Latest Depression Treatments

The good news is that if your depression does not improve after treatment with psychotherapy or antidepressants, the latest fast-acting medications are promising for treating depression that is resistant to treatment.

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

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is also referred to as cognitive behavioral therapy helps you to change negative thoughts and behaviors such as despair. It's available through the NHS for 8 to 16 sessions.

1. Esketamine

In March 2019 the FDA approved a new nasal spray for depression called esketamine. (Brand name Spravato). It is derived the anesthetic, ketamine. It has been proven to be effective in cases of severe depression. The nasal spray is utilized in conjunction with an oral antidepressant to treat depression that hasn't responded to standard medications. In one study 70 percent of those with holistic treatment for anxiety and depression-resistant depression who were treated with the drug had a positive response -- a far more rapid response rate than only an oral antidepressant.

Esketamine is different from conventional antidepressants. It increases the levels of neurotransmitters that transmit messages between brain cells. The effects aren't immediate. Patients typically feel a little better after a few days however, the effects last for a longer time than SSRIs or SNRIs, which may take weeks to months to show results.

Researchers believe that esketamine reduces symptoms of depression by enhancing connections between brain cells. In animal studies, esketamine reversed these connections which are weakened due to depression and stress. It also appears to promote the development of neurons that could help to reduce suicidal ideas and feelings.

Another reason why esketamine is distinct from other antidepressants is that it is delivered via nasal sprays that allows it to get into the bloodstream much faster than a pill or oral medication can. It has been proven to reduce depression symptoms within a matter of hours. In some individuals, the effects are almost immediately.

However, the results of a study that followed patients over 16 weeks showed that not everyone who started treatment with esketamine was in the remission phase. This is a bit disappointing, but not surprising, according to Dr. Amit Anand, an expert on ketamine but not part of the study.

Esketamine is currently only available through the clinical trial program or in private practice. It is not considered to be a first-line treatment option for depression and is usually prescribed only when SSRIs or SNRIs have not worked for a person with treatment-resistant depression. The doctor will determine if the condition is not responding to treatment and then decide whether esketamine may be beneficial.

2. TMS

TMS employs magnetic fields to stimulate brain nerve cells. It is non drug treatment for anxiety and depression-invasive 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 (OCD) and tinnitus.

TMS therapy for depression is usually given in a set of 36 daily treatments spread out over six weeks. The magnetic pulses feel like a series of pinpricks on the scalp and can be a little difficult to get used to. Patients are able to return to workplace and go home straight after a treatment. Depending on the stimulation pattern employed the session TMS session is between 3.5 and 20 minutes.

Scientists believe rTMS works by changing the way neurons communicate with one another. This process, also known as neuroplasticity allows the brain create new connections and change its function.

TMS is FDA approved to treat depression in situations where other therapies such as medication and talk therapy have not worked. It has also been proven to help people with tinnitus, OCD and pain. Researchers are also looking into the possibility of using it to treat Parkinson's and anxiety.

While a variety of studies have found that TMS can reduce depression treatment centers however, not everyone who receives the treatment experiences a benefit. Before attempting this type of treatment, it's important to undergo an exhaustive medical and psychiatric examination. TMS is not for you when you have a history of or a history of certain medications.

Talking to your doctor could be beneficial if you are suffering from depression, but are not experiencing any positive results from your current treatment. You may be a candidate for a trial of TMS or other forms of neurostimulation, but you need to try several antidepressants first before insurance coverage can cover the cost. If you are looking to learn more about these life-changing treatments, call us today for a consultation. Our experts will assist you in the decision of whether TMS treatment is suitable for you.

3. Deep stimulation of the brain

A non-invasive treatment that resets the brain's circuitry could be effective in just 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 period of 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 utilizes MRI imaging to guide electrodes that send magnetic pulses to specific areas of the brain. In a study conducted recently, Mitra & Raichle found that in three quarters (or more) of patients with depression treatment no medication the normal neural activity was disrupted, shifting from the anterior cortex to the anterior isola. With SNT this flow was restored to normal within a week, coinciding with the lifting of their depression.

A more invasive technique called deep brain stimulation (DBS) can produce similar results in certain patients. After several tests to determine the optimal location, neurosurgeons insert one or more wires, referred to as leads, inside the brain. The leads are connected to a nerve stimulator implanted beneath the collarbone, which appears like a heart pacemaker. The device delivers a continuous electric current through the leads. This alters the brain's natural circuitry, reducing depression symptoms.

Some psychotherapy treatments like cognitive behavior therapy and inter-personal therapy, can also help with depression symptoms. Psychotherapy can take place in a group setting or in one-on-one sessions with an experienced mental healthcare professional. Some therapists offer telehealth.

Antidepressants are a key component of treatment for depression, but in recent years, there have been remarkable advances in how quickly these drugs can alleviate depression 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 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 require a doctor's supervision. In some instances they may cause seizures or other serious adverse side effects.

4. Light therapy

Bright light therapy involves sitting or standing in front of a bright light source. This treatment has been utilized for many years to treat seasonal depression and major depressive disorder (SAD). Research suggests that bright light therapy can decrease symptoms like fatigue and sadness by boosting mood and regulating the circadian rhythms. It can also help people who suffer from depression treatment facility near me that comes and goes.

Light therapy mimics sunlight, which is a major component of a biological clock called suprachiasmatic (SCN). The SCN is linked to mood, and light therapy can rewire misaligned circadian rhythm patterns that can contribute to depression. In addition, light therapy can reduce melatonin levels and improve the neurotransmitters' function.

Some doctors utilize light therapy to treat winter blues. This is a milder version of depression that is similar to SAD however it has fewer people affected and is more prevalent during the times of year when there is the least amount of sunlight. To achieve the most effective results, they suggest that you lie in front of the box for 30 minutes every morning while you are awake. Light therapy can produce results within one week, unlike antidepressants which can take a long time to kick in and can cause adverse effects like nausea or weight gain. It's also safe to use during pregnancy and for those who are older.

Researchers advise against using light therapy without the supervision of an expert in mental health or psychiatrist, as it could trigger manic episodes in people who suffer from bipolar disorders. It could also make people feel tired in the first week of treatment as it can reset their sleep-wake patterns.

PCPs should be aware of new treatments that have been approved by the FDA. However they shouldn't be ignoring traditional methods such as antidepressants and cognitive behavioral therapy. Dr. Hellerstein told Healio that although the quest for better and newer treatments is exciting, we should be focusing on the most proven treatments. He suggests PCPs should inform their patients about the benefits of new treatments and help them stick with their treatment plans. This can include providing them with transportation to the doctor's office or setting up reminders to take medications and attend therapy sessions.