Latest Depression Treatments

If your depression doesn't improve by taking antidepressants or psychotherapy, new drugs that act quickly may be able to treat depression resistant to treatment.

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

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), also known as cognitive behavior therapy, assists you in changing negative thoughts and behaviors such as hopelessness. It is available on the NHS for 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 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 to treat depression that hasn't responded to standard medication. In one study 70 percent of patients suffering from treatment-resistant depression treated with the drug showed good results with a much higher response rate than with the use of an oral antidepressant.

Esketamine is different from traditional antidepressants. It increases levels of naturally occurring chemical in the brain, called neurotransmitters. These chemicals transmit messages between brain cells. The effects aren't immediately apparent. Patients generally feel better within a few days, but the effects last longer than SSRIs and SNRIs.

Researchers believe that esketamine reduces depression symptoms by strengthening brain cell connections. In animal studies, esketamine reversed these connections that can be broken down by chronic stress and depression can be treated. It also appears to stimulate the growth of neurons that can reduce suicidal feelings and thoughts.

Esketamine is distinct from other antidepressants due to the fact that it is delivered via nasal spray. This allows it to get into your bloodstream much faster than oral or pill medication. The drug has been shown by studies to decrease depression symptoms within a matter of hours. In certain instances, the effects can be instantaneous.

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

For now, esketamine is only available through a clinical trial program or in private practice. It isn't considered a first-line treatment option for depression, and is typically prescribed only when SSRIs or SNRIs have not performed for a person suffering from treatment-resistant mild depression treatments. The doctor can determine whether the disorder is resistant to treatment and then discuss whether esketamine might be beneficial.

2. TMS

TMS utilizes magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. It is noninvasive, doesn't require surgery or anesthesia and has been shown to improve depression in people who are not responding to psychotherapy or medication. It's also been used to treat the disorder of obsessive compulsiveness and tinnitus (ringing in the ears).

TMS therapy for depression is usually given in a series of 36 daily treatments spread over six weeks. The magnetic pulses may be felt as pinpricks on the scalp. It may take some time to get used to. Patients are able to return to work and home immediately after a treatment. Depending on the stimulation pattern employed and the stimulation pattern used, each TMS session lasts between 3.5 and 20 minutes.

Researchers believe that rTMS alters the way that neurons communicate. This process is referred to as neuroplasticity. It allows the brain to form new connections and change the way it operates.

TMS is FDA approved to treat depression in situations that other treatments such as medications and talk therapy have not been successful. It has also proven to be effective in treating tinnitus and OCD. Scientists are currently examining whether it can be used to treat anxiety and Parkinson's disease.

While a variety of studies have proven that TMS can reduce depression, not everyone who receives the treatment benefits. It is essential to have a thorough psychiatric and medical evaluation prior to beginning this type of treatment. If you have an history of seizures or are taking certain medications, TMS might not be the best option for you.

If you have been struggling with depression and aren't seeing the benefits of your current treatment plan, having a discussion with your psychiatrist might be helpful. You may be eligible to participate in a TMS trial or other forms of neurostimulation. But, you must first try a variety of antidepressants before your insurance will cover the cost. Contact us today to set up an appointment to learn more about. Our experts can guide you through the process of determining whether TMS is the best option for you.

3. Deep stimulation of the brain

A non-invasive treatment that resets the brain's circuitry may be effective in just one week for those suffering from depression that is resistant to treatment. Researchers have come up with new methods that permit them to deliver high-dose magnetic impulses to the brain in a shorter time and at a frequency 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 makes use of MRI imaging to guide electrodes that send magnetic pulses to the targeted areas in the brain. In a recent study Mitra and Raichle discovered that in three-quarters of patients with depression, the usual flow of neural activity from the anterior cingulate cortex and the anterior insula was disrupted. SNT returned the flow back to normal within a couple of days, coinciding perfectly with the end of their depression treatment in uk.

A more invasive procedure called deep brain stimulation (DBS) can produce similar results for some patients. After several tests to determine the optimal location, neurosurgeons insert one or more wires, called leads, into the brain. The leads are connected to a nerve stimulator implanted under the collarbone. It appears to be a heart-pacemaker. The device is able to deliver a continuous electric current through the leads. This alters the brain’s natural circuitry, decreasing depression symptoms.

Certain psychotherapy treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and inter-personal therapy, may also relieve depression symptoms. Psychotherapy can be provided in one-on-one sessions with an expert in mental health or in group settings. Some therapy providers offer online health.

Antidepressants remain a cornerstone of treatment for depression, but in recent times there have been some 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 employ magnetic or electric stimulation to stimulate the brain, such as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS). These are more complex procedures that require the supervision of a doctor. In some cases they can cause seizures and other serious side 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 help with major depressive disorder and seasonal patterns (SAD). Studies show that it can ease symptoms such as sadness and fatigue by regulating circadian rhythm patterns and boosting mood. It is also a great option for those who suffer from depression that is intermittently present.

Light therapy mimics the sun, which is a key component of a biological clock called suprachiasmatic (SCN). The SCN is linked to mood and light therapy may alter the circadian rhythms that may contribute to depression. Light can also reduce melatonin and restore the function of neurotransmitters.

Some doctors are also using light therapy to treat a less severe kind of depression treatment options known as winter blues. It is similar to SAD but is less common and only happens in the months when there is less daylight. To get the best treatment for anxiety And depression results, they recommend that you lie in the box for 30 minutes every morning while awake. Light therapy can produce results within the space of a week, unlike antidepressants that can take weeks to kick in and can cause side effects such as nausea or weight increase. It's also safe to use during pregnancy and for those who are older.

However, some research experts warn that a person should never attempt light therapy without consulting of psychiatrists or a mental health professional, because it could trigger a manic episode in bipolar disorder sufferers. Some people may experience fatigue during the first week, as light therapy can reset their sleep-wake cycle.

PCPs should be aware of new treatments that have been approved by the FDA, but they shouldn't neglect tried-and-true methods such as antidepressants and cognitive behavioral therapy. Dr. Hellerstein told Healio that while the search for better and newer treatments is exciting, we should prioritize the most proven treatments. He says PCPs need to educate their patients on the advantages of new treatments and help them stick with their treatment plans. This can include providing transportation to the doctor's office, or establishing reminders for patients to take their medication and attend therapy sessions.