Treatment Resistant Depression
Treatment Resistant Depression?
What Is Treatment Resistant Depression?
Treatment-resistant depression is a type of depression that has not responded adequately, or even minimally, to traditional methods of treatment (i.e. medications or talk therapy). As with any type of depression, the symptoms can range from mild to severe. The key to determining if your depression is treatment-resistant is to pay attention to how much the symptoms of depression respond to treatment with a professional. Other factors to consider when being treated for depression:
- Environmental factors: quality of romantic relationships, quality of friendship groups, employment status, and housing.
- Physical health: are you eating healthy food?, are you exercising?, or do you have co-morbid medical problems that could contribute to the lack of response to medications?
- Review all medications and supplements: psychiatric medications, general medical medications, and vitamins.
Things to Know About Treatment Resistant Depression
- Over 350 million people world wide suffer from Depression according to the world health organization.
- 31% of adults with medication-treated MDD meet criteria for treatment resistant depression.
- The likelihood of achieving remission declines with each successive treatment attempt :
- 1st treatment attempt: 27.5% chance of achieving remission.
- 2nd treatment attempt: 21.2% chance of achieving remission.
- 3rd treatment attempt: 16.2% chance of achieving remission.
- 4th treatment attempt: 6.9% chance of achieving remission.
- The likelihood of discontinuing treatment increases with each new medication attempt :
- 1st medication- 8.6% chance of discontinuing medication due to side effects.
- 2nd medication- 23.1% chance of discontinuing medication due to side effects.
- 3rd medication- 35.2% chance of discontinuing medication due to side effects.
- 4th medication- 41.4% chance of discontinuing medication due to side effects.
- There is no one cause of depression known to the medical community
- Depression is likely a multifactorial condition, so multifactorial solutions may be the best way to approach treatment.
How To Address Treatment Resistant Depression in Glendale, CA
Consider alternatives to medications such as TMS. Follow this link to read more about TMS and how NeoPsych may be able to help. The examples below are meant for educational purposes, not to be taken as medical advice.
- If only doing talk therapy, consider adding medications.
- If only taking medications, add talk therapy.
- Consider pharmacogenetic testing for genetic information regarding medication.
- Review the timing of your medication trial, as some antidepressants take weeks to work.
- Consider changing your current medication regimen with augmenting agents, such as Lithium or Abilify.
Summary Of Treatment Resistant Depression In Glendale, CA
Medications can be effective for a lot of people. For others, they might not get any benefit even after trying multiple kinds of medication. Furthermore, side effects can make therapeutic dosages intolerable for some people. This is called treatment resistant depression, which can be a complicated condition to treat.
Thankfully, there are many options offered in modern day health care, with new advancements being made every year. ECT, TMS, and Ketamine are now more accessible than ever. If there are questions about options to treat you depression you can click the “Book A Discover Call” button or fill out the contact form at the bottom of this page. A representative will get back to you in the order your message was received.
