{"id":43800,"date":"2024-06-07T10:10:00","date_gmt":"2024-06-07T10:10:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/psyclehealth.com\/?p=43800"},"modified":"2024-06-05T22:11:59","modified_gmt":"2024-06-05T22:11:59","slug":"what-can-i-do-if-therapy-and-meds-arent-working-for-my-depression","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/psyclehealth.com\/psyclehealth-sta\/?p=43800","title":{"rendered":"What Can I Do If Therapy and Meds Aren\u2019t Working for My Depression?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In the U.S., about 7% of adults<\/a> have at least one major depressive episode annually. About half of these people receive medication. The problem is that depression is a complicated condition, and what works for some people may not work for others. Some people may respond to antidepressants, while about a third of folks may have to cycle through different medications and dosages until they find something that works for them \u2014 if at all. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019ve been diagnosed with depression and tried therapy and medication but feel they just aren\u2019t helping, you may be dealing with treatment-resistant depression (TRD). If that\u2019s the case, there are alternative forms of treatment you can try.  While it\u2019s important to stay in communication with your healthcare provider every step of the way. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s review a few alternative treatment options to consider and what the research tells us about how they work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is Treatment-Resistant Depression?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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Failing to respond to depression treatment is more common than you might think. About 30% of people<\/a> diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD) have treatment-resistant depression (TRD), characterized by persistent depressive symptoms despite multiple treatment attempts.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

TRD can be frustrating, especially if you\u2019ve been dealing with depression for a while. Depression treatment varies from person to person, and there can be several reasons<\/a> why medication isn\u2019t helping, such as the severity of the condition, your genetic makeup and family history, your social situation as well as any comorbid illnesses. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

That\u2019s why it\u2019s important to keep your providers up to date on your efforts\u2014they may decide to change your dose, switch medications, or add another treatment (such as therapy or a second medication) to your care plan. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What You Should Know About Alternative Forms of Therapy<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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Generally, you should stick with your prescribed treatment for six to eight weeks before it\u2019s considered ineffective, although your doctor may change your treatment plan sooner if deemed necessary. Medication and talk therapy are the most common ways to treat depression, but they\u2019re not your only options. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other, more extensively studied types of therapy for TRD include transcranial magnetic stimulation<\/a>, ketamine therapy, and Spravato (esketamine). Here\u2019s what you should know about these treatments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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TMS therapy is a noninvasive (surgery and medication-free) treatment that applies a series of short magnetic pulses to stimulate specific brain regions and ease depressive symptoms. It\u2019s safe, FDA-approved, and has minimal side effects<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Does TMS Work?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

TMS therapy begins with an initial evaluation with a healthcare provider. Your doctor will talk about the process and how to prepare for treatment. TMS is an outpatient procedure, which means you\u2019ll go home same-day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

TMS involves the use of a specially designed electromagnetic device. The machine\u2019s magnetic pulses induce small electric currents that change the firing patterns of neurons, which \u201cresets\u201d specific areas of the brain that regulate your mood. The sensation feels like a tapping on your scalp. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A typical course of treatment involves daily TMS sessions<\/a> over four to six weeks. People typically feel better after 10 to 15 sessions.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

@makingitez<\/a> Transcranial, magnetic stimulation, or TMS is a really great way to treat depression. Most people get this confused with ECT or electric compulsive therapy, these are two completely different treatments. TMS is one of the best treatments for depression as it\u2019s 70% successful. #tmstherapy<\/a> #tms<\/a> #mentalhealth<\/a> #depressionanxiety<\/a> #BrainScience<\/a> \u266c original sound – Making it EZ<\/a> <\/section> <\/blockquote>