Latest Depression Treatments

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

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

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is also referred to as cognitive behavioral therapy assists you in changing negative thoughts and behavior such as hopelessness. 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 that is called esketamine. (Brand name Spravato). It is derived the anesthetic Ketamine. This has been shown to be effective in severe depression treatments near me. 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 with treatment resistant depression who received this medication did well - a greater response rate than using an oral antidepressant.

Esketamine is different from traditional antidepressants. It boosts the levels of naturally occurring chemicals in the brain, called neurotransmitters, that relay messages between brain cells. The results don't come immediately. Patients generally feel better after a couple of days but the effects last much longer than SSRIs or SNRIs. Those can take weeks to months to begin to show effects.

Researchers believe that esketamine helps reduce depression symptoms through strengthening brain cell connections. In animal studies, esketamine reversed these connections that are damaged by chronic stress and depression. It also appears to encourage the growth of neurons that can reduce suicidal feelings and thoughts.

Another reason esketamine is different from other antidepressants is that it is delivered through nasal sprays which allows it to enter the bloodstream more quickly than pills or oral medication would. The drug has been shown in studies to lessen depression symptoms within a matter of hours. In some cases the effects can be instantaneous.

A recent study that tracked patients for 16 weeks found that not all patients who started treatment with esketamine had reached the remission phase. This is disappointing, but it's not surprising, according to Dr. Amit A. Anand an expert in ketamine who was not involved with the study.

At present, esketamine is only available through a clinical trial or private practice. Esketamine is not a first-line option for treating depression without antidepressants depression. It is prescribed when SSRIs and SNRIs do not work for a patient with treatment-resistant depression. A patient's doctor will determine if the disorder is refractory to treatment and decide if it is possible to use esketamine for treatment.

2. TMS

TMS makes use of magnetic fields to stimulate neurons in the brain. It is noninvasive and does not require anesthesia or surgery. It has been shown to aid people suffering from depression who have not been able to respond to medication or psychotherapy. It is also used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder and tinnitus (ringing in the ear).

For depression, TMS therapy is typically given as a series of 36 daily treatments over six weeks. The magnetic pulses may feel like pinpricks on the scalp. It could take some time to become accustomed to. Patients can return to their work or home after a treatment session. Each TMS session lasts between 3.5 minutes and 20 minutes, based on the pattern of stimulation.

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

Presently, TMS is FDA-cleared to help with depression when other treatments, including talk therapy and medication, have not worked. It has also been proven to aid those suffering from tinnitus, OCD and pain. Researchers are examining whether it could be used to treat anxiety and Parkinson's disease.

TMS has been proven to reduce depression in a number studies, but not everyone who receives it benefits. Before attempting this type of treatment, it is essential to undergo a thorough medical and psychiatric examination. TMS is not a good option if you have a history or a history of certain medications.

Talking to your doctor may be beneficial if you're experiencing depression but aren't seeing any benefits from your current treatment. You could be a good candidate for a trial of TMS or other forms of neurostimulation, but you should try several antidepressants before insurance coverage covers the cost. Contact us today to schedule an appointment if you're interested in learning more. Our specialists will guide you through the process of determining whether TMS is the best choice for you.

3. Deep brain stimulation

A non-invasive therapy that rewires the brain circuitry could be effective in as little as one week for people with treatment resistant depression. Researchers have developed new techniques that permit them to deliver high-dose electromagnetic pulses to the brain in a shorter time and at a frequency that is more manageable for patients.

Stanford neuromodulation therapy, which is currently available in the Advanced Psychiatric Therapeutics Clinic at the UC Davis Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences It uses MRI images to direct electrodes to send magnetic impulses to targeted areas of the brain. In a recent study, Mitra and Raichle observed that in three-quarters of patients with depression, the usual flow of neural activity from the anterior cingulate cortex to the anterior insula was interrupted. With SNT the flow of neural activity returned to normal within a week, and coincided with a lifting of their depression.

A more invasive procedure called deep brain stimulation (DBS) can yield similar results in some patients. Neurosurgeons conduct a series of tests to determine the best placement before implanting one or more leads in the brain. The leads are connected to a neurostimulator that is implanted beneath the collarbone, which looks like a heart pacemaker. The device provides a continuous electric current through the leads. This alters the brain's natural circuitry, decreasing depression symptoms.

Certain psychotherapy treatments can aid in reducing depression in elderly treatment symptoms, such as cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders and interpersonal therapy. Psychotherapy can take place in groups or in one-on-one sessions with an experienced mental health professional. Therapists may also offer Telehealth services.

Antidepressants are the mainstay of treatment for depression. In recent years, however, there have been significant advancements 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 therapies use 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 need to be performed under the supervision of a physician. In some instances, they could cause seizures as well as other serious side effects.

4. Light therapy

Bright light therapy, which entails 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 like fatigue and sadness by regulating the circadian rhythms and enhancing mood. It can also help those suffering from depression that is intermittent.

Light therapy mimics sunlight, which is a major element of a biological clock called suprachiasmatic (SCN). The SCN is associated with mood, and light therapy may rewire circadian rhythm patterns which can cause depression. In addition, light therapy can lower melatonin levels, and restore the functioning of neurotransmitters.

Some doctors are also using light therapy to treat a less severe kind of depression called winter blues. It's similar to SAD but affects fewer people and only happens in the months when there is less daylight. To get the most effective results, they recommend that you sit in front of the box for 30 minutes each morning while awake. Light therapy can produce results within a week, unlike antidepressants that can take weeks to kick in and may trigger negative side effects, such as nausea or weight gain. It is also suitable for pregnant women and older adults.

However, some researchers advise that a person should never try light therapy without the guidance of psychiatrists or a mental health professional, as it can trigger a manic episode in bipolar disorder sufferers. Some people may feel tired within the first week due to the fact that light therapy can reset their sleep-wake cycle.

PCPs should be aware of the new treatments that have been approved by the FDA however, they shouldn't neglect tried-and-true methods like antidepressants or cognitive behavioral therapy. Dr. Hellerstein told Healio that while the search for newer and better treatments is exciting, we should focus on the most established treatments. He says PCPs should concentrate on teaching their patients on the benefits of new treatments and assisting patients adhere to their treatment strategies. This could include offering transportation to the doctor's office or setting up reminders to take their medication and attend therapy sessions.