brain. The leads are connected with a neurostimulator, which is placed under the collarbone and appears like the appearance of a pacemaker. The device delivers an uninterrupted electric current through the leads. This alters the brain’s natural circuitry, reducing depression symptoms.

Certain psychotherapy treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and inter-personal therapy, may also relieve depression symptoms. Psychotherapy can take place in groups or in one-on-one sessions with an experienced mental health professional. Some therapists also offer the option of telehealth services.

Antidepressants remain the primarystay of depression treatment. In recent times, however, there have been significant advancements in the speed at which they can alleviate 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 treatments, like electroconvulsive treatment (ECT) or repetitive transcranial magnet stimulation (rTMS) utilize electric or magnetic stimuli to stimulate the brain. These are more complicated procedures that must be done under the supervision of a doctor. In certain instances, they may cause seizures and other serious adverse effects.

4. Light therapy

Bright light therapy consists of sitting or standing in front of an artificially bright light source. This therapy has been used for many years to treat seasonal depression and major depressive disorder (SAD). Studies show that bright light therapy can decrease symptoms like fatigue and sadness by boosting mood and regulating the circadian rhythms. It can also help those who suffer from depression that is intermittent.

Light therapy works by mimicking sunlight, which is a major element of the biological clock referred to as the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). The SCN is associated with mood, and light therapy can rewire circadian rhythm patterns which can trigger depression. Light therapy can also decrease Melatonin levels and help restore the function of neurotransmitters.

Some doctors are also using light therapy to treat a less severe depression treatment form of depression known as winter blues, which is similar to SAD but affects fewer people and is only seen in months when there is less daylight. To get the best results, they recommend that you sit in front of the light therapy box for 30 minutes each morning while awake. Contrary to antidepressants, which may take weeks to work and often cause side effects like nausea or weight gain, light therapy can produce results within a week. It's also safe during pregnancy and for older adults.

However, some research experts warn that a person should never attempt light therapy without the guidance of a psychiatrist or mental health professional because it can cause a manic episode for those with bipolar disorder. It could also make sufferers feel tired during the first week of treatment as it can reset their sleep-wake patterns.

PCPs must be aware of any new treatments that have been approved by FDA. However, they shouldn't ignore tried-and-true methods like antidepressants or cognitive behavioral therapy. Dr. Hellerstein told Healio that although the quest for better and newer treatments is exciting, we should prioritize the most well-established therapies. He says that PCPs should be focusing on educating their patients about the advantages of new options and helping them stick to their treatment plans. That can include arranging for transportation to their doctor's appointment or setting up reminders to take medications and attend therapy sessions.